Scotton 9s travelled (via some interesting road diversions) to Tockwith to play 4 games on two pitches against what has historically been tough opposition.
The boys split into two teams:
Reds: Playing 7-a-side. Joseph N, Lewis D, Lewis F, Cam B, Max B, Elliot T, Josh F and Ethan I.
Blacks: Playing 6-a-side. Dan T, James T, Alexander R, Luke D, Ben H, Tom S, Joel M.
Starting with the Blacks, Tockwith came out fast with some early pressure, with Ben in goal putting in some good saves and the odd juggle that kept the coaches alert! Luke and Alexander were also very strong in defense; Alexander breaking forward down the wings. In one break for the boys Alexander blasted a shot that drew a good save from the Tockwith keeper. As half-time drew near, there was a mix up in the Scotton defense that left Ben exposed and the Tockwith striker slotted home calmly. The half-time whistle saw the score Tockwith 1 - 0 Scotton. It was time to regroup and time for calm heads.
The boys came out ready to play football in the second half with Dan taking a turn in goal and a few changes in position. The boys were strong at the back and were now starting to push forward with further good skills from Alexander and Joel. However Dan was pressed into action and mae a great save, with James T and Tom S combining to clear the ball upfield. Both teams were starting to cancel each other out but as the match drew to a close Dan came to our rescue again with a fantastic save from Tockwiths No.17. A much stronger second half for the boys who could be proud of their workrate and commitment; final score Tockwith 1 - 0 Scotton.
Game2 saw a switch of coaches for the Blacks and with it a change in fortune!!
In this game, it was Scotton who came out strong and with the early pressure, with Joel working an opening in the middle of the field, laying a neat ball off to Dan who hit the ball sweetly into the back of the net. Goal. 1-0 Scotton! and well deserved from all their efforts. But the boys weren't done. A good attack led to a corner which Tockwith didnt deal with. The ball broke to James Tweed who shot first time to open up a 2-0 lead for the boys. Tockwith hit back - and just before the interval they grabbed a goal to leave the half time score tockwith 1-2 Scotton. Game on!
The start of the second half saw Luke dance through only for Tockwith to nip the ball away and clear. Alexander raised forward again and a strong shot was parried by their keeper, only for Ben to pounce on the rebound to give the boys a 2-goal cushion again. Dan, after recovering from a nastly bang on the head has a strong shot saved by their keeper and, just before the final whistle Luke was again unlucky - drawing a fine save from the Tockwith keeper. The final whistle, and saw the boys wrap up a well deserved 1-3 win.
Moving to the Reds, Scotton started quickly with Joseph playing well in midfield, fighting hard for the ball and delivering some great balls into the box . The Tockwith goalie was working well and coping with everything that was fired at him. Although Scotton did most of the attacking in the first half there were a few break away chances by Tockwith which were excellently cleared by Scotton’s defence. Lew F managed a great tackle to stop a strong Tockwith attack. This ball was put down the wing where Lew D took control and shot past the keeper to make it 1-0. Scotton didn’t lose concentration and kept their shape to continue their attacking play.
A quick change around at half-time saw James H go between the sticks and Lew F and Ethan play up front. Scotton continued to press forward with Joseph bursting through midfield to fire past the Tockwith goalie to put the score to 2-0. The boys continued their pressure with Cam showing his dribbling and passing ability. Tockwith put a precise shot into the centre in front of goal which was cleared well by Josh. A tackle by Elliot stopped another Tockwith attack and a quick pass to Max enabled a run forward and a pass to Cam for a chance on goal which was just cleared wide for a Scotton corner. The corner was quickly taken by Joseph but nobody could get on the end of it. The final whistle and a strong performance by Scotton, with some fantastic team work, to gain a 2-0 win.
Game2 saw a few changes in position, with Ethan back between the sticks. Scottons U9s were now showing all the skills they had practiced during their training - putting together both some great passing moves as well as some strong individual skill. Lewis Dobson was on hand to score Scotton first in the game - right place at the right time. Then, a sweeping move starting from Ethan in goal, to Joseph on the wing, on to Cameron who put in a great cross only for Lew D to nudge the ball just wide - stil, a great example of breakway football. From the corner whipped in by Joseph the Tockwith keeper, under pressure, bundled the ball into his own net!! Halftime - and the boys were in control 2-0.
The second half saw Elliot take the keepers top to let Ethan stretch his legs. And this proved a great tactical switch as early in the second half the boys swepped forward, with Max laying the ball early to Ethan who struck a sweet shot first time into the bottom corner. 3-0! The boys were now puching forwards aggresively, leaving just one at the back on occassions - a risky strategy but one of Lew F, James H or Joseph were always in hand. Tockwith were tiring, and Joseph scored the 4th and final of the day direct from a corner on the right! The final whistle saw the final score Tockwith 0-4 Scotton.
Well done to all the boys with some great skills and some strong defense when needed. For the Blacks, MOTM was Alexander for all round team play and some great strikes on goal. For the Reds, MOTM went to Lewis D, who not only got on the scoresheet in both games but was very calm on the ball with some great passing skills on display!!
