Scorchers U11s had come off the back of a disappointing away defeat vs Burton Leonard; 4-1. In mid table, with 4 games remaining, it was looking unlikely the boys would be collecting silverware this year. The boys however, had other ideas and took their last away game of the season vs Tockwith in a narrow 0-1 victory to set up an intense run in of three home games in a row. With 3 home games left the boys were still mid table but now at least had with a mathematical chance of winning the league – if they won all of their three remaining games!!!
Saturday 2nd April
The first of the hat-trick of games was against Burton Leonard Bullets who had defeated us 4-1 earlier in the season. The boys were facing a further challenge of missing a few regular players missing including Dan the normal No.1 keeper.
The boys got off to a really good start, taking the game to the visitors with Lorcan bossing the midfield. Midway through the first half a cross went through the legs of 2 players and into the penalty area. This was met by Ben who smartly placed it into the back of the net to put the Scorchers one in front. Moments later Scorchers had a chance to increase the lead but the shot was wide, this seem to spark Burton into life they hit the post and stand in keeper Darren made some important saves and for the rest of the half the boys defending was outstanding.
The second half saw Scorchers goal come under more pressure and it seem only a matter of time before Bullets equalised but once again the boys defended excellently. When we did manage an attack it was difficult for our lone striker as the boys faced constant pressure from the Bullets. However, the boys held on to secure a great victory in what was a real team effort with an outstanding performance from Lorcan. 1 down 2 to go.
Saturday 9th April
This time Scorchers were at home to Hampsthwaite and Birstwith, who we recorded a good 4-1 victory in what was our best performance of the season. H&B would be out for revenge after the defeat on their own ground.
Scorchers kicked off and it was a fairly even start before the boys started to create a few chances, and after some good pressure a excellent corner was met perfectly on the head by Ben and gave the keeper no chance.
1-0 Scorchers. As so often this year, the boys sat back a bit after going in front but Dan (back in goal after his illness) made some good saves while the defense took everything that was thrown at them to hold onto our vital lead. Scorchers were starting to catch Hampswaite on the break and it was from two such break-aways that the points from this game were secured. Having won the ball back in his own half Lorcon released Alex down the left who beat the defence for pace and beat the keeper at his near post, to ease the pressure on the home side. Hampswaite were not going to give in, every time we cleared the ball it just came back at us, until Alex closed down a Hampswaite defender after we had cleared - stealing the ball and beating the remaining defenders to shoot low into the bottom right hand corner putting us 3-0 just before the break.
Even at 3 down Hampswaite never gave up and all our lads had to give everything to keep them out of the game, and the second half continued with Hampswaite attacking but the Scorchers defense always seem to just get that vital foot in when needed. It was a fairly even contest as both teams took it in turns to attack, Scotton always look dangerous on the break and Hampswaite couldn’t deal with our corners. However it was Hampswaite who scored the only goal of the second half with less than 10 minutes to go. Having won the ball back in our half they midfielder ran into the box and fired into the net. The goal gave them a lift and they applied more pressure on the Scotton goal but once again our boys were up too the task, the referee signal 2 minutes to play which seem to take an age but the final whistle did eventually go on another excellent victory.
This now see’s Scorchers in second places a point behind leaders Tockwith who have played all their matches. So victory in the final league game at home to Kirby Malzeard Lions will secure the league for the boys. Despite Kirby’s record, we are sure this is by no means a forgone conclusion. The Lions have nothing to lose and what better way to finish a season then by gaining your first points and denying your opponents the title.
The final match – the title decider – is at home on Saturday May 7th kicking off at 9.45. The season has definately been an all-squad success story with all boys switching between league and friendly games to record some great wins and play in some high quality football games. We are sure this last game of the season will be equally memorable.
Come on Scorchers!!!!!
