After a long summer break, the Under 8’s had their first fixture on Saturday 10th September in a double header against Tockwith. The 11 lads were well supported by a large (and enthusiastic) crowd.
In the first game, a strong Scotton team fell behind against the run of play when a long ball set the Tockwith stricker up for a neat finish. However, Scotton fought back and were much improved in the second half of the game. The fightback was led by Callum Healey who, despite being asked to play in defence, seemed to be everywhere and scored the equaliser after a thunderbolt from Sam Hutchinson rebounded off the post. Determined defending from all of the team followed and Jonny Haase was able to capitalise on a great pass to finish to score Scotton’s second. Further pressure from Scotton should have resulted in more goals but a fantastic goalkeeping display from the Tockwith keeper kept the score at 2-1. However the pressure eventually told when Callum scored his second of the match. Final score 3-1 to Scotton.
In the second game some enthusiastic tackling from all the team ensured that no side dominated possession. Some excellent work in defence by Jack Howells and Ennis Mackenzie frustrated the Tockwith team and Scotton always looked capable of scoring. However as the game wore on both teams started to tire and a goal from Tockwith followed by an equaliser by Jonny Haase meant that it was all to play for in the dying minutes. Tockwith were able to capitalise on a mistake from a throw on with a rifled shot past the Scotton keeper. Final score 2 – 1 to Tockwith.
Well done to all the team (Freddie Dooley, Jonny Haase, Anthony Sibanda, Ben Rosie, Jacob Cardani, Jacob Kavanagh, Thomas Jenner, Callum Healey, Sam Hutchinson, Jack Howells and Ennis Mackensie) for ensuring an excellent start to the Under 8’s season. Callum Healey was awarded the Man of the Day award for his two goals in the first match.
