The second match weekend of the Under 8's season involved the local
clash with Ripley Rockets. This would prove to be a stern challenge for
our lads as they were fielding a team that included some Year 4 lads.
Straight from the kick off the defence was under pressure and before
anyone had even had time to take their seats the pressure told and
Ripley scored 3 quick goals. However once the lads had woken up they
started to compete and battled to try and overcome the opposition.
Some
good runs from Jonny Haase provided a welcome relief for a stretched
back three and an overworked midfield. However Ripley managed to score
another two goals before half time to take a 5-0 lead. Some half time
substitutions followed and the second half was a much more even affair.
Jonny Haase managed to score with a curling shot from the edge of the
area and, if we had converted a couple of half chances the score line
could have been much different. Ripley always looked dangerous on the
break and managed to score their sixth against the run of play. Credit
to all the boys who continued to fight for every ball and who never gave
up. Final score 6-1. (but with second half a very good 1-1 draw)
After a pep talk and more changes, the second match proved to be a much
closer affair. Ripley were still dangerous on the break but the Scotton
boys had started to mark the opposition and this made it much harder for
them to catch us out. Their frequent attacks were thwarted by some great
tackling from the boys and a goal saving tackle from Jack Howells kept
the score at 0-0. However they continued to apply the pressure and they
eventually scored a couple of goals.
Scotton pulled one back with a calm
finish from Jacob Kavanagh whilst at the other end a flying Freddie
Dooley kept the Ripley Rockets at bay.
After half time the game became a lot more open and Jacob Kavanagh
nearly levelled it but pulled his shot wide. Antony Sibanda scored his
first goal for Scotton with a powerful shot from the edge of the box to
make the score 2-2. Game on.
However continues pressure from Ripley then led to them scoring two
more goals but a goal line clearance from Ben Rosie denied them a fifth
goal. Scotton fought back again with Sam Hutchinson scoring after a
powerful run and despite further pressure we couldn't quite score the
equaliser that our play deserved. All credit to the boys for their
commitment and determination and man of the day was given to Jack
Howells for his outstanding defensive play.
