On a day more reminiscent of football from the 70's - grey sky, spitting rain, whistling wind and a boggy pitch - Scottons 9s took to the field against Hampsthwaite looking to continue form that has seen them lose only once so far this season.
Game 1 saw a starting 7 of Ethan I in goal, James H and Lewis D at the back, across the middle from left to right was Joseph N, James E and Tom M and lone striker up from was Lewis F.
A frantic opening saw the boys get away to the best start with Joseph lashing the ball in inside the first couple of minutes to take us one up. Hamsthwaite though had more than enough tenacity and it was clear that the boys would be in for a battle. Lewis F hen stung the keepers hands before James H and Tom M combined down the flank to win a corner which this time led to nothing. Hamsthwaite came again and Lewis D needed to be sharp to block a free kick. A few Scotton attacks were breaking down in the mud - passing rather than dribbling would be the best tactic an a reat 3-way attack from Joseph, Lewis F and James E needed a fine save by the on-fire Hamps keeper to keep the score 0-1 at half time.
A couple of half time changes saw Alexander come in to the middle to give James E a rest and Lewis F and Jack S swap the striker role. Stright from the kick off Joseph found Jack who saw a smart shot saved. Scotton pressed hard and a James H pass right down the line released Joseph again to square to Jack - but the ball was nipped from his toe. Pressure was mounting and a with Tom winning a corner through some great resiliance - some great quick thinking between Jack and Joseph while Hamps were organising saw a short corner taken and Joseph struck the ball cleanly into the net before most knew what was happening. 0-2.
Jack, Alexander and Lewis D had shots saved and then the home side got their reward for some battling play - the ball squirming out of Ethans grip in the wet and dribbling over the line.1-2 game on. Scotton kept composed and attacked again. Alexander and Jack saw a break snuffed out and Jopeph again shot wide. At this point - James H took a heavy knock to the knee and needed to be replaced with Frankie. Another effort from Joseph was too stong for the keeper who could only block and this time Alexander was on hand to prod home his first and Scottons third. 1-3. The last minutes were an end to end affair with Ethan saving well and Frankie being called on for defensive duties to break up a number of H&B moves. The final whistle went and Scotton could be really pleased to have ground out a 3-1 win.
Game 2 rang the changes with Alexander in goal - a back two of Josh F and James E, across the middle was James C, Frankie and James T with Joel the lone striker. From the kick-off Frankie showed his strength and gave the boys a great start by smashing home the first. 0-1. The ball was moving around well in tricky conditions, with James E, James T and Frankie linking up with James C who saw his strike saved. The H&B clearance caught the boys by suprise and - light at the back from the previous attack Hampsthwaite levelled. 1-1. Scotton needed to gain control of the game again to keep a revitalised H&B under control. The boys were trying hard to get their noses back in front; Joel hit the post and then forced a save and Frankie got in a pin-point cross that James C only just failed to smuggle in. More pressure saw James T hit the post. However Scotton were nearly caight light at the back again and Alexander needed to make a save which Josh then calmly cleared. The half was coming to a close and a break by James T drew a foul mid-way in the H&B half. James T took the kick himself and guided a great strike into the top corner. Half time - and the bys had got their noses in front again - 1-2.
Half time saw a few more changes with James T taking a turn in goal an Jack took his role of the wing. Lewis F took over at the back from James E. The half kicked off and Josh and Lewis needed to be aware with good tackles to keep H&B out. Their clearance from defense broke to Joel who - one and one with the keeper - saw his strong shot well saved, Frankie was covering the field but tiring and so James H was brought on to freshen things up. He immediately had an attempt saved and then linked well with Jack who just missed. Pressure was mounting and it was only a matter of time with Hamsthwaite tiring in the testing conditions. A one-two from Jack and James H allowed James C to be found in space to finish well and for Scotton to gain that bit of breathing space - 1-3. Almost straight from the centre off - Scotton then got the game sewn up with another snap shot and goal from Joel - 1-4. Hamps showed spirit and continued to attack when they had the chance - striking the foot of the post from a corner. The final couple of minutes saw Lewis F get his name on the scoresheet - deserved for his tireless running - getting on the end of a move from James C and James H. A few changes saw Josh go upfront for the final 3 minutes and Ethan get an outfield run out - and he very nearly scored with the final kick of the games. Final whistle - 1-5 - and well deserved - if bruising couple of victories that the boys could be proud of.
MOTM for game 1 went to Joseph N for both his goals and in trying ton continue to play his football despite the conditions. The 2nd MOTM went to James E who took some heavy challenges but always picked himself up and got right back about his work eiether in the middle or at the back. But in such tricky conditions all the boys should be very pleased with themselves.
