U9s Unbeaten Run continues but Boroughbridge (BB) prove a tough test.
Another bright Saturday morning saw Scottons U9's take on a fresh challenge against an unknown quantity in Boroughbridge (BB)- a team we don't normally play.
A full squad turn out meant we could field two different sides - with Game 1 seeing Ethan in goal, James H and James T at the back, Lewis, James C and Joseph across the middle and Lewis D as lone striker.
The early start saw a sleepy Scotton hit with a great BB break away from the kick off with the ball flying past Ethan before we had even had a touch! 0-1 and a real wake up call. The boys finally got their foot on the ball with Lewis F going on a break down the wing and then a free kick from Lewis D striking the post and going for a goal kick. James T and James H needed to stay awake at the back to break up further BB attacks. James C and Lewis F then had strikes on goal saved and a corner by Lewis D was scrambled away! It looked like it might be one of those days in front of goal but the boys kept trying. A fluent break up field involving Joseph and both Lewis' saw James C just miss out on nodding the ball in. Another long goal kick from the in-form BB keeper caught us out with the bounce at the back and a calm finish put the boys 0-2 down. Perhaps not an accurate reflection on the game but it's goals that count; Ethan could do nothing about the BB goals and Scotton so far hadn't taken their chances. James C took a knock and was replaced by Jack and as the half time approached we were getting a bit ragged and trying as individuals to get back into the game. Joseph had a couple long range efforts saved, as did Lewis D and Jack while at the back James H was getting his head on long clearances to keep out BB.
Half time came - 0-2. The coaches reminded the boys that if they smiled and enjoyed the football they would take the pressure off themselves and - with the skills they know they have then 'it would come'.
The second half started with more goal attempts from Scotton. A free kick from Jack was again saved and Joseph blazed just wide. However, the next attack gave the boys some reward. A low hard shot by Joseph from outside the area finally beat the BB keeper and we were back in the game. 1-2. Scotton pressed further with James H breaking from the back, taking a return pass and poking the ball hame to level things at 2-2. Finally we saw some smiles to match the decent football but could the boys grab a winner? James T was strong at the back, allowing James H to move upfield, and a corner to Scotton saw Jack and Joseph try the short routine which has seen goals in previous games - this time though the thickness of the bar just kept out Joseph's strike. Joseph and Jack combined again only for Jack to be beaten by another great save from the BB keeper. A goal-mouth scramble ensued which saw the BB keeper again stretch out a leg to keep out the ball. The final whistle was approaching but a free kick in a dangerous position saw Jack take a sweet strike with the ball bulging the back of the net. 3-2 and a great comeback. The final minute saw Lewis D have two more efforts saved and James H blaze over. Final whistle and a tough test that showed that keeping calm and playing football would bring rewards. Scotton 3-2 Boroughbridge.
Game 2 saw Charlie in goal, a back two of Joel and Alexander, James C returned out wide, with James E in the middle, Tom on the other wing and Frankie up front. Right from KO Scotton were on the attack, with Frankie just shooting wide and James E seeing his shot saved. Alexander was doing a great job building from the back with Joel and Tom was showing some great skills on the wing to get the ball into the BB area. At the other end Charlie needed to stay sharp as a BB free kick struck his post and went behind. Straight up the other end and Frankie's effort was inches wide while James C skipped down the wing, working well with Tom to force another corner that was scrambled away. The long clearance was again gathered by Joel, playing in Alexander who hit a trademark long range effort just over. Half time approached and James C was unlucky not to beat the keeper with a run and a flick with the outside of his foot striking the post and going behind.
Half time; 0-0. Some great chances and good football. A few changes saw Frankie - suffering with a blister go in goal and Charlie coming out. James C swapped out for Jack to play lone striker.
Scotton went on the attack from the kick off. Charlie had a strike smother and Joel just couldn't nudge the rebound home. From the clearance Alexander broke away and was fouled on the edge of the box - the ball squirted through to Joel who lashed it home but the ref pulled it back from the free kick. Perhaps playing the advantage would have been better!! At the other end BB shot wide then a long ball from Charlie from defense found Joel who saw his shot blocked by a new - but equally on form BB keeper. All the pressure was now from Scotton, with Joel having another strike just over and a scramble seeing Tom nudge just wide. Jack then had a great effort brilliantly saved and Charlie went just wide. With a 'shots taken' total now in the high teens would the boys get a breakthrough? A rare break away from BB saw Frankie need to pull off a good save and start another move upfield. Another goal-mouth scramble saw Scotton make loud appeals that the ball had crossed the line before the BB keeper clawed it back. The ref gave the benefit of the doubt to BB (not a popular decision!).
The final 2 minutes were breathless stuff with Tom hitting the side netting and Joel again seeing a great effort well saved. Final whistle and a really entertaining game with - despite countless strikes - a 0-0 final score.
Two very different games but a great mornings effort from all the boys - a few things to focus on next Saturday (shooting accuracy and perhaps decision making when losing) but well done to all of them. MOTM for game 1 - a tight decision because the determination in the second half came from all the players - but it was just edged by James H.
MOTM Game 2 - and a real testament to what listening, trying and learning in training while playing with a smile on your face can do - went to Joel but as we said really well done to everyone. See you training, 9am at the Cricket Club next Saturday.
