08/03/2008 - 09/03/2008
Under 10s 'A'
Match report by David Wilde.
High lane were back in action today after having a week off last week, and the boys picked up from where they left off after beating Marple. We decided to bring in a few more players for today's game, as the season is drawing to an end and we are starting to look forward to the prospect of a very exciting 11-a-side team.
High Lane started on the front foot and were playing some superb passing football, which when you see a team of 9-10 year olds pass the ball from back to front playing with such grace and composure its just fantastic to watch. High Lane got the lead with some good work down the left when southern skipped past three players like they weren't there, then clipped the ball into Hindy who was allowed time to turn and squeeze the ball under the on rushing Keeper 1-0. Rose Hill came back and created a few shots, Harper showed good handling as he easily stopped the shots. Dan Melville was again in blistering form, stopping there attack every time they broke and starting the attacks with some great passes. Skiba and Shaw linked up well down the right and created a few good chances. Jeffs was as usual instrumental in High Lanes attacks, controlling the Midfield and spraying the ball around. Rose Hill found a way back into the game when a mix up at the back allowed the Rose Hill player to nick the ball only for Munro to bring down the man just outside the box, from the resulting free-kick the ball was fired into the top corner 1-1 half-time.
Quick chat with the lads about keeping the ball moving and making options of the ball and back out we went, one change Wilkson (big John) replaced Harper. High Lane were straight back on the attack with Doherty forcing a save out of the Rose Hill keeper which led to a corner. Shaw then lofted the ball into the box and with a bit of confusion the ball went straight in, 2-1. High Lane continued to push for move goals, only for the invincible defender on the line (big mud patch) to stop the ball. First Hindy lobbed a header over the keeper, and then Doherty struck a left foot shot which also stopped on the line. Rose Hill put High Lane under some pressure searching for an equalizer, but with good defending from Man of the Match Dan Melville as well as Skiba and Munro Lane stayed strong and earned another deserving win. Well done boys! Final score High Lane 2 Rose hill 1.
Under 11s
Match report by Kevin Lofthouse.
What a cruel game football can be! This had to be one of the most entertaining games I have ever seen at this level, and as one of the Spurley parents said at the end of the game, he would happily pay to watch this sort of soccer every week, superb.
The game started nervously for both sets of players, High Lane having been beaten 1-0 earlier in the season, Spurley knew they were in for a battle. Early in the game Spurley had the upper hand, as the usually unbeatable Dan B found himself chasing the Spurley centre forward, on three occasions, scoring on the third one 0-1, the boy's took it on the chin and started to press, George played a great ball over the top for Man of the Match Milo to lob the keeper, within 5 minutes Matty played another super ball through and Milo bagged again 2-1 what a game Spurley created more attacks but brave keeping and good defensive play kept them out, again another ball over the top found Milo to complete his superb first half hat-trick 3-1. With the clock ticking down to half-time Spurley were correctly awarded a penalty when Dan B miss-timed a challenge in the box, by the excellent young ref Josh Chorlton (if he continues refereeing he could be one of the best). Half-time 3-2.
After the half-time break Spurley pinned High Lane back and eventually scored after some poor defending, lack of concentration and an inability to clear the ball, please remember these players are only 10 and 11 years old, and are learning the game, but improving every week. It seemed from the sideline that the next team to score may win the game, well it was High Lane who scored with the impressive Dan Johnson finishing a splendid move down the left, after good work from George and Jamie 4-3. Spurley didn't lie down, and attacked again with their quick left winger who capitalised on a lack of pace at the back, the ball took a few deflections and much like the third goal came to an unmarked player to slot home 4-4. With 10 minutes to go another double substitution, bringing on Marcus for a corner, he saw his point blank header go over the bar, Spurley still trying to score at the other end and a gamble substitution brought Milo off and sent Alex G on to score a winner, unbelievably with his first touch the ball at his feet on the six yard line, he shot, goal! No the keeper saved the chance had gone, 2 minutes left Spurley attacked this time down the right, beat several half challenges, where were these earlier tackles? crossed the ball along the six-yard line were no defenders had tracked back, goal! Final score 4-5.
Perhaps neither team deserved to lose this match, and judging from the reaction of the excellent Spurley parents they agreed, but the reality of soccer is that for the whole length of the match every player on the park has to be committed to their team, concentrate and work hard for each other, add a bit of good fortune to that ethic, and who knows what can be achieved! two fantastic groups of players and parents from both sides, hopefully next season will bring some sweet revenge! Brilliant Game!