05/04/2008 - 06/04/2008
Under 11s
Match report by Kevin Lofthouse.
In this the penultimate match of the season, our Under 11s were away against the prospective Division champions Hyde United. This team had suffered only one defeat all season and had beat High Lane 3-1 in their previous encounter.
High Lane had taken so much from this season and had worked so hard in training, they all knew that if they played the game in the right way, they would give Hyde problems. With the back four set up as normal with Dan J, Dan B, Joe M and Sean with Joe C in nets, midfield was Jamie Marcus and Alex G with George on the right, Milo up front and a call up for utility man Joe Mawhood on the left. We looked like a side! with George roasting the Hyde left back, the midfield played with purpose although with Jamie not 100% fit. At the back Dan J had their best player in his pocket, we scared the life out of this all winning Hyde team, and when the brilliant Milo got past the last defender to score the team were ecstatic, but we knew we would have to get a second. This came only minutes after an inspired substitution when the more attacking minded Myles replaced Joe Mawhood, he connected with a fantastic cross into the danger area to finish from close range, half-time 2-0.
The second-half looked to be a different story as Hyde launched attack after attack, Joe Chorlton in nets held on to everything, and was unlucky not to get a touch when Hyde managed to pull one back 2-1, next Jamie had to come off and was replaced by Richie as Dan J went into midfield to help the tiring Alex and Marcus, unfortunately for Richie he was up against their best player who Dan had kept quiet, and although he did well this player was getting more and more of the ball and creating chances, everything was being snubbed out until Alex pushed a player in the back just outside the box and a free-kick was given. This was taken expertly and gave our keeper no chance as it nestled in the back of the net 2-2. Oh dear was this going to be another well we tried hard game? With 15 minutes to go injured Marcus was replaced by Mike, with instructions to get stuck in and do your best! This was the time to see how many of the 11 players on the pitch wanted to win an important game, well the answer was all of them and when George picked the ball up in midfield drove past their left back and drive a superb cross to the back post, Milo battled to get on the end of it and somehow managed to get it over the line, 3-2. Hyde could not believe it and just to rub salt in their wound George struck a magnificent fourth to set up next weeks final game with the chance to finish the season as runners-up.
Another brilliant performance by a group of players who had done everything asked of them, and finally showed that belief and resilience they will need if they get promoted.