| Date | Home team | Score | Away team | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Oct 2008 | U12s Lions | 1-0 | Valley Green Knights | League |
LIONS MADE TO BATTLE IN FOG
Focus Ferrers Lions u9s 1
Valley Green Knights u9s 0
Weather is starting to characterise the Lions season, and after the shirtsleeves of 2 weeks ago the visit of Valley Green brought a misty atmosphere for this 10am start.The two teams had battled out a draw in last seasons Spring cup meeting and once again this was a close encounter.Tom and Callum started up front and after just 5 mins Tom arrowed in from the left and passed for Callum who saw his shot slide wide.Ben P then got on the ball and his cross shot was spooned away by the Valley keeper .The early possession was with the boys and an excellent combination involving Ben B and Tom saw the keeper palm a Callum shot onto the post.The Valley boys were extremely skilful and were making use of some quick throw ins and short corners keeping Jamie and James on full alert .As ever they met every challenge but this was clearly going to be a tough game.The key moment came after 8 mins when Ben P again broke on the left and curled in a threatening left foot cross.So threatening was it that the Valley keeper was forced back and the ball slipped through his grasp just crossing the line.As expected the Valley boys responded.Alex had arrived at the match looking like he had been 3 rounds with Ricky Hatton with black eye and injured arm.Concerns about fitness were however put to one side as he dived well to stop a quick fire Valley strike and then proceeded to marshall his defence for the remainder of the half.Jack and Lucas were now mixing it in midfield and excellent work from Jack put in Tom for a further chance.Ben B then turned brilliantly to thread a pass to Callum who was again foiled in front of goal.It was fair to say that Valley had shaded the half on possession alone and a Capello style half time address from coach John Dumas was needed.
After the break Nathan joined the busy defence and the team was again rotated as various combinations were tried.There seemed a greater energy about the Lions and Ben P was making a number of strong runs from midfield.The game became more stretched and the Lions made great efforts to find their passing game.Lucas ,Ben B and Jack were working really hard in midfield but the chances on either side were relatively few.Some corners did cause concern for the boys but the Lions held firm and will have learnt a lot about battling when perhaps not at the top of their game.Many thanks to Mitch for a testing seasons debut as ref.Not the smoothest performance from the Lions but as they say there was nothing left out on the pitch in terms of effort.Well done boys.
TEAM:ALEX,JAMES,JAMIE,NATHAN,BEN B,BEN P,JACK,LUCAS,CALLUM,TOM
GOALS:BEN P (8)