U12s Lions vs Great Notley Knights

Date	Home team	Score	Away team	Competition
8 Mar 2009	Great Notley Knights	0-0	U12s Lions	League Cup

Match report

PATCHED UP LIONS CRUISE INTO FINAL

Great Notley Knights  u9s   0
Focus Ferrers Lions  u9s 0
(Aggregate score 5-0)

The Lions are through to the league cup final after a comfortable 2nd leg draw, away to the Notley Knights.Only seven boys travelled for the match with Ben B,Lucas and Jamie either sick,injured or unavailable. The lack of players probably worried the management more than the boys, as they immediately gained the initiative. A Tom volley on 3 mins narrowly missed, and Callum whistled in a an early shot that tested the Knights keeper. There was a fair degree of wind, and this combined with a bumpy pitch, meant that the boys had to concentrate.In the main it was long range shots from the Knights, but at all times Alex was handling superbly, and in the 11th minute he dived bravely at the feet of the centre forward. A strong period of play followed with Ben P having 2 shots in quick succession, the second after fine work from Tom. Jack had been given instructions to mop up in midfield and he was patrolling the park making excellent interceptions and some skilful passes. James had returned to his defensive role and was looking as strong as ever, assisted by Nathan who had passed a late fitness test to make the trip. No goals at the break, and the boys were looking very assured.The second half brought some help with the wind and slope and chances became more frequent.Callum had a strong shot palmed away by the keeper and had two further chances but the Knights number 1  was in fine form. Jack was now assisted in midfield by both Ben P and Tom and the game was definitely more open. Alex again was called on with a series of high bouncing balls but the handling remained top class. Nathan and James were defending high and started a number of attacks from the back. The one minor scare came near the end when a dangerous Knights cross slipped across the goal and Nathan was on hand to clear the line. Some little cameos followed with some crunching Jack tackles and silky turns from Ben P, but the referee blew and it was mission accomplished. Perhaps not a classic encounter, but the boys showed fantastic application particularly with the reduced numbers. A trip to Burnham  Ramblers now beckons for the final, and the boys will continue to be encouraged to play the game the right way, and have a tremendous day out. Well done to all the Lions we are as ever very proud of you.
TEAM:ALEX,JAMES,NATHAN,JACK,BEN P,CALLUM,TOM The score was 0-0.