| Date | Home team | Score | Away team | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Mar 2010 | Dunmow Rhodes Lions | 0-0 | U12s Lions | League |
LIONS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
Dunmow Rhodes Lions u10s 0
Focus Ferrers Lions u10s 0
This fixture had been rearranged from last November when the Dunmow side had some players missing. Ironically the Focus team turned up on this spring like morning missing 2 players, with both strikers Andrew and Tom absent. As they say in Sport Relief "Rise to the Challenge," and the boys certainly did with a wonderful display in this top of the table clash. Early on the boys seemed a little uncertain as Dunmow strode forward. Jamie could only look on as a firm Dunmow shot shuddered the bar on just 2 mins. It was the spur the boys needed as they set about their task. James played a true Captains role as he marshalled his troops to make challenge after challenge. On 6 mins Ben P saw a useful volley go just wide after good work by Ben B on the right. On 11 mins the boys gained a free kick some 25 yards out and up strode Callum. It had been a while, but as they say its like riding a bike and his trademark firecracker shot was heading for the top corner but the Dunmow number 1 tipped it over at full stretch.The Dunmow side play football the right way and chances came and went but Jamie was equal to all that was thrown at him. Lucas was hugging the left touchline and his superb close control was causing plenty of problems for the Dunmow men. Nathan and James were keeping a nice high line and on 16 mins Nathan also had a shot from outside the box which drifted just wide. Callum had started up front in a lone striker role and was showing some sweet flicks including a Messi style nutmeg which caught the eye. Jack came on towards the end of the half and immediately found the pace with some very intelligent passing and well timed tackles. The break brought a much needed breather for players and fans alike with the water bottles taking a real pounding. The second half saw the Lions show their metal. A Ben B cross from the right was met by Ben P whose shot was deflected round. A minute later Lucas danced down the left and put in a teasing cross which missed the onrushing two Bens. Again Dunmow came strong. James and Nathan remained rock solid but chances flowed and Jamie pulled off a cracking save on 29 mins from the Dunmow number 7. It was soon after that the Lions created their best chance. Nathan brought the ball out and fed Jack then Ben B and as the ball looped into the area Lucas hit the volley. The Dunmow keeper was equal to it and tipped it onto the bar and the ball dropped down just the wrong side of the line. Spurred on the boys kept coming with a Ben P shot and another long range effort from Nathan which rolled through the keepers legs but was just recovered. At the other end it was the Dunmow men who struck back with a low shot hitting the post and then another cleared off the line. The ref called time and both teams received a spontaneous round of applause that was truly well deserved. By some distance the Lions most determined and courageous display of the season and a magnificent game from both teams played in an excellent spirit. Extremely well done boys.
TEAM:JAMIE,NATHAN,JAMES,BEN B,BEN P,LUCAS,CALLUM,JACK