We were always concentrating on the league - U13s maintain cup tradition

 

The contest was over as early as the first minute of the second half, when Town conceded a second goal. The manner of which summed up the whole game. From the kick off Town lost possession and then failed to clear the ball three times (two missed headers & one air shot) from inside their own penalty area to allow a Hough End forward, who was totally unmarked inside the six yard box, to have the simplest tap in. He must have thought it was his birthday, Christmas & Easter all rolled into one !!!

 

Despite no proper warm up and with players still arriving as the ref blew to start the game, it became quite apparent that Hough End players were up for the game compared to the home team, who had undertaken a full warm up !. The opposition set the tempo and quickly took control of midfield and only failed to take an early lead, thanks to the alertness of Adam in net. Against the run of play, somehow the ball found its way to Pete, who did well to loose his marker, burst into the box and then blazed his shot well wide. From the resulting goal kick, the ball beat all Town heads but somehow found Hough End’s no 10, whose pace took him away from Town’s defence and he coolly slotted home.

 

Going behind did seem to spark Town into life and they started to play some good stuff, moving the ball around, with players running off the ball and midfield actually winning tackles and passing accurately. Three clear cut chances were created, but Pete who to quote the coach “you would bank your mortgage on”, failed to pay up skimming the post with one shot and forcing the keeper to save the other. Bradley and Dan also missed the target, when in good positions, it was a shame the half had to end as Town were certainly dominating play and causing panic in the oppositions defence.

 

So going into half time the manager was still in optimistic mood, and with plenty of encouragement he sent the boys out for the second half, convinced a goal would soon come our way. Little did he or the band of frozen supporters expect to see the capitulation that was to follow.

 

Erik’s prediction was only 50% correct, a goal certainly did come quickly, but not as forecasted and despite even more encouragement it was clear most of the team were resigned to loosing, so could not be bothered to compete and with Hough End growing in confidence, it was clear for all to see that there was only one team wanting to win this quarter final tie, so it was no surprise more goals were conceded.

 

A team get together has been called for Friday evening and one of the questions this match reporter would like to ask the players, is why it took until they were loosing 4 nil, for some of them to start becoming physical and engage in verbals with the opposition. Why did they not show this anger & desire at the start of the game?

 

Hough End thoroughly deserved their victory, not only did they compete for every ball, they encouraged each other and also played some good football. Let’s hope our boys will learn from this, otherwise there is only one way for this team and it is not up!!!          

 

 

Jordi, closely followed by Lawto, both gave 110%, both won every tackle and both Played the whole match as if their life depended on it, shame their team mates did not copy them.

                               

                 

                           

          

Did not deserve to concede five, at no fault for any of the goals and pulled off some fine stops to prevent the score from being more.  

 

A solid performance at the back, winning all his tackles and constantly driving on the team with strong vocal support.

 

Had a battle on his hand against a very pacey forward. Was let down by having no protection in front of him.

 

Almost a MoM performance only his lack of verbals held him back from getting the nod. Won every tackle against a very pacey right winger.

 

Had a battle on his hand against a very pacey forward. Was let down by having no protection in front of him.

 

Struggled to get into the match and make any telling contribution.

A few strong tackles, but missed his normal bustling surging runs. Should have hit the target from close in. Ran out of steam/fight during the 2^nd half mauling.

 

Struggled to get into the game in the first half. However did show some positive signs and forward runs in the 2^nd half, but unfortunately the game was over as a contest by then.

 

A day Pete will wish to forget, firstly forgot to bring his shooting boots to the game as failed to convert 3 good chances, making the wrong selection on each occasion. Then forgot he had maths homework for Monday, until Lawto kindly advised Boyley senior (enough said !)  

 

Never really got into the game, appeared to be hindered by a sore hamstring, which prevented us seeing any of those powerful forward runs we have to grown to expect. 

 

Struggled to make a telling contribution to the game when introduced in the second half. Lacked any service from midfield.

 

Failed with his midfield colleagues to boss the game, showed one or two neat passes, but did not win enough tackles or offer defensive support to the back four..                     

Failed with his midfield colleagues to boss the game, showed on or two neat passes, but did not win enough tackles or offer defensive support to the back four.

         

Not available

 

George Todd – Unfortunately recovering from the removal of his Appendix. We wish him a speedy recovery, as his presence will be sorely missed. 

 

Bennett Harris – Unfortunately pulled up injured during the warm up.