U9 Jaguars return to form in Wythenshawe friendlies - All smiles as the goals fly in.

26 March 2011

On a chilly March morning, the U9 Jaguars played two round robin friendlies against Lisbon St Anthony and Benchill Celtic Warriors, at  the Manchester Enterprise Academy in Wythenshawe. After recent disappointments, the boys needed a couple of victories to restore their confidence and they didn't disappoint the travelling supporters.

In the first game the Jaguars played against Lisbon St Anthony with their cool blue and white Argentina kit. Our boys had warmed up well and looked like men on a mission. A starting line-up of  Freddie, Harrison, Jack, Connor, Max, Ollie and Matt dealt with Lisbon's initial enthusiasm. Joe replaced Olly half way through the first period. It was end to end football but the Jaguars established control just before half time when Harrison set up Matt for a well taken opening goal. 

The second half saw Jack in goals with Joel and Cameron covering defence, Dante running the midfield and a forward line of Will pairing up with a combination of Matt/Ollie and Max/Joe. Will set Matt up for a good second goal and then the highlight of the half saw Joe strike a spectacular long range free kick which Dante finished off with a glancing header. Three nil and smiles all round. Man of the match goes to Harrison for a terrific performance which he carried through to the second game. Matt took the Silver Award and Max took the Bronze Award  for his hard work.  

The second game against Benchill was a long awaited return fixture. Benchill nearly pinched a result the first time around. Freddie, Harrison, Jack, Connor, Max, Joe and Dante lined up against a strong Benchill team. Dante scored the opening goal followed by a terrific long range flick from Harrison. 

After the half time break Jack was back in goals behind Cameron and Joel. All three had a great morning locking out Benchill. Dante, Will, Olly, Joe, Max and Matt  shared the attacking roles. Apart from another great strike from a corner by Joe, this was the Dante show! Keen to make an impression on his old friends, he dribbled, passed and flicked his way through the Benchill defence. He pinched a cheeky goal off the keeper and worked really hard for the team. Dante took the Man of the Match Award. Silver went to Freddie who has dramatically improved over the past couple of weeks and kept a clean sheet with a little help from Jack. Joe took the Bronze Award for a strong performance on the wing.

It was a good morning's work for the Jaguars. A special mention goes to Joel, Connor and Will, often unsung heroes but  three of the strongest players. Ollie was unlucky not to score from a couple of attempts on goal. Max, one of our star players, set up some great moves today and is turning into a real tough tackler. Without him the Jaguars would be a much weaker team.

Lets hope that these two wins are the start of an end of season charge for the boys. Thanks to our friends at Benchill for hosting this mornings games.      

Source: John Hayhurst

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