Alderley hang on as U10 Jaguars stage comeback for a draw - High Noon in Alderley Edge

1 October 2011

In the baking October sunshin,e Alderley United A, fortified with three strong debutantes, hung on to take a home point against a battling U10 Jaguars. Alderley took an early lead from a corner. One player stood unmarked in front of goal in the only real opportunity the team created in forty five minutes of football. An opening lineup of Captain Freddie, Joel, Jack, Connor, Will, Matt and Dante started nervously but pressed Alderley hard for 15 minutes without reward.  

In the second period Harrison, Joe and Solomon stepped into the fray. Solomon lasted for a brave 10 minutes but a back injury forced him off the pitch with Matt heading back on to fill the gap. Again, despite constant pressure Alderley held out. 

Last chance for the Jaguars came in the final period. . Harrison took up position between the posts and Will dropped into the right back position.  In true Old Trafford fashion all the pressure eventually paid off. After countless attacks the ball fell to Matt who hit his first for the season to level the score. With the noon sun high in the sky, the Wilmslow boys pressed hard for a winner but could not find the back of the net for a second time.   The Alderley United celebrations told the story. For their effort and commitment it was hard to begrudge them a draw. 

Captain Freddie took the bronze award. In no way at fault for the goal, he should walk tall after the way he played today . Harrison was a powerhouse, both in midfield and in goals. Connor tackled stronglyl and made some attacking runs through the middle. Joe playing out on the left wing for a change deserves a lot of credit for his versatility and commitment. Always playing with a smile and without complaint.  Will has also played out of postion at right back and left wing for the last couple of matches. he has excelled in both positions. One of the best players on the team Will never lets anyone down and  gives 100% every week. Matt, frustrated in recent games, scored a vital goal which should bring his confidence flooding back. 19 more gaols this season please  Matt. Dante did what Dante does so well for three thirds. He did everything but score. At times beating four players but losing out to the fifth. Head and shoulders the best attacking player on the pitch. 

We all wish Solomon a speedy recovery. He'll get other opportunities to show his undoubted talent over the next few games.  Thanks also to Paul for technical help in training.

The two top performances belong to Joel and Jack in defence. The pair of them were a wall. Neither at fault for the Alderley goal, they form a partnership that often goes unnoticed by many spectators but is actually the backbone of the team. A tough choice to split between Gold and Silver Jack just edges it for a couple of last man tackles and clearances. It's sometimes tough being a manager's son but I am very proud of Jack. That should take nothing away from Joel's best ever game at right back. Jack gets the burger but the pair of them share the honours. Thanks boys, you are brilliant at the back.

Next week it's the mighty Wythenshawe Town. They lost for the first time today. We'll find out if that is a good thing or a bad thing at home next Saturday!       

Source: John Hayhurst

<< to news index

• Fixtures
• Results
• News and Reports
• League Data
• Stats