Under 12's. Away v Denton Youth

  Result - Reddish North End 5 Denton Youth 0

  
                          2 Goals for Jamie today                                 A clean shirt and a clean sheet for Callum, excellent today

In the end a comfortable win for the boys which everyone was delighted with, although we made hard work of it at times. This was our first game in a month, and it showed in the first 10 minutes as we played like we’d only just been introduced. Deary me!
We had two players going for the same ball, we missed tackles, and above all zero communication or talking. When Josh and Mark collided and play stopped it gave me the chance to get on the pitch and give them all a rocket, which seemed to do the trick.

We got our shape into play a little better and forced a succession of corners, but still we could not break through. Other attacks started to come together and the Denton defence and keeper looked a bag of nerves, but shots flashed wide or the final touch was missing. Eventually we got another corner on the right, which meant that all the players were staring into a bright morning sun, and when the ball skimmed across Jamie reacted quickest to stab home for 1-0.

After another talking to at half time we started very brightly and had another goal within a minute, Mark bursting into the box and playing in Callum who scored from close range. Shortly after this Michael broke free and fired in a low cross which everybody missed – except Jamie, who was typically alert to prod home at the far post. Denton then had too much of the ball for my liking, and for a spell they pressed us back, and delivered in a couple of excellent corners. They became real free-for-alls with the ball like a bagatelle in the crowded box, and Denton once hit the bar in the ensuing chaos!

However, the players determination showed as they battled away, aware that a clean sheet was within sight. We broke away and Sam played in Reece who scored his first goal of the season with a cool finish, and from our point of view normal service was resumed. We had a spate of attacks and late on Sam worked himself some space to shoot and the ball deflected in for 5-0, but it is Sam’s goal and well deserved for a hard-working display.

I have never seen Callum W come off looking so clean! This was a testament to how little he had to do, but when called upon he was excellent, one super save and several very assured clearances, great distribution too. All the outfield players could be pleased with a good win, they all got better as the game went on. I chose Felix as player of the match today though; it was his debut in a unfamiliar position at right back but he barely put a foot wrong and I’m sure he’ll improve more and more. The fact that we kept a clean sheet for only the second time this season says it all really.
So well done Felix and well done to all the boys, a great way to start 2009 in the end!

Next week Clayton Villa are our visitors for our final league clash of the season. They are already assured of the title but after our recent heartening performance against them we will hopefully give them a few things to think about.

Scorers : Jamie (2) Callum B (1) Reece (1) Sam (1)

Man of the match: Felix

   
         Callum & Jamie quietly celebrate another goal                  The boys turn away as Sam has just cracked home number 5