Home v Heyside Juniors

Result - Reddish North End 0 Heyside Juniors 2

Team coach (James) views on the game:

A disappointing result in a hard fought and close contest means that U11’s weren’t quite able to register back-to-back wins and are still without a home goal this season!
For much of the first half Reddish were the better side – Jake had a goal-bound effort scrambled off the line in the first attack, and another scramble resulted a few moments later as the boys just couldn’t quite force the ball home after a corner. Other shots went in on goal as Heyside were under pressure, although they too had a couple of shots at Callum Williams as the evenly-matched teams battled away. Unfortunately we then had to make an enforced change with Reece injured, and the re-jigging of the side affected us more than I thought it would.

At half time it was goalless and although in the 2^nd period we had a few forays into their half, Heyside played with much more composure and for quite a time it looked like they had 13 or 14 players on the pitch while we appeared to have only seven or eight. More injuries for us (Aaron & Michael) further disrupted the pattern and eventually Heyside pressure told and a corner was cracked home. Despite not giving up, Reddish struggled to get any meaningful possession and another Heyside breakaway saw them prod home a second at the death.

So a disappointing result but certainly no disgrace at all, and on another day we could have come away winners. Callum gave another solid and brave performance in goal, and all the outfield players gave a lot of energy but are discovering just how tough it is to play for a whole hour. But I must also say well done to Heyside and thank especially one of their coaches (I think it was Mick) who took several minutes to attend to Aaron who came off second best in a nasty (but totally fair) 50-50 ball situation. That is something that all at RNEFC appreciated. Next week a tough test away at Haughton Rangers who have (to date) a 100% league record!