Match Report - WHITWORTH VALLEY U12 - 03 Apr 2021

We're back!

After 3 months out it was great to see the lads out on the pitch enjoying their football again. And what a great game to restart the season.

The early kick off seemed to have an effect as some of the team seemed very sleepy and were caught ball watching, letting in Whitworth to score a goal with their first attack. More Whitworth pressure led to a corner in the 10th minute and an unfortunate attempt at a clearance from Josh ended up as an own goal. This seemed to spark Roach Greens into life and the next 15 minutes were much better. Some good play saw the ball played through to Alex on the left, he cut inside his defender but still had lots to do when he took aim and placed a pinpoint shot into the far corner. Roach Greens continued to control possession and some quick thinking and a long kick from stand in keeper Ewan went all the way through for Alex, again using his skill to finish really well. At 2-2, the game looked like it was going to turn in Roach's favour but a goal mouth scramble led to a third Whitworth goal just before half time.

Some half time encouragement seemed to do the trick and just three minutes into the second half, Roach Greens got a corner. Alex floated it in and Jailson was there to meet it with his head and score the third. From that point on it could have gone either way with Roach Greens having the better chances. With around 5 minutes to go, some great play down the left saw the ball played across goal for Alex to tap in what he thought would be his hat-trick and possibly the winner. Unfortunately, he was just offside and it was ruled out. A couple more chances before the final whistle but the keeper made some great stops and it wasn't to be. A draw was probably a fair result in the end.

Man of the match awards today went to Alex who was absolutely on fire, Harvey who, after a slow start, controlled the defensive play and Josh who partnered Harvey in a back two and did a great job as usual.