Match Report - Littleborough JUNIOR U13 YELLOW - 12 Feb 2022

It was a cold, wet and windy morning for the final group stage game of the Divisional Cup and with neither team able to qualify for the semi finals, the pressure was off. Roach Greens took the opportunity to shuffle their starting line up around a bit.

Right from the off, Roach Greens looked hungry for a win and took the lead in the 4th minute after some good combination play saw Alex play in Ewan who finished brilliantly. The same two combined just 3 minutes later to put Greens two nil up, this time Ewan providing the cross for Alex to finish from close range. Unfortunately, Cody came off injured shortly after and was unable to return. Intensity dropped a little and Roach let Littleborough back into the game, scoring a good goal in the 24th minute. Chances for both teams came and went and Roach Greens came in 2-1 up at half time.

Unfortunately, another injury meant that Josh had to come off at the break and wouldn't be able to play any further part, so Roach had to reshuffle again.

The home team started the second half well and Roach Greens found themselves under a lot of pressure. Just 5 minutes into the second half and Littleborough were level after a fantastic strike from outside the box. This spurred Littleborough on and Roach started to look unorganised and a little careless, giving the ball away too many times. Just 4 minutes from the end, Littleborough snatched the lead. A lucky goal squeezed under James in the Roach goal, which was a real shame after he'd already kept his team in the game with some terrific saves. Roach pushed but we're unable to find an equaliser and the game slipped away to a 3-2 defeat.

Man of the match awards went to Alex for a great shift out on the left wing, Dan for another good left back display and Harvey who was solid again at the back.