STARLANDS ST.ANNES U.10 BO 2 vs 0 Castle Vale

<p>This weekend - was Jed's Birthday, and what better way to cap it with The Starlands first win of the season!

<p>Ben injured his hand in the warm up - Following some fierce shooting by The Starlands Boys. They meant business!

<p>The game kicked off - with some delightful play by Starlands. It was like another team!.... finally all the hard work and advice given by Rick & Rob seemed to be paying off.

<p>The boys were looking to play the ball to feet and into space - It was great to watch and resulted in a couple of early chances for Kieran & Co. up front.

<p>Castle Vale had managed to get a 0-0 draw against Four Oaks Tigers - and having lost 7-0 to them - Starlands had to be at their best.

<p>It was certainly the best performance from alot of players - Ellis was playing some lovely passes to the feet of Oscar and linking with Marcus well.

<p>Oscar was his usual terrier self - getting up and down the pitch.

<p>Zak - looks more assured in the heart of defence every week. Never flustered, and always reading the game well.

<p>Kieran was a presence up front and had a couple of little runs on goal - just failing to get that elusive goal.

<p>However, Josh who was playing up front latched onto a lovely ball from Kieran and Josh smashed it into the corner at an acute angle 1-0 Starlands had taken the lead. Great Goal!!!!!

<p>Castle Vale No.8 was looking good on the ball, and on a couple of occassions he dribbled his way through only to be blocked.

<p>On time, Ben came off his line - but was beaten, however the ball struck the post and ran along the goal line to be cleared by Marcus. Phew! Luck was on Starlands side for once.

<p>The 1st half finished 1-0 to Starlands.

<p>It was a close competitive game - and Castle Vale had their fair share of chances but the Starlands Boys were playing as a team and battling! tackles and last ditch blocks helping Ben to keep a clean sheet. The midfield of Luke , Josh and Lewis all put in 100% today.

<p>Birthday boy Jed game on - and was keeping the ball upfront helped by Lewis - and taking some of the pressure of the defence. Ellis was having a great game tracking back and marking the spare man on the edge of the box.

<p>A couple of time Lewis was unlucky not to break free with the ball - just getting tangled with the last defender.

<p>Castle Vale were pushing on and looking for the equaliser, however Starlands were always likely to counter attack with purpose.

<p>Lewis had a speculative long range strike - the keeper dived and the ball hit his chest and bounced up high!...It agonisingly fell behind him and gave Starlands their second goal! Great effort Lewis.

<p>The second goal - gave the boys a buffer zone and they managed to see out the rest of the game.

<p>A richly deserved first win for Starlands which lifts them off the bottom of the League almost to mid table. Well done.

<p>A great clean sheet which all of the team especially the defence - can take credit for.

<p>Man of The Match was awarded to Ben in goal. ( Bravely coming off his line! )