STARLANDS UNLUCKY TO LOSE OUT TO ELFORD 4-1

<p>Today STARLANDS travelled to a lovely picture postcard village.

<p>The pitch was at the cricket club - but, what ensued at times was more like a game of Rugby!

<p>STARLANDS broke early in the game and were unlucky not to score dominating posession for the first five minutes.Today looked like it was going to be a good day for Starlands.

<p>However, with Elford Jets first break led to a run down the left wing and an unstoppable powerful drive on the angle into the top right hand corner. 1-0 down against the run of play.

<p>But, everyone had to applaud that goal !!...It left Ben a little shell shocked. With no time to recover Elford followed up with another attack.

<p>The referee signalled for a goal kick - but after some indecision between the kids he then signalled for a corner???

<p>WHilst they were setting up, Ben was being puched right into his own net by The larger Elford player.The referee was oblivious to what was happening.

<p>The corner came over and went straight in at the back post. 2-0

<p>STARLANDS could not believe what was happening.

<p>Elford broke again, and Ben bravely came off his line to cause the onrushing attacker to blast high and wide.The resulting collision led Ben to leave the field with a back injury.

<p>Kieran stepped up to the plate...initially playing in his rain coat!!

<p>Josh then pulled one back - an easy goal for a player of his standing.

<p>Kieran was powerless to stop the next goal. Again, a corner came across like a bullet - and hit Lewis on the head. The ball shot straight into the top corner of his own net! 3-0 an amazing header just at the wrong end. Hard lines.

<p>The half ended 3-0, with Starlands having alot of the play, but seeming to concentrate on playing the man not the ball at times.

<p>Jed was like a terrier in midfield ably supported by Oscar.

<p>Zak & Marcus look a rock steady pairing at the back.

<p>The second half, Kieran took off the raincoat and put on the goalkeeper top. Not only was he now playing like a goalkeeper he looked like one too!

<p>He was in the right place at the right time more often than not - and when he wasn't he rode his luck.He pulled off a string of saves.

<p>When Elford looked certain to score, Kieran remembered his outfield play - and kicked the player up in the air just as he was about to pull the trigger!

<p>Yes he gave a penalty away - but, he saved a certain goal and then made ammends by putting the other goalkeeper off. He missed the penalty!

<p>After the game, he said "Well, he hurt Ben so I got him back!" , great team spirit and loyalty if a little misguided ;) oh well. We forgive you.

<p>Elford scored one more. Again, a great point blank save but Elford reacted quickest to the rebound and scored. 4-1.

<p>On a serious note, the team play of Starlands is coming. The boys look to be getting on and having fun. Yes more goals or a win would be good - but, it will come!....We've just got to remember to listen to Rick & Rob and keep our discipline. PLAY THE BALL FIRST!!! NOT THE MAN!!!

<p>MAN OF THE MATCH - HAD to be Kieran.Rick duly awarded it, otherwise a Parental mutiny would have been on the cards!&nbsp;

<p>A close runner up was Jed. But, remember to put your pants on next week!!!! ;)

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