STARLANDS ST.ANNES U.11 EL 0 vs 2 HEATH HAYES

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Starlands U.11 Boys Elite travelled to Cannock to play Heath Hayes in a long awaited game.

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The previous encounter resulted in a 5-0 whitewash for the Pork Scratching Outfit.

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The wind was blowing and the pitch was less than top notch.

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">There were a few strange decisions with Ben K being made to take 1st half goal kicks from just off his goal line into the wind - with this then changing to the edge of a massive box for the home team.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">There were a few dubious off side decisions , Dean was doing his best...but that flag was waving in frustration ;) following WBA's game v Fulham he was even asking for goal line technology ! No need for Hawkeye with Dawneye in attendance....

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The boys held their own for the whole of the&nbsp; first half.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Arran blasted over from the edge of the box and Josh had a snap shot saved.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">There were the usual trademark storming runs of Callum ably supported by Oscar.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The defence were holding firm with Tom and Zak complementing Marcus Herculean effort.

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Arran was showing some nice touches, and was showing more intent to get involved, with a few decisive challenges breaking up play in midfield.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Ben P was doing his bit battling on, man marking and pushing the ball through to oscar under the guidance of Dad.

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A few corners ensued, which were defended well.Ben K took a few high takes.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">One break the striker was forced wide and his shot just floated by the post.

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Another shot by Josh , went through to Ben P but he couldn't finish it off.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Then a fast through ball by HeathHayes saw Ben K quickly off his line to clear the ball up to halfway.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The defensive trio continued to defend well.Blocking,tackling and intercepting to then set up The other boys.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Half time came and it was scoreless....a welcomed opportunity for a hot drink provided by the Mums. Sorry boys ! Just for spectators.

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The second half saw Josh & Ben P come off , and Jed and Luke make their appearance.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">It was Jed's first game back in a long time, and unfortunately it was not to last too long. His injury and stomach upset got the better of him and he was forced to leave the field after a promising start ...showing his trademark hustle and bustle.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Luke once again was trying a few turns and flicks and passing ,but it was tough in the conditions...maybe a day for the long ball.

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">HeathHayes big no.9 was starting to make his bulk felt.As our boys tired , it was clear Heath Hayes were making more probing runs through on goal.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">He blasted a cross from the corner that was smashed into the top corner despite Ben K getting a hand to it...1-0

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Callum responded with a direct run but unable to get his shot off cleanly, It was a lovely over the top ball from Arran.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Then Ben K decided to take man and ball....ok just man no ball, resulting in a penalty. Fortunately the striker fired wide, so it had been a good decision by Ben, but lucky to escape a yellow card.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The 2nd goal resulted from a good save that fell to the HeathHayes player in the box who was free to tap in.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The boys never gave in, and had a few chances of their own.The lesson to be learnt was don't be afraid to SHOOT !

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Marcus was awarded Managers Player for his non stop battling effort...back to his best.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">He was pushed for the award by Callum whose dynamo effort was awarded with parents player.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Other games of note , showed Tom have one of his best games to date and Arran growing in confidence.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A good run out for the boys after such a long break.

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<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The rumour is ...one week into married life Rob was very keen to get out on a Sunday morning to avoid chores ;) Congratulations to you both for last week.

<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Another rumour from The Stag Do... says Rob is a life long Liverpool fan?......any truth?