Under 18 Match Report
Saturday, April 19, 2008 v Tilford Zebras @ Showgrounds 1
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Match report :
The lions under 18 team played ther opening game at the showgrounds today. Though we did not come home with the points we were unlucky to not get some reward for our efforts.
The first half was a very scrappy affair even though there were chances at each end. The zebras were running at us through the middle and we were controlling the flanks and in particular the left were Allan, Angus and Benfes were winning on a regular basis. The zebras would be first to score form a good follow up that rebounded of the bar and was eventually tapped in at the far post.
Innocent was marshalling the defence and he was kept busy for the rest of the half but the game was still in the balance.
The second half opened and within minutes we were level after Felix went down the left and crossed to Jesse who hit the crossbar and the bell fell to Owen who seen it over the line and minutes later a defensive error by Zebras allowed Owen to run at and then slot it past the keeper.
2-1 up and with Sam and Locky winning the ball in the middle we started to look the better team. Jesse was starting to threaten regularly down the right flank, Tom and Callum were holding the defensive flanks and Simieon and Innocent wre on top in the centre of the defense.
But just like we did The Zebras would score twice in as many minutes. A little hesitation and some good fortune of the side of the boot and they were back in the lead with two scrappy goals. Then the turning point in the game.We lost Locky and stand in keeper Benfes too couragous efforts in trying to win the ball and so we were down to 10 men for the last 20 mins.
But this is when the game came alive. End to end with some flair. Felix was running them ragged, Angus was teasing them as the lone striker and Sam, Jesse, Callum and Tom pushed forward at every opportunity. But the whistle would come and our valiant efforts were not rewarded with another goal. However, a very happy coach with the effort the players made and some goals to take with us into the next game.