It was our first early morning kick off which made it feel like a school day in the Groundwater house with a frantic rush around the breakfast table and bathrooms. However, it was pleasing to see all the boys there on time and ready for action.

It was another great day for a football match although not as hot as last week which made life a bit easier for the boys who had to do a lot of running against a much improved Gregson Lane. We had met Gregson Lane a few times last season with the last game of the season ending in a 4 - 3 defeat for Euxton we were also aware that Gregson Lane were the only team to beat Bamber Bridge last season, so the boys knew they had to be up for the game straight from kick off.

With a full squad available the team lined up with Aaron in goals, Luke and Liam in defence, Marshall, Jack (Captain), Joe in midfield with Al up front. Subs were Malachy and James. The game started with a high tempo with both teams looking to attack as much as possible straight from the off. Gary and I had asked the boys to give the same effort as last week and to try and look up and pick out the passes and we were not dissappointed in either respect. Al had a much lively start to the game to last week and was a constant threat running at the Gregson defence when ever he got chance. It was also pleasing today to see Al trying to turn provider as well as scorer when he delivered some great crosses from the right hand side. One such cross fell perfectly to Jack who kneed the ball before following through with his chest to squeeze the ball over the line (although I don't what he was doing in the box as he was told to hold on the edge, shows what I know!). Liam and Luke were solid as ever at the back although a little quieter than normal (must have been the early start) and were limiting Gregson to have chances. Aaron with not too much to do it the first half kept his concentration superbly and was always ready when called upon, espcially making a great save with his feet from a long range free kick. Joe , Jack and Marshall were spending a lot of time having to track back as Gregson looked to attack in numbers and had they had a secret weapon it what must be the longest kicks I have seen from a keeper at this age. That said they weren't all about a long ball and they did cause plenty of problems on the floor. Half way through the half James replaced Marshall on the left and Malachy replaced Liam at the back. It was a closely fought half that ended 1 - 0 to Euxton largely thanks to some great saves by the Gregson keeper espcially from Al who made some dangerous runs at goal and a special mention for a long range effort from Liam who lifted the ball from the half way line only to see the ball bounce inches wide.

At half time Gary told the boys how well they were doing and to keep tracking back and working hard. We also asked the boys to take a bit more time on the ball when they could and to pick there passes a bit better with their heads looking up.

The second half began and was once again a very closely fought encouter, Euxton were not sitting back on their lead and were puching for more, however it was Gregson who were first to score in the second half with a great long range effort into the top corner which left Aaron with no chance. What is always pleasing to see is the boys never let there heads drop and straight from the kick off Joe showed some great trickery to hold off several players before feeding the ball to Jack in the middle who passed one defender before slipping the ball to Marshall (who had come on at half time in attack for Al) who fired a great effort into the bottom corner. It was the perfect response to conceding a goal and myself and Gary couldn't off been happier. Euston were started to drive forward with a bot more purpose after regaining the lead and came close to adding another on several occasions. With seven minutes to go Liam moved into Centre midfield with Jack making his way to the bench with a big smile and a high five for Gary (i think he was glad of the break). Liam was told to hold his position and not to get dragged to far forward once again the management were proven wrong as Liam surged forward time and again and on one attempt tricked the defence knocked the ball forward before picking out Al in the box who finished superbly. That was to be the final goal with Euxton winning 3 - 1.

Credit should be given to a Gregson team that seem to be stronger with each time we play them and seem to have made some good additions to their squad in the summer.

Man of the match today was awarded to Liam for his great strong defending, followed by a driving central midfield Cameo. All the boys worked extremely hard and should be proud of the result today with a great TEAM effort.