13th November 2005
Ribbleton Juniors 2 Euxton
Villa 3
This was a great result for
Euxton. There is no doubt that if we had been offered a win
at the start of the game we would have taken it. More than
anything we wanted a response from the boys after last weeks
performance.
We knew that it was going to be
a tough game and it was clear that the length of the grass
on the pitch was not going to help our passing game.
Immediately before kick off we were forced to make a change
as James G was feeling ill. That meant a last minute change
around with Sammy coming into defence to mark up with James
D sweeping behind George.
The new formation hardly had a
chance to work things out when Ribbleton got through on
Matty after 2 mins. He was brave and closed the forward down
forcing him to miss by the far post. Then following a strong
tackle from Steven in midfield Connor was put through on
goal. He kept his cool and as the keeper advanced shot over
him. The lead after 5 mins a good start.
The next 10 minutes passed with
a good battle and a few times the ball was put over
Ribbleton defence for an Euxton player. On each occasion we
didn't get the bounce or we lost out in the 50 / 50
challenge. It was clear though that a quality pass could
unlock their defence. The game was being played down our
left a lot and Josh was getting at the Ribbleton defence.
However it was a close game and Ribbleton certainly were
pushing our back line hard. On a number of occasions we
needed Steven to come across and clear after strong runs.
After 15 minutes of the half
Ribbleton moved a strong player out onto our left flank and
they started to peg us back. For a whilst we could not get
the ball out of our half and Ribbleton were first to
everything in midfield . The Euxton midfield were waiting
for the ball to reach them and as a result were caught on
their heels by opponents who were moving forward to meet the
ball . We survived a few scares and at times were holding on
. We seemed unable to put our foot through the ball to clear
attacks and the pressure was building. In the end the
pressure was too much and following poor control and taking
the wrong option in midfield we gave the ball away. The
defence had been pulled out of position and, despite
a suspicion of offside, a Ribbleton player was left free to
score from inside the box.
At half time the boys were a
little down. They knew they had let a good start go to waste
and we had to remind them that it was still 1-1 and we had
yet to play well.
The first 15 minutes of the
second half were close. Both teams were attacking on the
break and Ribbleton failed to take a couple of chances when
inside the box. At the same time we had good efforts from
Connor and Josh that went close. The midfield were battling
hard, though not at their best and Ribbleton had the slight
upper hand.
We had to bring Lee on
for Matthew C off after he twisted his knee and
brought Joe's fresh legs on for Lewis. Then James D doubled
up with a painful stomach and had to be replaced. It was
disappointing that whilst James was off the field, and
before we could bring Lewis back on, Ribbleton scored. A
shot from inside the box hit the far post and came back into
play. A Ribbleton player was first to react and scored. We
were 2 - 1 down with 12 minutes to go having not played well
and against strong and motivated opponents. Right there I
would have taken a point.
The next 12 minutes proved the
character of the side. They worked hard and started to win
more tackles. With 8 minutes to play Josh worked hard to
create a shooting chance which was deflected for a corner.
Josh put in a quality corner and after a couple of
challenges the ball fell to Steven who hit a fantastic shot
into the net. 2-2 and relief evident. It was a great goal by
Steven who had played very well - easily the pick of the
midfield. At that point Ribbleton parent said to me that he
felt that neither side deserved to lose the game and a draw
was a fair result. Thankfully our boys did not settle for
the point and with 5 minutes to go Connor beat his marker
and made a strong run into the box. He hit a great shot that
beat the keeper but just went the wrong side of the post. A
minute later following some hard work in midfield the ball
went through the Ribbleton defence on our left. Josh was
onto it like a flash but the keeper was clear favourite to
win it. At this point Josh showed bravery to go in and
win the ball and then fantastic skill to get it clear of his
feet and hit the net. It was a goal of real class and one
that his father would have been proud to score for the first
team.
We then held out for the last
few minutes to secure a great result. Ribbleton are a strong
side with some good players. It will be hard for many teams
to go away with 3 points against them. Whilst we played
better that last week clearly we are not at our best at the
moment , something that only patience and work at training
will put right. However we are proud of the spirit in this
team. To come back from behind for the second week running
showed that. We have to accept that as we are currently top
of the league everyone will raise their game against us.
Believe me its not difficult to motivate a team to play
Euxton Villa. We are showing we can handle that even if our
form has dipped.
A special mention to Sammy who
came in to the side at the very last minute and did well.
Its not easy to do what he did and he showed once again that
he is a brave and determined young man. Thanks Sammy
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