Sunday 25th January 2009 - Croft Juniors 'B' (A)

Despite the fact that Croft are languishing at the foot of the league, they proved very stubborn opponents and this match was a lot harder than the score line suggests.

After a good opening spell from Bassett when Dec Cox and Beckham both had chances to sneak an early goal, it was Croft who came forward strongly to test our defenders resolve. Beckham started to head the ball clear on a regular basis, a habit which he continued throughout the match. In goal, James had to be alert on a number of occasions.

It was Bassett, though, who opened the scoring when a lovely corner from George was volleyed home by Dec Cox from the edge of the area: 1 – 0

The game then became end to end with the pacy Croft forwards testing our defenders. Harry and Becks were playing really well, with Harry in particular timing his tackles and clearances perfectly. Jordan, playing his first match for several weeks, looked skilful and made several powerful runs towards the opposition box. Dec Coffey had several good moments also, passing well and shooting when he had the chance. Ben was playing very well, running up the wing with pace and skill looking to grab another goal after his success of last week.

Croft then won a free-kick on the edge of our area and a strong shot was sent past a strangely positioned wall into the goal: 1 – 1

Becks was subbed and Harry and Scott were left to cope without his powerful presence. They both rose to this challenge brilliantly and the opposition were held at bay with their careful marking and well-timed challenges. Matt, now up front fought hard and made himself a real nuisance for the Croft defense but neither team was really able to conjure anything more before the half-time whistle.

Half-time: 1 – 1

The second half began with some strong threats from Croft which were solidly blocked by our defense, but Bassett soon got into their stride and some lovely passing moves were put together. A ball was sent out to Dec Coffey on the right who passed back into an unmarked Dec Cox who calmly turned the ball past the goalie for his second of the morning: 2 – 1

Croft then had a spell of pressure and a strange period of play followed with Becks making a series of dramatic headed clearances, one after another. He also made one very strong and perfectly fair tackle which left a tiny Croft attacker shuddering on the grass!

All of the team was now fighting to keep Croft at bay and Dec Coffey made one superb saving tackle to prevent a breakaway goal. Scott and Harry were having the game of their lives in defense and managed really well once again for a period without Becks.

This meant that the Dec Cox, Jordan and Dec Coffey could launch forward with great confidence and on one of their attacks a lovely passing move ended at the feet of Dec Cox who fired in his third to notch up his first hat-trick of the campaign: 3 – 1

This third goal took the wind out of Croft and Bassett finished the game strongly, looking comfortable winners after a very even match.

Man of the match – Harry Woodhouse: All three defenders played well today, but Harry stood out with his calm and effective tackling and blocking. He provided the vital base from which the team could build another fine victory

Last modified on Monday 22nd June 2015 at 23:39