Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on September 13, 2006

Eaton Bray Lions U13 - 1
Langford Youth - 10

Three key players had departed from the Lions' team since last season but they were keen to try out their new lineup. Their supporters were shocked at the size of the Langford goalie, who was at least six feet tall, well-built and could have been mistaken for David Seaman!

Langford took advantage of a defensive mistake to score an early goal but Lions equalised when Jack Coates ran on to a forward pass and struck the ball past the goalie.

Both teams battled hard and Ross Taylor worked well in midfield but after twenty minutes Langford began to exploit weaknesses in the Lions' defense and scored 3 more by half time.

After scoring their fifth, Langford substituted their goalie - only for him to return to the pitch to play in midfield. Nobody could beat him in the air, tackle him or match his speed. It was like watching a grown man play against children. Despite determined attacking play by Morgan O'Connell and brave work in defence by Lee Cavendish, Langford scored another five.

MOM went to Lions' new goalie, Marco Woodgate, for bravely facing up to the onslaught.

Eaton Bray Lions U15 - 3
NGS FC U15 - 1

Newly formed team, NGS, were an unknown quantity. It soon appeared that Lions' players might have the edge in terms of skill whilst NGS were the quicker side.

Dylan Taylor worked well in midfield for Lions and Stephen Broughton was tackling well. Both teams had several shots that were wide or high and Dean Clark made a couple of good saves, but it was almost half time before Ed Poole steered the ball past the NGS keeper. NGS responded immediately by beating the Lions' defence and drawing their goalie off his line.

In the second half NGS had a couple of goals disallowed for offside. Alex Kirkwood took a good corner for Lions and Gareth volleyed the ball into the back of the net. This was quickly followed by a skilful move up the wing by Ed, passing to Robbie Luck, who scored Lions' third.

MOM went to Robbie for his brilliant defensive play as well as his goal, but all the team played well and it was a promising start to the season. NGS will be a force to be reckoned with once they have gained more experience.

Source: EB Lions