Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on September 27, 2006

St Josephs Greens U10 - 1
EB Lions U10 Reds - 3

The Lions get off to the worst possible start as St Josephs scored inside the first minute. A long cross was headed into the net. However the boys respond tremendously to deliver their best performance of the season.

On nine minutes they equalise. Ben Walsh takes a curling corner from the left that beats everyone and hits the far post. As the ball span along the goal line, captain for the day, Jayden Newman reacted quickest and slammed the ball into the net. The boys produced some great attacking moves during the half, Ben a constant threat with his excellent runs down the wings.

Within a minute of the start of the second half, the Lions had the lead. The St Joseph's keeper could not hold Ben's cross and Matt Glover was there to prod the ball into the net.

The third Lions goal was an absolute screamer. The ball was cleared out to Jayden who hit an unstoppable shot that flew into the top corner of the net. The Lions continued to play excellent attacking football right up to the final whistle. The defence was very solid and all the boys played brilliantly. MOM awarded to Jayden.

Eaton Bray Lions U11 - 4
Watling "A" - 2

An impressive start by Watling and within the first minute of play, after a superb run by John Clarke he had secured Watling's 1st goal.

The Lions soon responded and from a corner kick, Nathan Sears headed the ball into the back of the net to even the score.

The Lions continued to put pressure on Watling and made several more attempts on goal. It wasn't long before the Lions midfield passed to James Pearce to secure Lions 2nd goal. Watling continued to battle and managed to beat the Lions defence only to hit the goal post. A throw in from the Lions midfield and James Pearce was able to score their 3rd goal just before half time, making the score 3-1 to EB Lions.

The second half saw Watling keen to even the score but again the Lions midfield penetrated the Watling defence and Will Sanders scored Lions 4th goal. Watling showed true determination and began to really put the pressure on the Lions defence. It wasn't long before Watling's Sam Ling had scored their 2nd goal. Watling continued to apply pressure but just couldn't get the ball pass the Lions keeper.

Mom Tom Nevitt.

Dunstable St Mary's U15 - 3
Eaton Bray Lions U15 - 3
-- Cup Match 4-3 on penalties

These teams were closely matched and play was untidy with several missed chances from both sides.

Lions went one down when a Dunstable forward pushed Alex Lay off the ball and went on to score. Lions were awarded a penaly when the ball was handled in the are and Alex Kirkwood confidently scored but Dunstable got their second from a great long shot just before half-time.

Lions wasted several more good chances and Alex Lay and goalkeeper, Dean Clark, had to work hard in defence. Ed Poole got through the Dunstable defence but was brought down by the goalie resulting in another penalty from which Kirkwood scored again.

In extra time both teams came alive and we saw some exciting football. Dunstable scored in the first period and Lions threw everything into the second period and were rewarded by a craking goal from Danny Law in the final seconds.

The penalty shoot-out was tense and not helped by Dunstable celebrating prematurely. The teams were still level after five penalties but Dunstable kept their nerve.

Source: EB Lions