Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on November 14, 2006

Ramsey Magpies U8 - 6
EB Lions U8 - 0

Saturday saw Lions playing in a quarter finals' cup match against Ramsey Magpies.

Magpies currently lead Division One and Lions therefore had a difficult task. This was obvious at the start when the Lions went 2-0 down after only ten minutes and were 5-0 down at half-time.

The fifth goal was scored as a result of a misdirected goal kick and poor marking on the part of the defence.

The second half was a lot better for the Lions, who only conceded one more goal, to make the final score 6-0 to the Magpies.

In spite of the score there were still good performances from individuals in the Lions' team. Thomas Rainbow had an encouraging game in defence, along with Archie Bunker in midfield. The star and Man of the Match, however, was Dylan Karavadra, who worked tirelessly in midfield and as a forward, showing great skills and ball control.

Paul Cook, the Manager, said that the Lions marking and positional play were not up to scratch and this would be addressed in future training and team talks.

Team: Jack Cook, Thomas Rainbow, Elliot Whitcombe, Archie Bunker, Dylan Karavadra, Charles Gardner, Jack, James Pratt.

EB Lions U9 - 4
Shillington U9 - 0

The Lions under nines discovered a new goal scorer! Having threatened to make his mark in previous games, Dom Ryan scored not one but all four goals in a comprehensive win over Shillington.

Charlie "Dickie" Nevitt made some great runs down the wing and the team held its shape well throughout the game, putting together some excellent passes, all of which contributed to the win. But it was Ryan's day, showing real composure in front of goal and great finishing skills.

Shillington came close to scoring on a number of occasions but some brave goal keeping by Dan Kennell gave Lions their second clean sheet and earned him this week's MoM.

Luton Leagrave U11 - 3
EB Lions U11 - 4

A perfect sunny morning set the scene for a nail-biting match between two capable and determined teams.

Lions drew first blood with a masterful pass from Jake Higgs ensuring James Pearce slotted into the right corner of the net after 15 minutes.

The 0-1 half time score was not an indication of the level of play as both teams had to work hard and several shots were cleared off the line.

The second half got off to a fast start with a wonderful volley from Jake Higgs giving Lions a 0-2 lead. Leagrave reversed the lead with a succession of goals within five minutes. First a stunner by Andre Neilson that ripped high into the back of the net and then a lull in Lions' defence saw goals scored by Paul and Hartley from close range.

After a stunning show of ball control from Bill around the half way line, James responded by taking the ball all the way past the Leagrave defence and slotting it into the corner of the net to even the score.

Finally, James bagged his hat trick, beating the goalie and scoring within minutes of the final whistle. MoM: EBLions - James Pearce. Leagrave - Andre Neilson.

EB Lions U13 - 5
Limbury Saints U13 - 3

The slow start of this game was no indication of the treat that the home spectators were to see later in the second half.

Lions were made to defend well as Limbury constantly attacked through the middle. Once again, James Thiel showed his skills in defence - excellent timing and clearance.

Lions managed a few passes and runs down the wings, but it was Limbury pressure that led to the first goal.

Clever substitutions at half-time by the Lions surprised Limbury and a run by Morgan O'Connell was finished off by Andy Scott-Lewis with one of his trade mark left foot shots.

Now the scores were level and Lions were on the ascent. Spotting the keeper off his line, Jack Coates gave Lions a 2-1 lead with an excellent long-range shot from the centre circle.

Limbury equalised, but a superb free kick goal by Jack put Lions in the lead again. Sam Marshall and Joe Ashman also scored to give an eventual 5-3 home win. It could have been even higher as shots from Ross Taylor and Matt Audouard were well saved.

Both teams attacked constantly, but it was to be the Lions' day with some class football. MoM - James Thiel.

St Martins U15 - 8
EB Lions U15 - 1

This match was played at a fast and furious pace which was a testament to the fitness of both teams.

The home side scored two early goals, the first from a great run up the right wing and the second from a quick run onto a forward pass. Lions replied with a firm strike from Rob Gadsden which went through the goalie's legs.

St Martin's goalkeeper looked vulnerable but Lions found it hard to get close enough to capitalise on this because St Martin's defence was so strong.

Lions conceded two more goals before their goalie was injured. Replacement, Alex Lay, made an early mistake and allowed St Martin's to score their fifth, but then settled in to play well for the rest of the match.

Lions worked well to hold off St Martins for most of the second half, but Danny Law and Ed Poole both came off injured and St Martins were able to score three more before the final whistle.

Lions played with determination but were beaten by a stronger team who seemed to have an impregnable defence. MoM went to captain Rob Gadsden for encouraging his side to keep their shape well in a tough situation.

Source: EB Lions