Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on November 24, 2006

EB Lions U8 - 0
Arnold Magpies U8 - 11

Lions, for the second week running, played Arnold Magpies' Under 8s, but this time in a league home match.

Unfortunately the result was similar to the previous week's cup match, the Lions losing this time 11-0.

The Lions, in the first half, played really well and were unlucky to be 5-0 down at half-time. Excellent defensive and midfield play were seen from Elliot Whitcombe, Dylan Karavafra and Archie Bunker.

The second half saw several substitutions, which affected the balance of the team and this half was marred by several injuries, notably to Jack Cook in goal, which also contributed to the poorer performance of the Lions.

Nevertheless, they are improving, as was shown by this match against such a particularly well-coached and talented team as the Magpies. MoM Archie Bunker.

The squad comprised: Jack Cook, Thomas Rainbow, Jack Pratt, Dylan Kasavadra, Finnley Ryan, Elliot Whitcombe, Tom Sage, Archie Bunker, Jack Nevitt, Charles Gamble, Callum Gardner, Tom Phillips, Amber Walsh.

EB Lions U11 - 3
Luton Squares FC U11 - 0

Both teams started well but after a great run from Lions defender Robert Moseley who passed a solid ball to Joe Turner, the Lions had scored.

Luton Squares rallied the troops and nearly scored the equaliser only for Luke Dunstan of the Lions to head the ball off the line. The pressure continued from the Luton Squares but without any goals.

The second half saw several attempts on foal from the Lions, Jake Higgs made a great cross for Joe Turner to tap the ball in the goal. A free kick awarded to the Lions saw Jake Higgs power the ball straight into the top corner of the net.

The Luton Squares continued to apply pressure to try and even the score but the Lions goal keeper Jack Bramston made some excellent saves.

Men of the match: Jack Bramston / Joe Turner.

EB Lions U13 - 0
Mid-Beds Tigers U13 - 2

EB Lions bowed out of the League Cup against a team 2 Divisions and 30 places higher in a surprisingly even match.

EB started the stronger and could have taken the lead when Jack Coates hit the bar with a powerful shot after 10 minutes. Further good chances to score fell to Coates, Matt Audouard and Mom Gus Thorne while at the other end James Thiel and goalie Charlie Oliver made a series of good blocks to reach half-time goalless.

After the break, Tigers got into their stride and after 10 minutes took the lead from a penalty and effectively wrapped up the game with a second goal.

EB Lions U15 - 2
Kempston Reds U15 - 2

Kempston surprised Lions with a beautifully set up goal within the first minute. But the home side rallied well and Dylan Taylor took an opportunistic shot and just missed.

After ten minutes Kempston beat Lions' defence again, forcing their goalie off his line, and lobbing in their second goal. Lions answered with a neat attaching move by Alex Smith and Mom Ed Poole involving some quick passes to confuse the opposition and culminating in a goal by Ed. Both sides had a couple more near misses but there were no further goals in the first half.

Ben Turner came on for Lions and his charges through the Kempston defence worried them enough to concede a free-kick, but the ensuing shot was off target. Lions failed to score from a goalmouth scramble, despite three attempts, but won a corner. Alex Kirkwood's corner was initially headed clear but Rob Gadsden blasted a shot into the bottom corner to level the score.

Both sides fought hard for the winning goal but it proved elusive.

Source: EB Lions