Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on February 20, 2007

EB Lions U8 - 0
Luton Leagrave U8 - 3

The Lions had the better of the first half, with excellent passing and positional play.

Unfortunately, this did not convert to any goals for them. The second half started well, but went against the Lions in the first minutes, going down 0-1.

A missed penalty by Leagrave saw the Lions lift their heads and they attacked the opposing team's goal incessantly.

This, however, allowed two more breakaway goals by Leagrave, to leave the score 0-3 against the Lions.

Jack Cook again gave a magnificent display in goal, with Dylan Karavadra working well in midfield and attack.

Archie Bunker was prominent in positional play and throw-ins. The star, however, was Thomas Rainbow at central defence, who was awarded Man of the Match. Paul Cook, the Coach/Manager, was pleased that the Lions were progressing with their passing, the best this season.

The squad comprised: Jack Cook, Thomas Rainbow, Dylan Karavadra, James Pratt, Charles Gamble, Callum Gardner, Archie Bunker.

EB Lions Reds U10 - 4
Ampthill Town Eagles U10 - 0

The Lions won their first match of 2007 with an excellent game against a good Ampthill side. After two close away defeats everything clicked into place for the Lions back on their home turf. The game was evenly matched for the first fifteen minutes but the Lions took the lead when a corner fell to Matt Glover who hit a low shot into the net. Matt scored his second later in the half when he broke clear of a group of Ampthill defenders and fired a shot into the top left-hand corner.

After a quiet spell at the start of the second half, excellent play by Ben Walsh set up Ellis Turrell for the Lion's third goal. Harry Rogers made a superb save to preserve the Lion's clean sheet. With a couple of minutes remaining Matt Glover completed his hat trick to round off a great team performance and earn himself the MoM.

EB Lions U13 - 10
Caldecote Youth - 1

It was a scrappy start to the game, as both teams wore similar colours - that didn't lend itself to either team stringing passes together. After about 10 minutes Lions got their act together and made lots of attacks, gained a few corners, but good Caldecote defence ensured nothing came of these attacks. Lions continued to battle through, and after 25 minutes Morgan O'Connell got his first of two goals before half time.

This two goal home lead seemed not enough for the Lions fans and in the second half they were richly rewarded with a further eight goals.

Some tenacious attacking saw Jack Coates get a hat trick within a five minute period and Morgan increased his tally to five - a new Lion's individual record this season.

Charlie Oliver and Jonnie Moriarty also scored penalties. A Lions' own goal gave Caldecote their consolation goal. MoM Gus Thorne - solid all-rounder.

Kempston Reds U15 - 10
EB Lions U15 - 1

Kempston caught Lions off guard, scoring three goals within the first five minutes, but Lions soon settled in to the match. Kempston dominated play in the first half, having the advantage over Lions in terms of strength, size and speed.

Despite good defensive play by Gareth Hemming (which earned him MoM), Ed Poole and goalie, Dean Clark, Kempston scored two more - one being an impressive lobbed shot from a free-kick. A long shot by Lions' Alex Kirkwood was plucked from just below the crossbar by the Kempston goalie.

Lions were stronger in the second half but missed several scoring chances whereas Kempston scored five more. Kirkwood made a great cross to Martin Coates whose header hit the crossbar and Lions finally achieved a consolation goal when Danny Law scored from a cross by Rob Gadsden. This was Lions worst result of the season but their coach praised them for their sporting behaviour in difficult circumstances.

Source: EB Lions