Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on January 30, 2008

EB Lions U8 Reds - 4
Luton Borough Dragons U8 - 0

What a match!

With a much improved Dragons team as opposition it took Lions a while to settle down but after the first two goals from Harry and Charlie things were looking good.

A more compact Lions' midfield meant that George and Jack had more of the ball and playing wingers Harry and Charlie less wide gave Lions the vast majority of the first half possession with a lot more opportunities to score.

Freddie adjusted to his role as sweeper well and was MoM.

In goal, Toby always looked a safe pair of hands dealing with anything that came his way.

Lee and Karl came on as wingers at half time and Dax and Lee soon scored.

Lions dominated the second half and could have scored more.

This week's goal scorers were Dax Roe, Charlie Giblin, Harrison Ambrose and Lee Saunders.

EB Lions U10 - 1
Sundon Park Rangers U10 - 3

A shearing cross wind which would facilitate play one end, hinder it from the other, ultimately led to the Lions' demise to one of the league's top performers.

Nevertheless the boys submitted an indelible performance, replete with slick passes.

MoM Sean fired the Lions ahead following a scything run, and the underdogs looked set for an upset.

Lions demonstrated a handful of their sublime one-twos which foxed their accomplished opponents, and for most of the opening half Charlie and Chris, abetted by robust defenders James, Ben and Mason, ran rings around Sundon Park, delivering endless neat passes to the able feet of forwards Adam and Dominic.

A rejuvenated Sundon Park emerged from the half time break with vehemence.

By the final whistle, three goals had slipped in but Lions' keeper Dan had one of his best games to date, ably deflecting shot after almighty shot from an endowed Rangers strike force.

EB Lions U11 - 1
Sundon Park Rangers U11 - 4

The Lions returned to play Sundon two weeks after beating them in the Cup and were surprisingly beaten by the team currently second bottom in the league.

The boys created a number of early chances but could not convert any of them, Sundon however scored twice in the first ten minutes.

The Lions continued to push forward and looked the more likely team to score as half time approached however it was Sundon who netted for a three goal half time lead.

The Lions played better in the second half with Captain Scotty Mercer pulling a goal back.

The boys created many more chances but it was just one of those days.

Sundon scored late on to wrap up the win.

The Lions were out-muscled by a physical team who showed more desire for the victory.

MoM for the Lions was defender Nik Challis who never stopped battling.

EB Lions U12 - 3
HR Hatters U12 - 2

In a very exciting and close County Cup Quarter Final, Division 1 Hatters drew first blood against Lions to edge ahead in the first half.

Lions calmed the nerves with a well executed goal early in the second half from Jake Higgs, whilst Lions' defence stood firm closing down most Hatters attacks before conceding a weak goal to fall 2-1 behind.

However, Lions rallied and from a corner Declan Tomlinson rose to bullet a header into the top corner to equalise.

Extra time beckoned, but the last minute substitute, Ed McBrearty, made an exquisite 15-yard pass to Jake to cross for Will Sanders to power in the last gasp winner.

Lions go through to the last 4 in the County!!

EB Lions Girls U10 - 4
Sandy Colts Girls U10 - 0

The early play was restricted to the midfield but both sides started to make inroads on the opposing goal with both teams hitting the post.

Lions seemed to change gear and took the initiative resulting in a great solo goal from Mel.

Confidence increased and Lions continued to pepper the goal with great displays from Liberty, Georgia, and Steph in midfield and Amber Walsh upfront.

The second half started brightly for Lions with Amber Wright smashing a goal into the roof of the net.

Colts then re-grouped, but were kept at bay by some inspiring defending by Misha, Sarah Jane (GOM) and Holly, aided by the reliable "safe hands" Megan in goal.

A long range shot was converted by Lions' Hannah who chased the ball down and beat the keeper on the rebound.

The fourth goal (Mel's second) came as a result of a free kick by Misha to finish the game off.

EB Lions U12 Girls - 1
Potten Colts U12 Girls - 1

This was another great match.

Lions were playing second in division Colts and knew that they faced a good team. Lions got off to a strong start and maintained the pressure right up until half time. Hattie and Darcy pushed the Potten defence to make a mistake and allow them to score.

In midfield, Megan and Emily worked hard to keep the game moving forward.

Katie and Devon, who was GoM, defended Lions' goal well and pushed up to help find a way through.

Nancy looked confident in goal and made some great saves.

The match continued at the same fast pace as the first half. After seven minutes Potten scored so Lions made changes to bring Darcy, Devon and Emily back on.

Lions were still fighting for every ball and three minutes before time Hattie scored a well deserved equalizer.

Teamwork, effort and determination enabled Lions to get a great result.

Source: EB Lions