Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on February 27, 2008

Brache Sparta U8 - 6
EB Lions U8 Blues - 1

Lions' front men Matt Kennell, David Wood and Toby McGee swooped in at every opening and threatened the Brache keeper repeatedly. Defenders Sam Bramston, Robert Bunting, Daniel Challis and Bradley Hicks ensured an even slice of possession was retained throughout, effectively countering the blistering strikes launched from either wing by the adept Brache forwards.

Nonetheless three sublime goals went in ahead of the break and Lions had some work to do in the second half. Covering midfield, Connor Tough and Luke Jearrad were effective in neutralising a string of pacey attacks, and Brache were made to fight for every scoring opportunity.

A scorching run along the right wing from David finally paid off, bringing Lions onto the scoreboard, but the visitors matched their first half tally to secure another comprehensive win, and a scoreline which would have been still more lopsided were it not for deserving MoM 011ie Mulcahy, whose diving saves far outshone the Brache goals.

Bushmead Wanderers U8 - 3
EB Lions U8 Reds - 1

With Lions captain George phoning in sick just before the match and Dax up most of the night being sick it was no surprise that Lions could not get into their normal way of playing.

Despite the efforts of Jack and Charlie, who was MoM, Lions could not push forward often enough to get the attempts on goal that they normally have. Freddie had another good game as sweeper and in goal Toby did well and made some good saves.

With Harri, Lee and Karl all being asked to play in a different role it just did not work out the way they wanted. Lions kept trying to fight back but it was only in the last minute that Dax scored a goal. At least we know why it didn't work out as expected.

EB Lions Girls U10 - 1
Sacred Heart Cheetahs Girls U10 - 1

EB Lions were out of the blocks quickly with Misha hitting a rasping shot just wide. They took the lead with a great volley by Mel from the edge of the area. Georgia then went close, hitting the crossbar.

Lions continued to dominate with Megan up front coming close on several occasions. Holly (GOM) and Sarah Jane had strong displays in defence and both made driving runs to maintain a presence in the oppositions half.

The second half started brightly for EB Lions, with Amber Walsh making some probing runs on goal supported by Steph. Yet, despite all the pressure and possession the Lions failed to capitalise on their narrow lead.

Sacred Heart Cheetahs made a rare break and scored a scrambled goal luckily beating Amber Wright. It ended 1-1 and EB Lions Girls must reflect on how they only drew this game with the countless missed opportunities they had to comfortably win.

EB Lions Girls U12 - 5
Barnfield Colts Girls U12 - 2

We knew it would happen, if you play with the passion and commitment that the Lions have shown all season the results would start to come, and some. In a match that Lions totally dominated they could have scored twice as many.

With Darcy and Hattie up front having plenty of shots on target it was Megan, who was GoM, playing from mid-field who scored all the goals, Barton had no answer to the strong runs that Megan kept making and caused them problems all match.

With three players away the rest of the team had to adjust and Elsa covered well in mid field with Emily, Abbie and Shannon strong in defence. In goal Nancy had another good game and was unlucky to concede two goals.

With this well deserved win the Lions can look forward to a strong finish to the season. Well done.

EB Lions U14 - 3
Shefford Saints U14 - 2

Lions made the most of an early chance when Audouard chased in a long ball, which bounced over the goalie, and headed it into the net.

Lions continued to pile on the pressure, with several promising attacks being thwarted by the skilful Saints' goalie, and had a goal disallowed for offside. Broughton and Storey (MOM) worked well for Lions in defence. Shefford picked up their pace towards half-time and their efforts paid off when defensive errors allowed them through to equalise. Lions were awarded a controversial penalty early in the second half, but the shot hit the crossbar. A great cross from Moriarty was neatly collected by Marshall to score Lions' second. Their third soon followed when Moriarty struck a low, hard free-kick from just wide of the box.

Shefford made a comeback in the final minutes, managing to reduce Lions' lead, but the equaliser eluded them.

Source: EB Lions