Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on March 5, 2008

St Martins Orange U8 - 1
EB Lions U8 Blues - 1

A gently undulant pitch and unpredictable crosswinds kept both teams on their toes in an enthralling first half.

Possession was divided evenly in a competitive opening 20 minutes, with both teams creating chances. Lions' rugged defenders Sam Bramston, Jack Reynolds and Daniel Challis bravely closed down the St Martins attacking plays, and, along with 011ie Mulcahy's commanding saves, ensured the score remained 0-0.

In the second half Lions came out firing and Connor Tough managed to break through as Toby McGee drew the attention of the home defenders in front of goal. A sliver of an opening was enough for Connor to slot the ball deftly into the net. Matt Kennel) looked set to compound that lead but was denied by some effective defence work.

Not ready to concede defeat, St Martins landed an equaliser five minutes later, despite expert plays from Robert Bunting, Bradley Hicks and deserving MoM Luke Jearrad, none of whom let up for a moment.

EB Lions Girls U10 - 0
Crawley Green Girls U10 - 2

Lions knew they were in for a tough match and raised their performances accordingly, but were unfortunately undone by a goal either side of half time.

The defensive duties displayed by Sarah Jane, Misha (GOM) and Holly were outstanding.

Megan between the sticks was forced to make some great saves. Mel & Liberty in the first half and Amber Wright and Steph in the second were all solid in midfield and gave the opposition little time to settle on the ball.

Lions felt that their luck would change mid-way through the first half when they were awarded a penalty for handball, but Georgia was denied by a lucky save from Crawley Green's goalie. Amber Walsh also came close on a number of occasions in the second half.

With the possession and chances that Lions had it must only be a matter of time before they turn their efforts into a much deserved win.

Potton Colts U12 Girls - 1
EB Lions U12 Girls - 2

Another great team effort and another great result with two away wins back to back.

The Lions playing with the wind were putting the pressure on Potton and took th lead through Hattie after 11 minutes and i wasn't long before Darcy came close to scoring a second.

After 15 minutes the Lions were unlucky to concede a goal and despite Megan, Elsa and Emily pushing forward it was 1-1 at half time.

Even against the wind in the second hal Lions' defence of Katie, Beth, Devon and Shannon looked solid and Nancy in goal coped with everything that came her way. I was Lions' constant pressure and determination that caused Potton to score an own goal. With three Lions ready to pounce on any mistake the ball was alway going to end up in the Potters net.

The Lions supported each other well an, earned themselves another well deserved two points.

Flitwick Eagles U14 B - 6
EB Lions U14 - 0

Lions needed a win to hang on to second place in the division but things started badly when they conceded a soft goal afte only five minutes and Eagles scored another soon afterwards.

Coates made some promising attacking runs for Lions, feeding the ball through to Marshall, but the Eagles defence seemed impenetrable. Under pressure Lions conceded an own goal and Eagles scored fourth before half-time.

Lions played better in the second half, with great defensive play by MoM Thiel, Lancefield and Broughton keeping Eagles at bay. However, Lions struggled to get past Eagles back four and could not get their shots on target when they did. Eventually Lions were worn down by the relentless pressure from Eagles, who scored twice more in the last five minutes.

This was a disappointing result for Lions who obviously struggled against a disciplined and physically stronger side.

Source: EB Lions