Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on April 30, 2008

EB Lions U8 Blues - 0
Luton Borough Dragons U8 Whites - 6

This always promised to be a tough encounter for Lions, facing league leaders Luton Borough, but having held on to a narrow 3-1 defeat previously, there was understandable disappointment at the end result. And so there should have been after an accomplished performance from all players.

Forwards David Wood and Toby McGee worked hard on the ball and made some promising runs, while midfielders Luke Jearrad, Matt Kennell, Connor Tough and Jack Reynolds produced a string of impressive one-twos to bind an ever improving Lions side.

In defence Bradley Hicks, Daniel Challis and MoM Robert Bunting held off a heavier defeat. Keeper 0llie Mulcahy faced a sustained onslaught but saved more balls than Luton Borough were able to net.

EB Lions U8 Reds - 0
Crawley Green Lions U8 - 2

This was always going to be a hard game, away to the top of the league. Lions started strongly and had a lot of the possession but couldn't find a way through a well organized defense. Lions were solid at the back and coped well with anything that came their way. At half time it was still 0-0 and everything to play for; Lions made their substitutions and started the second half well.

Ten minutes into the second half Lions had a harsh penalty awarded against them and went one down. Then four minutes later, with a free header, Crawley scored again. Lions continued to try and get one back and came close a couple of times but it was not to be.

Brache Sparta U10 - 1
EB Lions U10 - 1

Lions maintained a recent surge in form to draw 1-1 with Brache Sparta on Saturday thanks to a last gasp goal from Dominic. A gripping encounter saw the visitors press the home team relentlessly from the opening whistle, with a catalogue of shots fired in from all angles. In the end it was testament to the skills of the Brache keeper that Lions were able to net only once.

Stand in keeper Ben nevertheless had his hands full and easily matched the opposing goalie with some sharp saves and confident takes. Excellent defensive work from perennial star performers Aarin, James and Mason kept the Brache strikers at bay, while Charlie, Adam, Sean and Tom all had scintillating chances on goal.

Chris, playing in defence, prevented a handful of corners but Brache went ahead in the first half, a lead they would retain until the final ten minutes.

EB Lions U12 Girls - 8
Barton Rovers U12 Girls - 0

After a great season this was the match when it all came together for Lions. From the start Lions looked good and were always in control. Against a strong wind it was 9 minutes before Lions got their first goal from Darcy with a great volley from a corner. After 20 minutes Megan got her first goal, Lions' defence of Devon, Beth and Shannon were solid and coped well with a strong wind. Lions' manager was confident that playing with the wind in the second half would ensure more goals.

One minute after kick off Megan got her second and ten minutes after Darcy (GoM) got her second. Then with three goals in three minutes from Megan and a penalty from Hattie, Lions were on the way to their biggest win of the season. Lions' midfield of Elsa and Emily controlled midfield totally so goalkeeper, Nancy, had little to do but pull off a couple of good saves when needed.

Source: EB Lions