Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on September 15, 2008

Brache Sparta Spartans US - 2
EB Lions US Blues - 3

Back from the break and into the game as if these players had not once taken their eye off the ball, the Blues launched into play spurred on by their fervent supporters.

Mid-fielders Sam Carter, Joe Rabey and Ollie West slotted some accomplished passes between Brache Sparta's defence, delivering effective balls to centre forward Myles Frederick.

First half goals from Joe and Ollie saw the Lions end the opening twenty minutes on level pegging with a talented home side, but the Spartans had no answer to a third goal after the break, courtesy of Myles.

Taking turns in goal, Toby McGee and Cameron Burchill pulled out a string of stunning saves, aided by a sturdy back line consisting of Joe Thorne, James Glover and Sam Bramston.

A fine opening start to the season and a promising performance from a bunch of talented young players.

Luton Borough Dragons U9 Whites - 5
EB Lions U9 Blues - 1

The match started in emphatic style with both teams playing an open game. Ollie (captain) Mulcahy in goal made some outstanding saves and was protected well by some decisive and brave takles by Daniel (flip flop) Challis and Bradley Hicks. Unfortunately, the EB Lions were 2 nil down at half time.

MoM Connor Tough was pinnacle in midfield along with Robert Bunting and Luke Jearrad aiding in providing cover to the defence and feeding the attack.

But it took a great majestic solo run by Matthew Kennell to put the Lions on the scoresheet to make it 3-1. Other great performances were by the versatile Jack Reynolds who played out of position to cover injuries and David Wood upfront who relentlessly came back searching for the ball to try and get the Lions back in the game.

The only disappointment from a great team performance is they went down 5-1, but the season looks bright with the commitment they showed alone.

EB Lions U9 Reds - 4
Bushmead U9 - 1

Lions were away for the first match of the new season and what a start. Only having played one previous match as a full squad this was always going to be a good match against a strong opposition.

Lions started well with a goal after three minutes from Jack Quigley then after fourteen minutes George Oliver got their second. The match was evenly balanced with both teams playing open, high tempo football.

Lions made their first substitution at halftime and scored a third goal after a great run from Dax Roe, two minutes later Bushmead scored and the pressure was back on as they pushed forward looking to get back into the game. With five minutes remaining George scored his second and Lions finished 4-1 winners.

Birthday boy Tony Barbato put in a superb display in defence and was unlucky not to score.

This was another great team performance from the Lions.

Barton Rovers Youth B U12 - 1
EB Lions U12 - 6

Lions recovered from a poor first half to emphatically win their opening match of the season.

Midway through the first half Barton deservedly took the lead. Lions' keeper MoM Harry Rogers was in inspired form and made three excellent saves to keep his side in the match. William Poole's great pass set up Ed McBrearty to pull a goal back just before half time, to give the Lions a flattering interval score line.

However in the first minute of the second half Jayden Newman scored to give the Lions the lead and they never looked back. Jamie Holt blasted the third with a fantastic long range shot. Matthew Bramston scored two goals and Ed got the Lions sixth and his second to wrap up a great win.

Harry made more great saves in the second half and Jakob Knappitt was superb throughout in the Lions defence.

EB Lions U13 Girls - 2
Dunstable Colts - 0

This was it, the first time Lions had played together this season and what a great start. With both sides playing well it was 24 minutes before Emily Hodson put Lions in front. With most of the pressure coming from Lions they were unlucky to be only one up at half time.

During the match Lions made lots of substitutions to try and find the right balance for the team.

Ten minutes into the second half Darcy Ashby scored Lions' second from a corner. Although the Lions were always in control Dunstable got a goal on the break with ten minutes left but three minutes later Devon Ferguson went on a run and scored Lions third.

This was a good match and a great team effort. GoM - Eden Scott.

Source: EB Lions