Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on September 14, 2009

Barnfield Colts U9 - 6
EB Lions U9 Blues - 3

Lions kicked off their season debut with the same resolve they had displayed at the end of the last, creating a sequence of strike opportunities. Forwards Joe Rabey and MOM Toby McGee linked up to pour on goal threats and within 10 minutes a neat through ball found Toby who netted.

Colts fought back and, foiled by textbook defensive work from James Glover and Joe Thorne, were initially frustrated in their attacking plays. Expert keeping from Cameron Burchill put paid to three on-target strikes before two landed in quick succession, handing Colts a sudden lead. The opening half ended with some dominating play and searing shots from the visitors, who looked to open the second with a statement of intent. Midfielders Sam Bramston and Sam Carter began working the length of the pitch to frustrate the home team and hog possession, but Colts bit back, scoring a third on the rebound.

Stubbornly maintaining their new-found clinical form, Lions patiently worked the Colts' back line until finally Joe Rabey slammed home to go 2-3. The home side countered once again as another goal slipped in. Refusing to capitulate, Lions increased the pressure with a stunning through-ball from Sam Carter to Toby McGee, who netted for his second goal of the match. Colts struck twice more before the final whistle to end a display which bodes well for both teams.

EB Lions U12 - 0
Luton Old Boys Youth U12 - 10

Lions began their season with a promising display of dominance over 11-a-side newcomers Luton Old Boys Youth. Forwards Sean Woodhouse and James Hurley teamed up well to maintain a goal threat and at the opposite end, outstanding defensive work from MOM Tom Horner and Aarin Johnson, and strong saves from Dan Kennell, held the visitors at bay. Following a goalmouth scramble, Luton opened the scoring in what had been an even match, but Lions pushed back with aggressive passing moves from midfielders Chris McGee, Charlie Nevin and Dominic Ryan.

A stunning run from Will Juster and Charlie almost resulted in a well-deserved equaliser before the break but, starting the second half strongly, Luton began to find their momentum. Midfielders Adam Bradley and Mason Ashby kept up some intelligent pass work and Ben Roberts continued to pull off his trademark smashes to clear the defensive line. Even so Luton managed to score five more in quick succession. Another two followed shortly after and Lions were beginning to dissolve. Strong reinforcement came from Jake Draper and Alex Poynter and Aaron Gauntlett, while a searing cross from new player James Hurley to Charlie suggested the home side were not ready to capitulate. Even so the final scoreline was disappointingly lopsided.

Source: EB Lions