Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on September 21, 2009

EB Lions U9 Blues - 2
Crawley Green Kestrels - 6

Out to better their impressive performance last week, Lions faced the formidable Kestrels in what would always be a challenging encounter.

Forced into a sequence of outstanding saves, MOM Cameron Burchell excelled to foil the majority of Crawley's marksmanship. Even so the visitors finished the first half with a five-goal lead.

Lions began to link up in the second, defenders James Glover and Joe Thorne closing in to neutralise a ferocious Crawley onslaught. Strong passing plays between midfielders Myles Frederick, Sam Carter and Sam Bramston and forwards Joe Rabey and Toby McGee opened the door on a handful of strike opportunities.

Ten minutes into the half, Joe broke free to find Toby who loosed a searing shot, clawing one back for the hosts. Minutes later Joe lashed in from 15 yards and Lions seemed to be on the comeback trail. Crawley refused to be turned over, though and managed a sixth, leaving Lions insufficient time to continue their impressive fight back.

EB Lions U14 Girls - 2
Letchworth Eagles U14 Girls - 0

It was good to see the Lions doing what they do best and that's giving 100 per cent from the first kick to the last. The Lions got off to a great start and after nine minutes they went ahead with a fine goal from Megan Viljoen (who was awarded GOM) after some great linkup play with Darcy Ashby pushing forward from midfield. The Lions continued to dominate from midfield with Ashby, Hattie French, Emily Edwards and Devon Ferguson giving some great service to Viljoen, Elsa Kirkwood and Shannon Byrne up front. Then, with 20 minutes gone, Viljoen got her second and the first half ended 2-0.

The Lions defence of Katy Thiel, Eden Scott and Emily Hodson were solid all match which meant keeper Nancy Oliver had little to do. The game ended 2-0 but could have ended with a much larger goal difference had the Lions put away more chances. This was a great team effort with everyone playing their part.

Source: EB Lions