Our first visit to Denton Youth’s ground on Saturday to face Brendon Bees in what Dan and I expected to be our biggest test of the new season to date.
What I wasn’t expecting though was the nightmare start to the game as we found ourselves 2 goals down after what seemed liked only seconds rather than minutes! I don’t really know what happened for the first goal as I turned away for a split second with George about to take a goal kick and then to my horror saw the ball being slotted home by the Bees player to send their fans into raptures. Just as well I hadn’t seen it because seconds later and we were 2 down as another defensive mix up also ended with the ball in the back of the net!!! Next thing I’ve got Dan on the phone saying “I can’t find it where do I go?” There’s me trying not to remain calm and not shout – I’ve got no chance have I?
After 4 minutes though we were back in the game as Aaron fired home and from then on, although the game was end to end on the seemingly smaller than normal pitch, if anyone was going to win the game it would be Heyside. Aaron again forced his way through the Bees defence and levelled the game up at 2-2 with a clinical finish and was by now clearly coming in for some rough treatment from the Bees players.
It was a great comeback by the boys and we went in at half time confident that we would now go on and win the game. Great credit must go to George, Lennon and Joel who after the first minute shocks and defended with tremendous determination. They were well supported by Luke, Ryan, Matty, Jack, Louis and Aaron who all worked hard to get us back on level terms and turn the match completely on its head.
The second half kicked off and again we were soon on the attack and eventually the pressure told as a quick throw by Luke set up Aaron for yet another hat trick to put Heyside in the lead for the first time by 3-2.
We needed another goal to seal the points but after several near misses and a couple of outstanding saves by the Bees keeper it was all square again at 3-3 as we failed to deal with a corner and the equaliser was stabbed home. This was a real body blow after the boys had worked so hard to get in front but then with only a few minutes remaining they almost managed to take the lead with yet more close shaves for the Bees goal.
This was a fantastic point after the way the game had started for us but the boys were disappointed not to get the win they deserved.
With the A team putting in a sterling performance to win 2-0 we could be well satisfied with 3 points out of 4 against a team we expect to be challenging towards the top of the league. With Dukinfield Youth winning both games though this meant that we had dropped to second place albeit only 1 point behind the new leaders.
It’s the first round of the Primary Cup next week against first division Curzon Ashton and a return to last seasons old stomping ground at Wright Robinson.
See you there for the next thrilling instalment!!!
MOM: Well done to all the boys again today – Aaron was rewarded for a great hat trick with the award. (Remember to bring it back next week!!!)
Next Match: Curzon Ashton 8:45 Wright Robinson, Gorton.
