Under 11’s MPE Sports Match Report
The new format plays 9 aside consisting of a single game, running at 30 minutes per half, a big jump up for the boys who had to consider the offside rule.
First Half
This was always pencilled in to be a great game against local rivals Loose Lions and the MPE Sports boys did not disappoint. The manager’s selection placed Jacob Williams [GK], Connor Simmonds, Billy Tidman, Toby Martin, Oliver Hewitt, Jack Amos, Harry Goodwright, Aaron Wood and Josh Ashdown first out, with Kian Murdin, Jamie Pye and Sam White in the wings as appointed substitutes.
The first goal came minutes into the first half as Jack Amos placed a precision through ball to the ever pacing Josh Ashdown, who fired it passed the Loose Lions keeper placing the home side one nil up. Did the home supporters erupt in chorus, yes they did………………….. [1-0]
The MPE boys were piling on the pressure moving the ball well in midfield with shots from Oliver and Josh being denied by the Loose Lions keeper, who to be honest was having his work cut out from the barrage of shots. A great run form Harry Goodwright, who was unlucky not to release Jack Amos on goal.
Loose Lion’s attacks were short lived thanks to the safe hands of MPE Sport’s number one Goal Keeper Jacob Williams.
A lightening run from Conner released Jack who was unlucky not to find the ever approaching Aaron Wood. Loose Lions were always looking to break and 5 minutes in it happened it was only the MPE’s back two of Billy and Conner that denied a passage through.
Loose Lions continued to pile on the pressure with their new found confidence forcing the play deep into the MPE Sports half with beautifully controlled passing throughout midfield, only to be denied by the MPE back men.
It was 20 minutes in when the life line was given to Loose Lions as a penalty was conceded due to high studs and the Lion’s #6 didn’t disappoint, converting the MPE error into the equaliser [1-1]
Loose Lions were quick to break and when they did it was in force, sweeping the ball from left to right. It was the quick thinking defensive wall of Billy Tidman, Toby Martin and the rock they call Conner Simmonds that continued to defuse the oncoming attacks. Loose Lion’s always looked to score and 9 minutes to the end of the second half the second goal came [1-2]
Manager’s team changes placed Jamie Pye, Sam White and Kian Murdin on in replacement for Harry Goodwright, Josh Ashdown and Aaron Wood.
Half time score [1-2]
Second Half
Second half left the team unchanged.
The home side were straight out of the blocks at the start of the second half forcing the play into the away half; confident hands from the Loose Lion’s prevented the home side equaliser. Again the threat was always going to come from the break; it was Loose Lion’s number 7 that carved a path through the MPE midfield to create a two goal lead [1-3]
Most games are won or lost through midfield and this game was no different, the mighty MPE worked tirelessly throughout with Sam White, Kian Murdin and Oliver Hewitt battling to keep control.
Lightening runs from Sam White and Kian Murdin who were dominating midfield. The MPE boys were now playing some really good football. The break for MPE Sports came 13 minutes into the second half with Jamie Pye converting a free kick; find the back of the net and placing the home site back in the competition for points [2-3]
Another quick break from Loose Lion’s tested the hand of Jacob Williams, who denied the away side’s number 11 a shot from in from of goal.
The manager’s substitution placed Harry Goodwright, Aaron Wood and Josh Ashdown on for the Billy Tidman, Jake Amos and Oliver Hewitt.
This was all about fitness and stamina [remember the length of play is considerably different to last season’s matches] these boys never gave up.
A twisting run from Aaron Wood, who was enjoying his time in upfront, almost flicked the ball passed the Loose Lion’s keeper. The fourth goal for the away side came 25 minutes into the second half [2-4].
The MPE boy’s blasted out of the blocks, with minutes left until the final whistle, found a lightening run from Sam White, who found the perfect shot on his right foot, placing the home side in reach of a point.
Final score: MPE Sports 3 – Loose Lions 4
Managers Player - MOTM [Billy Tidman]
Parents Player - [Sam White]
First Goal Scorer - [Josh Ashdown]
