On a beautiful sunny sunday afternoon, Starlands U.10's found themselves playing away in the cup at a strangley familiar ground.
They had been drawn against the other Starlands U.10's team managed by Matt.
Matts 'Mets' were drawn at home and so got to play in their familiar Orange kit. Our team made do with a token blue tabard.
The game had more of a friendly training match - that was until the whistle blew, and it was off at Haydock!
Mets were the first to strike first - They had been showing early pressure and Ben had made some early saves.
However, Starlands ( Our Starlands) through Ellis had the earlier easier chances - but having got himself in a great position he was unable to either keep the ball down or on target. But, he was having a much better game - and was tracking back in defence too, more intent on getting the ball than the player. SO, well done Ellis!
The same could not really be said for his other strike partners - who for one reason or another did not seem to be at the races.
Oscar on the other hand was up and down like a kid on a trampoline - He was everywhere! and was having a great game. The 'Mets' did their best to nobble him, and although he went down - he always got back up to battle on.
Zak & Marcus were there reassuring selves at the back and were thwarting any Mets attack.
However, like the tide coming in - there was one attack when Ben was required to make a triple save!...Great effort but the fourth shot just beat him at the near post. 1-0 to The Home Starlands.
That was the way it finished at the half time break.
Jed and Lewis came on - at the expense of Oscar and Josh. A strange move , but maybe Oscar needed a rest? but, STarlands could little afford to have him off for long.
The second half, Our Starlands had the lions possession and were camped in the Mets half for most of the game - but, just could not seem to get a shot away.
Again, Ellis was unfortunate not to score - and Zak managed to get up for a corner but shot over the bar.
The 'Mets' had a couple of attacks but Ben was quick off his line bravely going down at the on rushing strikers feet. He either deflected it wide or put the pressure on the striker - and when needed either Marcus or Zak were back to clear the ball.
As Starlands puched forward for the equaliser - obviously Mets pace up front made them more likely to get a break away goal - and one such attack resulted in Ben pushing the ball up and it fell wide of the post.
However, the inevitable happened and 3 Mets players found themselves unmarked in the box!.. a bullet of a shot from just inside the box went inthe top corner.A great first goal for the young striker.
This made it 2-0 and only seconds left, Yet the boys did not give up!...They all went up for a corner and were unlucky not to get something - and the sight of them all rushing to get back was also a sight to behold.
The full time whistle went - and guess what Starlands were the winners!!!!!....just not ours :(
The 'Mets' continue in the CUP and we go into the PLATE....maybe a double this season? who knows.
We need some goals!! and soon! A great effort - and shame Kieran was unable to play.
No matter what the result - All the boys were smiling afterwards and a lovely U.10 photo followed. The loss was made easier for the boys by Rick handing out chocolate afterwards!.....no such luck for the parents!! C'mon Rick sort it out!!!
