West Hallam Under 10's showed their true class in a way one match today. Toton Tigers were swept aside with ease by the yellows today to climb back into contention for promotion places. The game kicked off and West Hallam went instantly on the offensive, with the silky skills of Birkin causing trouble on the right wing. Canvern Stevenson-Harris worked hard in the Centre of Midfield to provide the supply to the attacking options. Ellis white was strong and commanding up front, and the currently prolific Millen O'Donnell was a threat again down the left wing.
The defence of West Hallam would not be breached today, with Adam Phelps commanding his area and barking orders to his defenders. Daniel Earldey and Archie Edwards started strongly, and this was backed up by the impressive George Chapman. George showed the class to shield the ball out of play when he could, snapped into tackles, and had composure to find passes when time allowed.
The frst goal of the game came when Millen would not give up on a half chance and poked the ball into the net. Shortly after Millen scored, substitutions were made to keep the team fresh. Millen came off and Ben Bailie went across to the left of midfield, Ellis White was replaced by the speedy Riley Parkin who was returning to the side after a spell away. Ben was soon into his combative style, ruffling a few feathers and creating opportunities for Riley. Chance after chance came, but nothing would seem to go into the goal. Aaron Birkin won the ball 20 yards from goal and smashed a great shot that was going straight into the bottom corner of the net, but the goal keeper managed to get a last ditch touch on the ball to give West Hallam a corner.
Ben's persistence eventually paid off when he sent a speculative shot towards the near post. It crept in much to the delight of Ben and the Yellow's faithful. Half time came and the 2-0 scoreline flattered Toton a little.
The second half kicked off and West Hallam continued to put pressure on the Toton goal. Birkin and White both going close with shots, O'Donnell hitting the side netting, and Eardley firing in long range shots. Birkin was showing his new found maturity on the pitch by not only causing problems in the opponents half, but also tracking back to help defenders at every opportunity.
The only real opportunity that Toton had in the second half was a long range shot the was heading into the top corner. Adam Phelps however had different ideas and watched the ball all the way and plucked the ball from the top corner with a great save. The ball ran loose, but Phelps was determined not to be beaten, and closed the attacker down quickly making the striker shoot into the side netting.
As the half drew on changes were made and Parkin went into attack and White dropped into Centre Midfield. The move proved pivotal as Birkin, White and Parkin combined to score what proved to be the goal of the day. Birkin supplying White, White was then brave and persistant as he forced the ball through to Parkin. Riley then accelerated forward, nudging the ball over a defender, and was then brave enough and cool enough to lob the oncoming goalkeeper to show a great finish to a great West Hallam move.
West Hallam were rampant now and the football was fluent. White hit a great shot from distance which cannoned against the bar, Millen O'Donnell again hit the side netting after a great move. However the final say in the match was down to Riley Parkin. Again his persistance saw him win the ball, drive past defenders, and fire a shot from distance, the goalkeeper made a meal of the save, and eventually the ball squirmed ove the line. 4-0 was still a fattering scoreline for Toton, who had been well and truely out played.
Well done to the boys.
