The 2015s were in action this morning in their latest fixture in the Douglas league. Such was the heat, parents remarked it could have been Italy, with temperatures soaring into the 20s. But no, Bathgate was the location, and Whitburn were the opposition - the latest in Jensen's round of cousin rivalries.
Winchburgh got off to a strong start, with most of the possession in the first 5 minutes. Cael and Caelen got in early shots, but couldn't find a way through. Just as Whitburn were getting a foothold in the game, Dexter made an excellent tackle in his own half and broke up the field and shot to break the deadlock.
With the hot weather, the subs were always going to be important today. Nikodem made an immediate impact after the first changes, winning four tackles in quick succession and helping the boys up the park. The pressure continued with Noah winning a few corners, with the second goal all that was missing.
Whitburn worked their way back into the game, with an attempted lob and a follow-up shot being superbly saved by Cullen. However, Whitburn upped the intensity and managed to take a chance following a scramble in the box to level the score. Jensen, Michael and Nikodem continued to make tackles, with Nikodem winning the ball but temporarily losing a boot in the process.
The game opened up, with both sides making attacks. Noah came close after making a long run, only to be denied by the post. Despite all the chances created by Winchburgh, just as half time approached, Whitburn scored their second with the striker finishing clinically after a superb long ball.
That could have been enough to put down an ordinary team. But this wasn't an ordinary team, and this wasn't an ordinary game, with Winchburgh coming back strongly as the second half got going again. Kai and Dexter worked hard in midfield, with Noah, Caleb and Caelen getting forward on the wings.
The hard work was finally rewarded after Nikodem's long ball was met by Noah, who nipped in between the defender and the keeper to clinically put the ball in the net and level the game up. The game continued to be on a knife-edge, with Cullen making another top save. Just as it looked like Whitburn could go ahead again, Winchburgh edged back in front with Caleb making a tackle to set up Dexter who put the ball over the keeper.
The game wasn't over yet though. Michael did well to clear the ball off the line, which led to a counter attack with Caelen's shot only just going wide of the post. There were tired legs all over the park, but Noah played a great long pass to Caleb who shot past the keeper to score Winchburgh's fourth, after some great link up play with Caelen.
The boys have been summoning their inner 'Real Madrid' recently with a never say die attitude and a strong finish. This week was no different, and the game ended on a high with Dexter finding the top corner to complete his hat trick.
There were strong performances all over the pitch, and any one of a number of players could have picked up the man of the match. However, Dexter's hat trick and dynamic midfield play gives him the coaches vote this week.
Overall, an excellent performance all round in very hot conditions against a good Whitburn team. 'Mon the Albion!
