Uppermill Blues U12’s match Report by Viv Cheetham
Rather a damp, dreary, December morning saw the Uppermill Under 12s (Blues) play their rematch against AFC Stanley Reds who they had beaten the week before. (4-3) Play began with Uppermill looking stronger for the first few minutes, going on the attack from the off. A free kick conceded saw AFC's attempt on goal go over the crossbar, luckily. Five minutes later saw an attempt on goal from Sam who also unfortunately just aimed a bit too high. However, another few minutes later he was not to be defeated, scoreing a cracking goal, blasting it into the top of the net following a great cross in from Joe. 1-0 to us. AFC Stanley came back strongly, necessitating several timely interventions from Ethan in defence, as well as some good corners defensive work. Dylan also performed quite a brave block by using his face (!) which perhaps wasn't the plan but was effective none the less. Their keeper was kept busy and dealt with several promising shots on goal from Ellis and Joe. It was pretty end to end stuff though and the equaliser came after 20 minutes of play after their forward player managed to break away from the defence. He was fast! Despite another couple of near misses by Joe and Ethan, the score stood at 1-1 at half time. The sun peeped out briefly at half time.....just before the rain properly set in again. However this wasn't to dampen Uppermill's spirits; just 5 minutes into the second half, a great chip from Finlay over the keeper, put us 2-1 in front. Shortly after, Finlay scored another much to the delight of the Uppermill supporters, some of whom were feeling some slight affect effects of yesterday's Santa Dash! Or was that just me? This may have affected a few of the team too, who were starting to look a little tired and a counter attack from AFC quickly got them a goal back putting the score at 3-2. The score was to remain at that despite more chances and narrow misses by Fletcher, Corey and Ellis. Their keeper played well for his team. As did Daniel, our keeper, who also put in a good performance. All in all - a really good game. Lots of chances created; the boys worked the ball well between themselves definitely looking the dominant side. Well done! Final score : 3-2 Scores : Sam Wood (1); Finlay Bowden (2).