Garforth League U10’s Div B – Gildersome Spur vs Ossett Town Juniors
Sunday 9th May 2010
It is often good to know exactly what you need to do going in to the last match of the season, but often it can put pressure on you that changes the way you approach and play. We knew what had to be done – 2 victories and nothing less would seal a top of the table position and a tough 11 a side league next year.
So, could these young bucks do it? Had these young boys (and girl) grown into young men? Could they handle the pressure? Would they fall at the last hurdle?
Lions Match Gildersome Spur 4 : 6 Ossett Town Juniors Goalscorers: Liam Finney 3, Joseph Smith 1, Thomas Coe 1, Thomas McGee 1
"don’t panic Mr Mannering!”
Two goals down after 5 minutes and the answer to all of the above questions seemed to be in the negative. Heads were momentarily down as the Lions struggled to get started and find their form. However, true class shows through in moments of adversity and the Lions simply played their way out of trouble. They had confidence in their own game and started to pass the ball and gain more and more confidence.
It was not long before a good move down the left culminated in a cross from Thomas McGee (TJ) finding Joseph Smith in front of goal who then decided to blast the ball into the net. The equaliser followed straight away with a good long clearance from Ella Walker finding Joe whose shot against the post rebounded back for a simple tap in for Liam Finney (LF); something that we had been working on in training. The early nerves had settled and the Lions were now in full swing. The best move of the first half then started with Louis Allison switching the ball to Thomas Coe (TC) on the left who switched it back to LF on the right for a super finish and enabled the Lions to go into half time 3:2 ahead.
It was far from one sided as Gildersome kept players up front where the numbers provided a threat, but at the same time leaving them exposed to the counter attack from Ossett. It was one such counter attack that led to the 4th goal as TJ got on the end of a clearance from Ella, turned and finished well. The Lions then put together the best move of the match and almost the goal of the season. Louis to Elliot Hewitt in midfield, to TJ and out to TC on the left. TC passed the width of the pitch to LF who met it on the volley, unfortunately just missing the target. It was once again a pleasure to watch. The 5th goal then came as TJ hit a fierce shot that the keeper tipped against the bar once again for LF to tap in the resulting rebound. A hat-trick for Liam which was well deserved having the speed and determination to get so quickly to those rebounds. This seemed to be game over and the tension on the touchline started to reduce. A fortunate accidentally headered goal from Gildersome from a corner to make it 5:3 didn’t worry the Lions. Another great move emanated from Liam Taylor to TC on the left and a great cross to Joe who put it over the bar. TC then showed us all how it is done with a wonderful left foot shot that crashed against the inside of the left post and flew across the goal and in off the right hand post. Gildersome managed to get another late goal which bounced and bobbled from a long clearance and was then blasted at Ella who couldn’t manage to stop it, but it was too little too late and the Lions secured the victory.
This was a great all round team performance with a team that has the confidence to pass the ball and create great chances through flowing moves. To come back from two nil down without any panic showed a self belief and a maturity that will put them in good stead for next year. Well done!
Warburtons’s player of the match – Elliot Hewitt
Tigers Match Gildersome Spur 3 : 6 Ossett Town Juniors Goalscorers: Ryan Turfrey 3, Adam Berry 1,Finlay Townend 1, Bailey Holderness 1
“Kissing the Ossett Town badge”
We should have a picture of the moment Ryan Turfrey scored the first of his hat-trick as the Tigers took an early lead and he kissed the Ossett Town badge. It would have gone on the website and become a symbol of a great year. The goal came after a flurry of early chances for the Tigers and one chance where Adam Berry had clearly got the ball over the line for it not to be given. It was clear from the start that this wasn’t going to be a walkover as Gildersome had clearly balanced their two sides to good effect, but the Tigers got off to a better start than the Lions. Chris Coppello then made a decisive substitution as Bailey Holderness found Ryan to Sam Allen on the left and then across to Finlay Townnend. His first touch of the game was the shot that scored the goal. Was it a substitution from a tactical genius or a complete fluke? (answers on an e-mail) Whatever it was the score was now 2:0 to the Tigers. The Tigers were playing some fantastic football and were hugely comfortable just keeping possession and passing forward and back. Connor Ryan looked very strong in goal with some great shot stopping saves and a variety of distribution from the huge kick to the clever pass. Callum Towey and Morgan Fletcher once again looked strong, with both players not only getting to the ball well, but taking their time on the ball and finding their passes. The 3rd goal came from another good passing move with Ryan out to Sam whose great cross found Bailey for a straightforward finish. A powerful shot from the Gildersome forward made it 3:1 at half time, but the trophy engraver was already getting ready and working out how to spell “Ossett”
The second half got off to a bad start as Gildersome made it 3:2, but the gremlins had hardly any chance to settle in when Ryan made it 4:2 with a good little toe poke into the net. Incredibly, Gildersome made it 4:3 following a mistake at the back, and it was getting a little too close for comfort. Nerves were becoming frayed and parts were beginning to twitch that ordinarily shouldn’t be. Fortunately before things got too far out of hand Ben Shelton placed a great cross in to the path of Ryan for his hat-trick and Ossett’s 5th. Adam then made it safe with a great finish from another Sam Allen cross. The Tigers were now loving every minute of it and from a good Finlay corner Callum headed (yes! – headed!) just wide. He then showed his defensive skills when in a 3 against one scenario he did not commit too early and allowed one of our team to chase back. Another example of how much these players have learned in one season. We were piling on the style up front and we saw an outrageous step-over from Sam and an equally outrageous back heel from Adam. Confidence oozing from every pore.
As the final whistle blew the waiting Lions players charged on to the pitch arms aloft chanting “Champy own, Champy own” The spectator barrier was being gently lowered to allow those with bad backs to step gingerly on to the pitch to join in the spirit of the occasion. It may have been slightly more subdued than the scenes at Elland Road the previous day, but equally as important to the young bucks who had worked hard all year for this moment.
A great end to a great season. It has been great fun watching the games and watching the improvement in all of the squad during the year.
Yahoo!
Nat West Player of the Match – Ryan Turfrey
Garforth League U10’s Div B – Churwell Lions vs Ossett Town Juniors
Sunday 1st May 2010
Ossett Town kept up their title challenge with a double victory over Churwell Lions to claim a maximum 6 points. Their destiny is in their own hands and another 6 pointer against Gildersome next week will guarantee them at least a share in the Garforth league title.
Lions Match
Churwell Lions 1 : 6 Ossett Town Juniors Goalscorers: Joseph Smith 4, Elliot Hewitt 1, Thomas Coe 1
“you can tell they’re a good side – they do everything right”
Praise indeed. These were the words of one of the Churwell supporters during the second half as the Lions continued to keep their shape and drive home their advantage even though the victory was already secure.
It was a cool, overcast Sunday morning, but the Lions warmed the hearts of their supporters with one of their strongest performances of the season. There wasn’t a weak area on the pitch, and once they had settled they dominated a much stronger Churwell side than in their last recent outing. Ella Walker had little to do yet again, but distributed the ball well to Liam Taylor (LT) and Louis Allison and kicked long when required. Louis looked composed on the ball and found Liam Finney (LF) to good effect on the right. His support play was good with LF and both Louis and LT supported attacking moves more frequently. Later in the game LT threatened to get on the score sheet when he put himself in a good position, but put the resulting shot over the bar. It is good to see LT and Louis doing this more and more, providing more options in attack, whilst retaining a strong defensive attitude. Elliot Hewitt in the centre, Thomas Coe (TC) on the left, LF on the right and Joseph Smith up front kept good shape and provided width at all times. It was a joy to watch. Chances came quickly from the start. A long ranger from Elliot just wide, a glancing header from Joe just wide, a superb cross from Joe that TC couldn’t quite get on to the end of and a stunning shot that almost brought the goal posts down from TC. The inevitable first goal came after a strong challenge and then through ball from Elliot which found Joe on a one on one with the keeper and made no mistake.
Churwell then showed that they weren’t going to be a walkover where a corner was beautifully headed in from their No 10. Elliot made it 2:1 with a deft touch from his right foot pulling the ball back on to his left foot. The following shot found the top right corner of the goal leaving the keeper with no chance. TC then got the third with a good left foot shot in the penalty area taking the Lions into half time well on top.
The second half was all one way and the Lions just got better and better. Joe finished clinically another through ball from Elliot. Elliot then forced a save from the keeper as he tipped it onto the bar and then another shot went just over. Joe then got his hat-trick following in the rebound from a superb left foot shot from TC that the keeper couldn’t handle. Liam Finney kept the pressure up on the right wing with some dazzling dribbling moves and some cracking shots which the Churwell keeper did well to stop. Joe then finished the day off with another high quality finish to make it 6:1 and his fourth of the day. Chris Copello commented at full time on the quality and composure of Joe’s finishing in front of goal. Is it too late to get him on the plane to South Africa?
A great team effort and consequently ….
….Warburtons’s players of the match – The Team
Tigers Match
Churwell Lions 1 : 5 Ossett Town Juniors Goalscorers: Adam Berry 2, Ben Shelton 2, Bailey Holderness 1
“Landslide victory for the Reds”
This may not be the headlines we are reading in the papers on Friday morning, but it was certainly true of today’s Tiger’s performance. To be fair though, this was a fairly even performance and Churwell had a couple of exceptional players who would have looked just as comfortable in their Lions team. It wasn’t until well into the 2nd half that the result was secured and the team could relax a little.
Callum Towey would have got my vote if he was standing for the “brave party” as he stooped to header a ball and ended up with a face full of leather. He got back up and then did the same again a little later. This is the stuff of great defenders and as long as you still have some milk teeth you can keep your looks. Morgan Fletcher paired up well with Callum and earned player of the match through some great tackling and super distribution, particularly to Bailey Holderness. Connor Ryan in goal made up the final element of the defensive trio and put in a very strong and accomplished performance. After an early goal he never looked likely to be beaten. He got down well to an early shot and blocked at least 2 or 3 screamers during the rest of the game. The Churwell No 6 and No 9 were both strong and kept our defence on their toes. After conceding a soft early goal the Tigers more than made up with a superb equaliser. Callum hit a beautiful long range cross that Bailey met on the full and volleyed skilfully into the bottom left hand corner. It was a fantastic bit of one touch football. The 2nd goal was another excellent move with Morgan setting Adam Berry free down the right hand side. He dribbled skilfully to the goal line and then dragged it back for Ben Shelton to finish off well. It was good to see Ben back in the side after his long absence due to “volcanic ash extended holiday syndrome” and his skills on the left were clear to see. So the Tigers went in to half time 2:1 up and despite playing well the game was still in the balance.
At the start of the 2nd half Churwell put together a good move resulting in a fierce shot from their No 6 and a great save from Connor. Our 3rd goal came to Adam as he finished with great style in front of goal. Ryan Turfrey who continued to take up good positions in the centre of midfield found some space on the edge of the box and curled a good shot just over the bar. A Bailey corner resulted in the 4th as Adam headered the ball towards the goal line. Ben made sure it crossed the line, but when asked if it had already gone in he answered that he didn’t know. When Adam was asked the same question his immediate response was to say that it was his goal. Whatever the outcome it was 4:1 and the Tigers were home and dry. Ben secured the 5th from an unselfish Adam pass showing that team spirit lives on in the Tigers. Overall this was a good performance. Chris Coppello urged them at the debriefing to make more width and keep looking to create and find space.
Every game and every victory is another step forward toward the title and the sweet taste of the celebratory diet coke must be tantalisingly close.
The fat lady isn’t singing yet, but her distant tones can be heard in the shower as she warms up ready for next weekend
Nat West Player of the Match – Morgan Fletcher
Garforth League U10’s Div B – Ossett Town Juniors vs Kirkstall Crusaders
Sunday 25th April
As in the premier league, the division B title is a two horse race. Ossett Town are nestling just 2 points behind Hunslet having played the same number of games, and comfortably ahead of the next nearest challengers. For Ossett to take the title it is quite simple, they need to take maximum points from the remaining 3 fixtures (6 games) and Hunslet need to slip up and draw a game. So spurred on by this clarity Ossett set to the challenge.
Lions Match Ossett Town Juniors 7 : 2 Kirkstall Crusaders Goal scorers: Joseph Smith 3, Elliot Hewitt 1, Thomas McGee 1, Liam Finney 1, OG 1
“Style and substance wins the day?” On paper the Lions were surely the stronger team and they started well creating plenty of early chances. Thomas Coe (TC) put one over the bar from a short corner. Thomas Mcgee (TJ) went through on goal, but was unable to get it past the keeper and Elliot Hewitt hit two past the post and one that was well saved by the keeper’s feet. The Lions had settled well, but it wasn’t until the Crusaders defence tripped TJ in the 6 yard box and conceded a penalty that the Lions got on the score sheet. Elliot converted the chance with great confidence. The strangest thing then happened as Louis Allison had a rare shot on goal following a clearance from a corner, and came close to scoring his first goal as the ball was deflected past the post. It was good to see Liam Taylor (LT) and Louis working well together with one supporting the attack while the other covered behind.
Suddenly Kirkstall were back in the match as a good attacking move generated their first shot of the match from a reasonable distance which found the bottom corner of the net. Kirkstall were putting up a good fight and even though the Lions were on top it was not comfortable viewing.
The Lions then successfully converted defence into attack after Louis chased back well, found Liam Finney (LF) on the right who found Joseph Smith who went on to finish well for a 2:1 lead. Kirkstall had a strong attacker who was a regular threat to the Lions defence, but they often left themselves exposed at the back if their attack broke down. On another such occasion Louis found Joe who once again finished well to make it 3:1. Things were looking more comfortable and the chances kept coming with TC hitting one straight into the keeper’s hands and Joe hitting a cracker against the bar. So it went into half time 3:1 to Ossett. The Kirkstall star striker kicked off the 2nd half with a great turn to beat Louis, a long run and great finish bringing the game close again. This seemed to be a bit of a turning point as the Lions were dominating but were still not clear of danger. They continued to play very well and passes were going forwards, sideways and backwards as the Lions demonstrated their ability to keep hold of the ball which will be hugely important as they move to 11 a side next season. A Lions corner from LF led to an unfortunate own goal by Kirkstall. The best passing move of the match then followed as LT found TC down the left hand wing. TC passed to Joe in the centre of the field who played a gorgeous ball into the path of the running LF. His shot went just over the bar, but the move deserved a better result. TC on the left and LF on the right were creating width and TC ran to the bye line and brought a great ball back for TJ whose side footed shot went just wide. Then after all these great flowing moves we saw the simplest of goals as TJ just hit a shot to the near post where the keeper had left too large a gap. 5:2 and the game was effectively over. Another great move from Joe to TJ to LF was this time met with a superb clinical finish from LF and a well deserved goal. Joe then scored the last of the game running on to a good through pass from TJ.
Overall this was a strong and dominant performance from a quality side growing in confidence. The flowing moves are a joy to watch and the coach just picked up on the need to look backwards as well as forwards when looking for passes to keep possession.
Warburtons’s player of the match – Joseph Smith
Tiger’s Match Ossett Town Juniors 6 : 2 Kirkstall Crusaders Goalscorers: Adam Berry 4, Sam Allen 1, Finlay Townend 1
“Tigers seal the 6 points as Adam buries Crusaders” This match was closer fought than the score-line suggests and it wasn’t until part way through the second half that the game was safe. The Kirkstall team had some strong players who would have been equally at home in the first game.
The Tigers got off to a cracking start with Bailey Holderness finding Ryan Turfrey who slotted a good pass thought to Adam Berry who finished with a good touch. Kirkstall were quick to respond and in their next attack just grazed the post. The half was evenly contested with Adam, Bailey, Sam Allen and Ryan linking well in attack and across the middle of the pitch. Morgan Fletcher continued his rapid growth looking more and more comfortable on the ball as each week passes. On one occasion he was comfortable in beating the attacker before distributing the ball well. Callum Towey delivered his part of the partnership well again and the two of them have a good understanding. The first half ended at 1:0 to the Tigers.
The best goal of the game came early in the 2nd half with a super cross field move starting with Sam on the left. He found Ryan in the middle who set up Finlay Townend on the right hand side. Finn made the by-line and put in a fierce cross-come shot which Adam ran on to and headered in from close range. Another beautiful move involving Sam, Adam and Finn ended in Finn trying to find Adam when he really should have been more selfish and gone for goal himself. This just shows how the team have developed and how they are looking to find and support each other more. Sam then made it 3:0 when clear through on goal and he made no mistake. Connor Ryan in goal wasn’t hugely busy, but had enough to do to keep him interested. He set up the 4th goal after recovering well from a dropped ball and finding Adam with a great clearance. Kirkstall then got a deserved goal after a goalmouth scramble despite a great tackle back from Bailey. Adam made sure that their enjoyment was short lived as he safely put away another goal as he ran through on the keeper. Another scrambled goal followed for Kirkstall and then Adam applied the coup de grace with another quality finish from a route 1 from Connor.
As I said, the score didn’t reflect the closeness of the game in the first half, but was probably fair overall. The Tigers never panicked when things were close, continued to work hard for each other and the quality of the passing and the finishing, in particular from Adam, proved the difference.
The title is still in sight and the next couple of games will be crucial. The sensible money is still on Hunslet, but their will be a lot of hits on the Garforth League website tracking the results. It all adds to the excitement and the fun is what it’s all about.
Nat West Player of the Match – Adam Berry
Garforth League U10’s Div B – Ossett Town Juniors vs Churwell Lions
Sunday April 18th
A gorgeous sunny morning and a little green cabin awaited the players and fans alike as they arrived at Haggs Hill for this U10’s clash. The regular carriers of the tuck shop and goal posts heaved a sigh of relief in the knowledge that their fortnightly exercise was to be eliminated for the rest of the season (1 home game), but were happy in the knowledge that next years U10’s would get the benefit for the whole season! All we need now is more sharing of the running of the tuck shop and setting up of the pitch rather than leaving it to the regular few.
Lions Match Ossett Town Juniors 7 : 0 Churwell Lions
Goal Scorers: Thomas McGee 3, Thomas Coe 2, Elliott Hewitt 2
“What the Eyjafjallajokull was that?” We have witnessed throughout the season some great performances from this Lions team and all too often the result has gone against them. We have said that one day some unsuspecting team was going to end up on the wrong end of a good hiding when everything came together, and this was that day. Like the difficult to say and spell Icelandic volcano, the Lions erupted right from the start spewing molten passes which were too hot to handle across all areas of the pitch. Like every airline in the country, Churwell were unable to get off the ground and remained that way for the whole match. The lions dominated in every area of the pitch and to be fair never looked like conceding a goal and would have scored even more if it wasn’t for the good work of the Churwell keeper. Ella Walker was as busy as an Easyjet baggage handler and the only moment of note was a good clearance to Thomas Coe in the first half. Louis Allison and Morgan Fletcher paired up very effectively and both made telling tackles when it counted and both kept their heads up and distributed the ball well. They retained their defensive disciplines and a clean sheet although the temptation to drive forward must have been great.
The shape of the team was strong and the close proximity of the marking was great to see. Churwell were simply not allowed to play or dwell on the ball.
So, on to the goals. The first came from Thomas (Krakatoa) McGee as he took a good ball from Morgan and slotted it neatly past the keeper on the near post. Thomas (Vesuvius) Coe soon followed with a second demonstrating that he has a right and a left foot. His first left foot shoot was parried back to him and then he finished with his right. Joseph (Stromboli) Smith was not destined to get on the score sheet, but played well with one particularly memorable pass through to Krakatoa McGee which showed great vision and awareness.
The third came early in the second half as Liam (Etna) Finney headed the ball to Elliot (Mount St Helens) Hewitt who headed it back for Etna to pass through to Krakatoa who found the bottom left hand corner. Vesuvius Coe hammered the fourth in to the roof of the net following a great shot from St Helens Hewitt that was tipped on to the bar and rebounded back. St Helens scored the 5th with a long ranger and a bit of good fortune as it went through the keeper’s legs. Krakatoa then scored the 6th with a long run down the right to the goal line and then somehow found the gap between the keeper and the post. Finally, and not to be outdone, St Helens proved he also has a right foot and slotted the 7th into the corner of the net. The Lions players were all on fire and when the dust finally settled it was a well deserved 7:0 victory
Warburtons’s player of the match – Liam (Etna) Finney
Tiger’s Match Ossett Town Juniors 6 : 0 Churwell Lions
“The eruptions continue and Tigers blow Churwell apart ” In the time it took to walk all the way to the newly positioned tuck shop, buy a coffee and a tea and bring them back it was 3:0 to the Tigers. This is either a measure of how far the tuck shop is away (or the speed of service?) or how explosively the Tigers started the game.
Finlay Townend (I’ve run out of names of famous volcanoes) carried on where he left off last week with a strike that surprised the keeper and found the back of the net. Bailey Holderness made it two when he finished off a ricocheted shot. Adam Berry got the 3rd from a rebound from another Finlay shot. This looked like it could be a massacre. The Tigers were in full flow and taking everything in their path like the magma field that engulfed Pompeii. Just as in the previous game, Connor Ryan in goal, Liam Taylor and Callum Towey in defence seldom looked troubled. Connor once again showed speed off his line on a couple of occasions and great bravery at the foot of the forwards on one move. Liam and Callum looked impenetrable. Liam on the left worked well with Sam Allen with some good passes out of defence. Callum went on a long dribbling run in the second half which eventually ended with no success, but then chased back to secure the defence. This epitomised the hard work ethic despite the fact that the game was well won and under control. The Tigers stayed on top throughout the first half and in to the second half but funnily enough did not add to the goal tally until some time into the second half despite creating many good chances and playing some super football. The Churwell keeper was worthy of a mention with some great acrobatic saves.
Adam made it 4:0 with a bobbling shot with the keeper being unlucky. Martin Hewitt (the ref) then introduced a nice element of pantomime to the proceedings with a dazzling spin and land on his derriere, much to the delight of his many admirers in the crowd. Adam then showed how far he has come this year with a great bit of play and then an unselfish pass to Bailey for an easy tap in for the 5th. Adam then followed this with another good pass through to Finlay who slotted it neatly past the keeper for his 2nd and the 6th of the game. Ryan Turfrey was an unsung hero in the centre of midfield working hard and retaining the shape allowing the likes of Sam and Bailey to work the wings. Sam put in a memorable cross in the second half which gained the plaudits of the crowd.
Another strong all round performance from the Tigers with very few volcano references. There will be tougher challenges ahead, but you can only beat what is in front of you. What matters is that we keep learning and growing and both sides did this through playing well and keeping their focus. Two clean sheets are as important as 13 goals
Nat West Player of the Match – Finlay Townend
Garforth League U10’s Div B – Chapeltown YDC vs Ossett Town Juniors
Sunday 11th April
This was another eagerly anticipated fixture with Ossett Town taking on bottom of the table Chapeltown. However, we were soon to discover that their lowly position is more to do with the fact that they struggle to regularly field two sides rather than the quality of their play. Chapeltown had to give up the 6 points before a ball was kicked which sort of kicked the wind out of our sails and made the fixture a little less tense.
So, with the points already in the bag, apparently playing the bottom of the table side and a bobbly old pitch, there was a real danger that we might not have our foot on the gas – and so on to the Lions match
Lions Match Chapeltown YDC 3 : 2 Ossett Town Juniors “A game of two halves”
……. and so it transpired. The Lions were surprised by the quality of the Chapeltown side and were not really up for it from the kick off. They were a yard off the pace and there were gaps all over the pitch. The Lions defence were too often left unprotected as the team struggled to find a good balance.
It then came as a bit of a surprise when Liam Finney showed good strength and put through a great ball to Thomas McGee (TJ) who placed a cracking shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net. 1:0 to Ossett. However, it wasn’t long before Chapeltown got their deserved equaliser with a great individual goal from their No 8 who consequently earned himself a new pair of boots. This was soon followed by their second goal which was well worked and so they went into half time 2:1 up.
The Capello half time team talk had the required effect. No throwing of football boots, but more of a self realisation moment for the team. The Lions came out a new team. They were tighter on their men and defended and attacked more as a team. It really became a great game to watch as firm but fair tackles were going in all over the place and Ossett started to play some good football.
Ella Walker pulled off a great save from a dubious free-kick at the start of the second half. Louis Allison put in some strong tackles and after winning the ball on one occasion found Joseph Smith on the left who in turn found TJ who blasted a good shot at the keeper.
Another great move saw Louis find Thomas Coe (TC)on the left who then passed the full width of the pitch to find Liam Finney. He hit a belter that crashed into the right hand post. A moment later TC found himself on the goal and hit another sweet left foot which hit the left hand post. The Lions were on top and deserved better. Their just reward followed when Liam Taylor found TJ down the right hand side who put in a great cross that Joseph got onto to force the equaliser. Things were looking good.
And then despite all these efforts Chapeltown secured the victory with some excellent forward work and a good finish with the final result of 3:2 going Chapeltown’s way.
It was a good day for learning. We must always be up for it from the start no matter the challenge and if we can see what is going wrong then we need to put it right during the game rather than wait for the half time team talk.
Warburtons’s players of the match – Louis Allison
Tiger’s Match Chapeltown YDC 2 : 5 Ossett Town Juniors
“Wonder strike from the Mighty Finn helps secure victory”
Finlay Townend deserves a new pair of golden boots for his “goal of the season effort” in this game. The scores were level at one a piece when the ball bounced out to him well outside the box on the right hand side. His foot swung through the ball cleanly and the volley went straight over the goalkeeper who was off his line into the bottom left hand corner. It marked the arrival of a newly found confident young man into the Tigers side.
Up until that point the Tigers were evenly matched against a combined Chapeltown side with some good players from the first match. Chapeltown took an early lead despite a great early chance from Bailey Holderness who ricocheted a shot onto the bar from a great piece of wing work from Sam Allen.
Sam put together another piece of good work which led to Finn’s first goal.
So, just to recap – Tigers were 2:1 up after Finlay’s wonder goal and the game was under full swing.
Connor Ryan came brilliantly off his line to stop a certain goal from a long ball through the Tigers’ defence.
Callum Towey and Morgan Fletcher looked a solid pairing in defence and on more than one occasion covered for each other extremely well. Ossett looked strong going in to half time.
The third Ossett goal was scored by Bailey following a goalmouth scramble which emanated from Bailey in the first place and then a Finlay cross.
Finlay narrowly missed his hat trick as he shot one against the post and then unbelievably he hit the post again after a good turn and shot.
However, Chapeltown were not buried yet and we were almost punished for these misses as their strong No4 scored a great solo goal to make it 3:2
Adam Berry found himself out on the left side of midfield and was learning to adjust to this new position. He found his touch with a great ball across the width of the pitch to Bailey who took it on and finished clinically. Adam then secured the victory with a heavy weighted shot that gave their keeper no chance.
Ryan Turfrey was awarded player of the match due to sticking to his task that the coach had set him. He played very well in the holding midfield role with good tackling and harrying of the opponents and the occasional foray into attack.
This was a good all round performance from the Tigers with a great shape to the team. Callum, Morgan and Connor looked solid at the back, Ryan doing what was asked in the holding midfield, Bailey and Sam providing skills and width in the attack and Adam and Finlay providing good finishing up front. A fair result and a goal to treasure for one young man.
Nat West Player of the Match – Ryan Turfrey
Garforth League U10’s Div B – Ossett Town Juniors vs Hunslet Sunday 21st March
These two matches had been eagerly anticipated for many weeks by players and parents alike as the top two teams in the league set about what was potentially to be the title decider. Everyone was up for it and the weather provided perfect playing conditions, sunny, dry and soft under foot. Like the horses at the Cheltenham Gold Cup, these thoroughbred stallions were at peak condition, coats shining and ready for the game of their lives. First up were the Lions
Lions Match Ossett Town Juniors 1 : 2 Hunslet
“Junior football at its very best”
The Lions lost to Hunslet 4:1 in the first match of the season, but right from the start it was clear that this contest was going to be more closely fought. Elliot Hewitt threaded a good early ball through to Joseph Smith who found Thomas McGee (TJ) who hit a cracking shot straight against the post and out again. Our immediate thoughts were that it may be “one of those days”. Joseph soon put an effort over the bar and TJ put another shot just wide of the post. Hunslet responded with a good effort and Elliot had an early long range effort. The quality of play was high on both sides and the pace of the game was very fast. There was certainly no room for shrinking violets.
The shape of the game was developing well with Ossett looking the stronger. Connor Ryan was quick off his line on many occasions, put in some great diving saves and had a very safe pair of hands. Louis Allison and Liam Taylor at the back had their work cut out to keep the Hunslet attack at bay. Billy, the Hunslet forward was everywhere and must be one of the strongest players in the league. Liam Finney and Ben Shelton had to work incredibly hard against some high quality Hunslet defenders to find their passes and to create chances. Despite the obvious quality of the opposition Ossett looked the better team and played the better football, but Hunslet looked more threatening and looked more likely to break the deadlock with some great incisive moves. Still in the first half, Elliot shrugged off a Hunslet midfielder, made space for himself and placed a superb shot towards the top left hand corner. Their keeper did brilliantly to tip it over the bar. Louis stuck close to Billy and on one occasion chased back brilliantly to dive in and block the shot just as he was bout to pull the trigger. TJ created a Kanu style chance from nowhere and thundered another shot against the join of the bar and the post. Hunslet then struck the inside of the post and Ossett were lucky to see the ball roll across the line without going in. It really was exciting stuff.
The second half was equally exciting, but Hunslet were first to break the deadlock with a great move and a shot in off the inside of the post. A great save from Connor followed but Hunslet were on top and dominating. The inevitable second followed with another good quality move and finish and it looked like the Lions might crumble. There was to be nothing of the sort as Lions started to create chances again and pulled together some good passing moves. Liam Finney finished one such move with a good shot over the bar. TJ went through on goal and shot just right of the post and then quickly followed with another chance into the side netting. Finally the hard work paid off with a shot from TJ on the right which the keeper failed to hold and Joseph followed it in. 2:1 to Hunslet, but the Lions were roaring now. The last 5 minutes were desperate times as the Lions frantically searched for the equaliser. Hunslet hit the bar and the Lions kept pressing, but it was not to be and the final whistle blew and Hunslet were the victors.
All the spectators stood applauding a superb game. It was exciting, it was high quality, it was evenly balanced, it was played in good spirits, but above all it was a shining example of Junior football at is best.
Warburtons’s players of the match – Elliot Hewitt
Tiger’s Match Ossett Town Juniors 1 : 6 Hunslet
Greater strength in greater depth from Hunslet
Ossett have depended on the Tigers’ 100% record this season and this has come about by having a good quality squad which few opposition teams have been able to match. Today was the exception and the Tigers came across a very strong team with 3 or 4 outstanding players. Hunslet will be an 11 a side team to be reckoned with next season. By the end of the match the Tigers had been well beaten and appeared a little shell shocked. However, adversary is the mother of invention and the Tigers will have learnt much from the experience and will be stronger for it.
It started well for the Tigers and despite almost going 1:0 down in an early goal mouth scramble they looked at least equal to Hunslet. In fact the Tigers were first to score after Bailey Holderness went on one of his trademark runs down the right flank. He beat several players and finally pulled back a pass to Adam Berry who had the easiest of tap ins. It was a great flowing move and a great goal. Ironically, it was from this moment that Hunslet started to play. Bailey then created another good move after tackling back well, dribbling past three players and through to Adam who, unfortunately failed to score on this occasion. Ella Walker in goal, Morgan Fletcher and Callum Towey at the back, were all being kept busy as Hunslet started to play better football. Hunslet hit the post following a clearance that didn’t find an Ossett player and then the equaliser came as their star player, Leon, made no mistake from a similar situation. Still, all was level going in to half time.
I don’t know what was in the Hunslet oranges at half time, but right from the start they dominated and ended up scoring 5 goals with no reply. The Hunslet centre forward found himself in space in the 6 yard box and crashed the ball in to the roof of the net with Ella having no chance. Little Leon was a dribbling demon and following another great run he scored Hunslet’s third. Ella managed to parry a great shot from the Hunslet right midfielder, but Leon was there waiting for it, Hunslet’s fourth and his hat trick. I’m trying to get “Kings of Leon” into this, but it isn’t working. However, he once again pounced on a ball that broke free and planted it in the bottom right hand corner for Hunslet’s fifth. It was not great to watch as a 6th and final goal was scored.
It’s difficult to understand what was happening as all of the Tigers team seemed to be working hard and playing fairly well, and it was looking good up until half time. Perhaps they weren’t allowed to play and perhaps they had found their Waterloo in this excellent Hunslet side. I guess there is no option but to train even harder and to work even harder and to keep our heads up. We are a good side and just need to strive to get better.
Nat West Player of the Match – Adam Berry
Garforth League U10’s Div B – Leeds City Juniors vs Ossett Town Juniors
Sunday 7th March
Lions Match
Leeds City Juniors 0 : 2 Ossett Town Juniors
“The Sun shines on the righteous”
It was one of those beautiful sunny mornings following a hard frost that signifies the end of a long winter and the first signs of the coming spring. This was a top of the table clash with Ossett lying 1st and Leeds City lying 3rd and after another long gap between games there was a nervousness in the crisp cold air about the challenge ahead.
The Lions have got better at starting matches and were on the front foot from the start. They settled well and the formation of Thomas McGee (TJ) up front ably supported by Joseph Smith, Thomas Coe (TC) and Liam Finney as attacking right and left midfielders, with Elliot Hewitt in the “engine room” of midfield providing the link between defence and attack. The defence continues to look more solid as Louis Allison and Liam Taylor cover each other to better effect all the time. No longer the “side by side”, but more often with one dropping off while the other links with the attack. Ella Walker looked extremely confident and this was demonstrated with good calling, great distribution as usual and one particularly good save where she came out quickly to narrow the angle and took one in the belly for the team. Although the team didn’t quite reach the heights of the Tingley match where they were unlucky not to win, they played good football and were patient, all signs of growing confidence. This time the sun did shine on the righteous as an early chance fell to Joe coming from a great pass from Louis. Joe ran to the left edge of the box and hit a shot which the keeper fumbled and the ball ended up in the net. After the frustrations and poor fortune of recent games this was a well deserved lead as the Lions controlled the play. To be fair for most of the first half the Lions had the best of the play, but Leeds were strong in defence and overall a strong team. Chances were few and far between and mostly came from good long range efforts from Elliot. Occasionally Leeds looked threatening and 1:0 was a fragile lead to take into half time.
The second half was much the same as the first as the closely fought battle continued. There were a few highlights worth recounting. One particularly good passing move between Elliot, Joe and TJ. Liam Taylor intercepted a ball in the last quarter and broke through a couple of defenders and then struck the shot just left of the post. His height, speed and poise reminiscent of Patrick Viera at his best, and perhaps even the shot? This move along with another solid defensive performance was enough to earn him player of the match.
Then came the clinching moment as Elliot had control of the ball in midfield, looked up and saw the keeper off his line and in that Beckham-esque moment hit a great long ranger over the keeper into the roof of the net. The nerves from this close encounter were ended and so was the game.
A well deserved, professional and confident victory against strong opposition. Bring on Hunslet!! Warburtons’s players of the match – Liam Taylor
Tiger’s Match
Leeds City Juniors 4 : 8 Ossett Town Juniors
Learning to turn the screw
It’s difficult to stop repeating myself as once again the Tigers showed the great strength in depth of this Ossett Town squad. No team has lived with them this season and today was no different. However, when we dominate games we must also make the most of the opportunity to improve even more and think ahead to the 11 a side challenges next year. 8 goals should have been more and the fact that Leeds City scored 4 showed more about us taking our eyes off the ball rather than the quality of their team. We need to learn to turn the screw when in charge.
Having said all that the first half got off to a flying start and before long the Tigers were 5:0 up and the game was over.
1:0 – Ben Shelton went past a couple of players and found Adam Berry with a great pass which was finished extremely well 2:0 – Adam slotted a good pass through to Bailey Holderness for a tap in at the far post 3:0 – Another Adam goal with his left foot finished nicely from a corner kick 4:0 – Adam through on goal in a one to one with the keeper for another quality finish and his hat trick 5:0 – Sam Allen got himself on the score-sheet with a good volley from an Adam pass
From this moment of total dominance it is interesting to see that Leeds scored 4 goals and we scored a further 3. Fair play to Leeds for sticking at it and their second was a beautiful flowing passing move culminating in a good finish. For the record Bailey scored the 6th from a Fabregas quality penalty after being brought down in the box, then scored the 7th and his hat-trick as he went through on a one to one and then finished it all off with his 4th and Ossett’s 8th. In the meantime at one stage Leeds had fought back to 7:4 and it looked for a moment they might salvage something from the game.
Ben put in another flexible performance starting at left back and then progressing to an attacking wide midfield role. Ryan Turfrey looked untroubled in midfield and can only be cursing at not getting on the scoresheet. Sam played well on the outside right in the first half and then on the left in the second half. He seemed to revel in this role and always looked threatening earning himself player of the match. However, he would be disappointed if he didn’t get a mention for miss of the match as the ball fell to him in the 6 yard box and he managed to somehow get it over the bar. Very Nicholas Bendtner!
Callum Towey and Morgan Fletcher both worked hard against a Leeds attack which put together some nice moves and Connor Ryan once again looked solid and reliable with a very safe pair of hands and a great clearing kick setting up attack after attack.
100% Tigers and another 6 points in the bag – yahoo!
Nat West Player of the Match – Sam Allen
Sunday 14th February 2010
Huddersfield League Division L
Honley U10s B 0 v 2 Ossett Town Pumas
Goal Scorers : Alistair Redmond, Sean Owram
DSK Engineering Man of the Match : shared by Jack Conboy and Sean Owram
On a bright morning in perfect conditions and on a lovely playing surface, the Pumas were out of the blocks from the first whistle.
Jordan Grace started strongly in midfield and Finley Townend provided width and attacking prowess on the right. This was to prove to be the launch pad for many attack as The Pumas opened up the home defence at will.
In the first 10 minutes Finley Townend and Jo Guy Matthews had both had one on ones with the Honley keeper on several occasion but Jo had shot wide and the keeper was equal to Finleys efforts. Alistair Redmond also shot narrowly wide.
The Ossett supporters were beginning to think the ball would never find the back of the net and they were right....at least for the first stanza!
When Honley did come forward they were repelled by the combination of Jack Conboy with a series of timely challenges and ably assisted by Alex Oldroyd and Levi Mitchell. Sean Owram was introduced on the right hand side of midfield and looked energetic and confident.
At half time the score remained deadlocked at 0 v 0.
The team talk consisted of "more of the same please" and "be patient, relax and don't panic. The goals will come!"
Indeed they did. The first shortly in to the second half. Alistair Redmond firing home from close range. The corner count was stacking up in Towns favour and was testament to the pressure they were exerting on the home side. Finley townend was now tormenting the home side and came close to scoring as he cut in from the left but the Honley keeper was equal to the shot.
Conner Ryan in the Ossett goal had not had much to do, but when Honley counter attacked he came racing out to make a fine smothering save. With the game delicately poised it was a crucial save and a pivotal moment in the second half.
The game took on a freeflowing open encounter as Honley looked to chase an equaliser by introducing an extra attacker and Jo Guy Matthews, Finley Townend, Alistair Redmond and Sean Owram battled in midfield to retain possession for Ossett and gain that all important second goal to ease the tension and nerves.
It came from a good penetrating run from Finley Townend down the left wing who crossed perfectly to find Sean Owram who arrived just in time at the far post to side foot home. The away support erupted and celebrated Seans first goal of the season that sealed an entertaining match and an impressive solo performance from him.
On this display, the Pumas are showing great promise and gave us a hint of what's to come. There was greater cohesion, organisation, team work, team shape, defensive desire and greater use of the ball when in posession. More hard work on the training ground and this team will get better and better.
In a team performance that pleased the travelling support it was difficult to pick out individuals, but Jack Conboy who was a rock in defence and Sean Owram who worked tirelessly in midfield were chosen to share the DSK Engineering Man of the Match Award.
Sunday 14th February 2010
Garforth League U10’s Div B
Tingley Athletic 2 : 1 Ossett Town Lions – “it’s better to have loved and lost than never loved at all”
The Lion-hearts played with style and quality again and must hold their heads high because they were simply the better side and the better side lost. One day soon, some unsuspecting side will be on the wrong side of this quality team and get a right whipping. Tony Coe’s frantic plea from the touchline, “just get that flipping ball in the net!!” or something like that perfectly summed up the day.
It started badly and Ella Walker had one of those nightmare moments that even the greatest of keepers have. Was her mind trying to work out where all her Valentine’s Day cards had come from? To be fair Tingley had us on the ropes for the first 5 minutes or so, but then the Lions got into gear and started to rule the roost. Thomas McGee (TJ) was looking very sharp and was involved in all the good moves and several good shots. One such move culminated in the equaliser. A pass from Elliot Hewitt found Thomas Coe (TC) on the left who drove forward and shot firmly to the bottom left of the goal. The keeper partly saved the shot, but the ball worked its way over him and into the net. The Lions were really turning it on in attack and TJ hit the post and peppered the goal with many shots. Joseph Smith was as skilful as ever and when Elliot was substituted Liam Finney came on and fitted beautifully into the central midfield role. There is a really good “diamond” thing going on with Liam or Elliot in central midfield linking with Joseph or TC on the flanks and TJ up front.
Louis Allison and Liam Taylor had plenty of work to do and when in a 2 versus 2 situation looked virtually impenetrable. Louis was tackling back well and Liam was starting some super moves down the left. Everyone suddenly seems to have time on the ball, are taking a touch and passing well. It was once again great to watch, but hugely tense and frustrating. At half time honours were even and things were looking good.
Shortly in to the second half another super move led to TJ being on the right hand edge of the box from where he hit an amazing shot towards the top left hand corner of the goal. It was just too good and came bouncing straight back off the bar and post. Elliot soon had a chance and his left foot shot “kissed” the top of the bar. The attacking play was almost relentless and the winning goal was surely on its way. We were right but it was not as scripted. From a Tingley attack the ball bobbled out beyond the edge of the box and a lone Tingley player hit a cracking shot that went straight as Cupid’s arrow to the top of the net and right into the Lions’ heart! There was no coming back.
This was another great game that ended in a disappointing and undeserved result. The consolation, as in love, it is better to have played well and lost than never played well at all!
Warburton’s Player of the Match – Louis Allison
Tingley Athletic 1 : 6 Ossett Town Tigers
Valentine’s day massacre”
Well it wasn’t a massacre, but it wasn’t far short in this one sided encounter. The Tigers kept up their 100% record with another strong performance and the return of Bailey Holderness, Ryan Turfrey and Connor Ryan make this a team to be reckoned with. After a few skirmishes at both ends of the pitch the first goal was soon in coming. A big clearance from Sam Allen was well controlled by Adam Berry and passed nicely to Bailey. Bailey’s dribbling skills shone through ending in a shot which rested close to the post for Ben Shelton to pounce on and finish off well. Ben became like a shark that has just tasted blood and hit a long range shot that squirted through the keeper’s legs. It looked like game over even after just 10 minutes, but then in a rare attack Tingley were given a penalty in what seemed like a harsh decision for handball against Morgan Fletcher. This was hardly Thierry Henry or the Maradonna’s hand of god, but Tingley were now back in it, on paper at least. Ryan fought strongly in midfield and at one stage looked like a cheetah catching a gazelle as he tried to bring the Tingley player down with two hands around his legs. Callum Towey was scrapping with the Tingley attack as well and when shoulder charged off the ball went on the funniest of 10 metre runs as he teetered on the edge of falling over. This spirit throughout the team meant that even with the scores close there was never any doubt in the end result. It was soon 3:1 as Ben put Adam in for his first and a quality finish and that took us nicely into half time.
Ben narrowly missed his hat trick as he hit the post at the start of the second half. Adam scored his second when through on goal with the sweetest of left foot shots and then something most unusual happened. After having been substituted Callum came back on in midfield and picked up the ball somewhere near the half way line. He then went on a superb run dribbling past several players with both feet and finished beautifully to score the 5th goal. It made the hairs on your arm stand on end and Callum’s Mohican stand even prouder. He was the best chocolate in the box and it was a special moment for the whole squad!
There was better still to come as Callum revelling in his midfield role passed well to Ben who took it down the right side and crossed beautifully in to the box. Ryan met the cross with a wonderful touch straight into the roof of the net. This was pure brilliance and shortly after, just to show it wasn’t a fluke, Ryan crashed an identical shot against the post.
This was the strongest of team performances from solid Sam in goal, Morgan, Connor and Callum providing resilient defence and the attacking flair of Adam, Ben, Ryan and Bailey. They were all roses and there were no thorns on this day. I just wished that they had just shaken hands at the end rather than kissing the opposition – and that’s the last reference to Valentine’s Day!
Nat West Player of the Match – The whole team
Sunday 7th February
Huddersfield League Under 10's Division B Fixture
Lions Match
Kippax Juniors 2 : 2 Ossett Town Juniors
“Legends of their time”
Throughout foot-balling history there have been some legendary teams. The great Brazilian side of the 1970 World Cup, the Leeds side of the 70’s under Don Revie and the Dutch (Total football) side of the 70’s. The Lions side that played today put in a legendary performance and will be remembered by all those who were there. They lit up a damp, dreary morning and when in future you are asked “where were you on Sunday 7th February 2010?” those lucky few will be able to say “I was there!”
The English language contains too few superlatives for some of the fluent passing moves that we witnessed from the kick off. The move of the season started with Liam Taylor in left back with a deft first touch and then a pass through to Elliot Hewitt who nonchalantly flicked it on to Joseph Smith. This then went out to Thomas McGee (TJ), for a great cross and on to Thomas Coe (TC) whose shot was well saved. This was high quality, high tempo, fluent play which was repeated time and time again.
Once again the Lions found a hero in the opposition goal who put in save after excellent save culminating in a wonderful save from Elliot’s super shot towards the end of the match. The keeper dashed out of his goal to close down a shot from TJ earlier on and he had far more to do than Ella Walker in the Lions goal.
It was one of those games. Each ball was fiercely, but fairly fought. Kippax held their shape and competed for everything, but Ossett looked better value and deserved to win. The Lions dominated the first half and all but 5 minutes of the second half during which time the determined Kippax team clawed back from a 2 goal deficit.
The first half ended goalless, but shortly into the 2nd half the Lions took the lead with a screamer of a shot from Elliot into the top left hand corner. Their dominance continued and even when Elliot fouled one of their players to concede a penalty the subsequent penalty was put wide. Worth a note of thanks to the referee who had a great game and sensitively managed a couple of incidents in what was a good spirited game. TJ then scored from a difficult angle after another super move starting from Louis Allison’s pass to Joseph down the right. 2:0 and all was looking great for the Lions
The dominance of the lions was such that Ella had little to do, but then in a blink of an eye the scores were level. It felt that the two well worked goals that Kippax scored in a difficult 5 minute period were more about the quality of the Kippax moves than the Lions making mistakes, but it just goes to show how finely balanced things can be as the quality gets higher.
The last few minutes were a tense affair as the Lions continued to press forward, but the victory was not to be. Everyone played a blinder. Ella found her passes and kicked well; Louis tackled strongly and was first to the ball on many occasions with excellent composure and distribution; Liam and Louis worked better together than ever and the front four were all on fire. Just the ball didn’t end up in the net!!
All the players received a standing ovation and none of us will forget the quality of those wonderful passing moves – “we were there!!”
Warburtons’s players of the match – the Lions
Tiger’s Match
Kippax Juniors 1 : 5 Ossett Town Juniors
“Stepping up to the plate”
With Bailey Holderness and Ryan Turfrey not in the team it was always going to be interesting to see how the rampant 100% record of the Tigers would hold out against a very competitive Kippax side. As it transpired the margin of victory was far greater than the difference in quality of the teams, but these guys are on a roll and the team changes were well absorbed and the Tigers marched on.
The scoreline flattered slightly, but put it simply, the Tigers converted most of their chances with Adam Berry and Ben Shelton adding to their season’s tallies, and Sam Allen working wonders in goal with some fantastic saves, great use of spreading his body and legs and some well deserved good fortune along the way.
Sam kept the Tigers in it in the first few minutes with some saves as described above. There were some nail biting goalmouth scrambles, but each time the Tigers came out of it unscathed. The Tigers went 1:0 up from a Liam Finney corner which came back out to him only to be blasted back in for an unfortunate own goal.
Callum Towey and Morgan Fletcher had their work cut out as many a long ball found its way to the Kippax attack. Both Callum and Morgan worked well together and on the odd occasion that the attack broke through they made up with some fierce chasing and tackling back. Sean Owram slotted well into the midfield alongside Liam and got stronger as the match progressed with some great chasing and tackling and one or two excellent passes.
Chris will need to do some “wall” coaching in training because from a Kippax free kick all our players were in the wall, except for Sam fortunately! The shot was well saved and then Sam miraculously kept the forwards at bay until a shot went over the bar. It was like a shooting gallery.
Liam was enjoying his role in the centre of midfield and his class shone through on many occasions. He was involved in many of the key moves and the 2nd goal was such an example. A clearance from Sam was well controlled and Liam distributed it nicely to Ben. Ben found Adam who slotted it home with ease.
Kippax then scored from yet another goalmouth scramble, but this time the ball found its way into the net. To be fair, Kippax deserved this and there was now still much to do.
Ben put the game out of Kippax’s reach as he scored two goals In quick succession as he and Adam made the most of Liam’s telling passes. His first was a powerful shot which left the goalkeeper with no chance and the second was the easiest of tap-ins following a firm cross from Adam that the keeper was unable to stop cleanly. As Gary Lineker would say, “you still have to be there”
Liam then applied the coup de grace just before the final whistle as his left foot shot from Ben’s great cross whizzed through the keeper’s hands.
A comfortable victory on paper, but in reality a much tighter affair. Success breeds success as they say and this Tigers team is surely succeeding. Our strong position in the league is a testament to this and once again, without fear of repetition, this augers well for next season
Nat West Player of the Match – Sam Allen
Sunday 24th January
Huddersfield League Under 10s Division L Fixture
Ossett Town 1 v 1 Upperthong "B"
Goal Scorer : Finley Townend Man of the Match : Connor Ryan
The first fixture of 2010 and following a lay off from league matches that stretches back to November 2009, saw Town host close rivals in the league Upperthong.
Ossett started the liveliest and had some good possession, on many occasions Jordan Grace and Finley Townend opened up the visitors defence with some good interplay. With Sean Owram and Alistair Redmond marauding down the flanks Ossett continued to apply the pressure. At this point Ella Walker was a mere spectator in goals, but her distribution along with Connor Ryan and Morgan Fletcher, Ossett always looked composed and in control. Midway through the first half inevitable the first goal came from Finley Townend and he finished with panache as the goalie rushed out. Half time team talk was "more of the same please". But early in the second half Ossett were pegged back when a rare counter attack caught the home defense out and an emphatic finish left Ella with no chance. Joe Guy-Matthews was finding good space on the right and was released by Alistair, but didn't manage to get his shot away as the Upperthong defenders desperately flung themselves in to every tackle. Levi Mitchell was quick to shore up the Town defence when he was introduced and Alex Oldroyd made an impression with his introduction, forcing the keeper to save from a long range shot. A further reshuffle saw Jordan Grace come back on to play alongside Finley in a bid to get a winner as the clock ran down. Alistair combative as always in midfield kept feeding the ball through but it wouldn't drop in the final third to create a clearcut chance and at the final whistle the scores were still tied.
Jordan Grace in centre mdifield was tremendously hard working and gave a tireless display, winning the ball back and passing well to launch Town attacks, but for his strength, understanding of the game, composure and distribution the DSK Engineering Man of the Match Award was presented to Connor Ryan.
Garforth League U10’s Div B
Ossett Town Juniors versus Gildersome Spurs Juniors
Haggs Hill Ossett – Sunday 24th January 2010
Ossett Town Lions 0 : 2 Gildersome Spurs – “defence starts in attack”
Was it the weight of the new decade on these young men’s shoulders? Was it the interminably long wait for a game of football since November due to the white Christmas and the over-zealous desire of the authorities to postpone at the slightest chance, or was it simply too much Christmas pudding? Whatever it was, the outcome was a disappointing loss in an evenly fought match with a strong Gildersome side. To be fair there was nothing between the sides and a draw or a narrow Ossett victory would have been the deserved result.
1st Half – The Lions started well with some patient and good quality passing moves. Louis Allison, Liam Finney and Thomas McGee (TJ) linked well on the right and Liam Taylor, Joseph Smith linked well on the left with Thomas Coe (TC) and Thomas McGee. Elliot Hewitt was the pivot point in the centre of midfield and challenged and distributed well. Ella Walker in goal was solid and reliable as ever and didn’t put a foot or hand wrong throughout the match. Lions created more chances with the most notable falling to Joseph who put it just wide of the left hand post. Gildersome had their chances, but neither side dominated and we went into half time all square with no score. Chris Copello identified at half time the need to defend more as a team – “defence starts in attack” and perhaps the reverse is also true with the need to flow back and forth as a team both when defending and attacking.
2nd Half – it was a bit Groundhog Day at first as the second half evolved in much the same way as the first. However, a couple of good chances came the Lions way. TJ was on the end of a lovely cross from TC from the left but couldn’t find the net. Liam Finney squirted a good shot just to the left of the posts, but nothing seemed to be going quite right. TC had a good chance in front of goal that ended up back in the keeper’s hands. The Lions were playing well, bit it just didn’t feel right and it just wasn’t going right. It seemed a little slow and pedestrian and half chances weren’t being taken. It almost felt inevitable when a rare Gildersome attack led to their first goal. It was a good through ball that breached our defence and left Ella with no chance. A second soon followed in similar fashion, but this time Ella managed to parry the first shot, but couldn’t stop the follow up.
It was a “bad hair day”, but the Lions should not be downhearted. They played quite well, the rub of the green didn’t go their way and with a bit more match practice and some focused training they should come good quite quickly.
Warburton’s Player of the Match – Liam Taylor
Ossett Town Tigers 7 : 0 Gildersome Spurs – “Ryanaldo turns on the style”
This strong and comfortable victory demonstrates the strength in depth of the Ossett Town squad, and indeed through all 3 teams, and vindicates the one squad philosophy adopted by Chris Copello. This augurs well for the 11-a-side season ahead.
The result was never in doubt from the moment the first well worked goal hit the back of the net. Bailey Holderness had chased back to aid the defence and then ran forward to tap in a good cross from the left wing by Adam Berry. The second came after a load of goalmouth activity ended with a sweet left foot curling shot from Adam. Bailey was really up for it and having been dispossessed by one of the Gildersome team he fiercely tackled back to win the ball.
From then it was like the battle of the Alamo with the Tigers team virtually camped in the Gildersome box. They defended valiantly, but as in the Alamo they gradually crumbled and more and more shots found their target.
Ben Shelton got his name on the score-sheet with a good corner kick that somehow found its way straight into the net to make it 3 : 0 and the Tigers made it comfortably to the half time whistle.
The second half carried on as we left off with Adam through on goal to score the 4th. Another goalmouth scramble ensued with Ryan cheekily hitting home with a side-footer. We all thought Ryan Turfrey was the new Paul Scholes but this flair was more reminiscent of Ronaldo. As if to prove the point Ryan hit an incredible volley straight from a corner only just wide. “Ryanaldo” was the new chant from the crowd.
Another Lineker style goal (polite way of saying, goal hanging) sealed Adam’s hat-trick and the Tigers’ 6th. The match ended with a 7th from a left foot toe poke I believe from Ryan. (apologies if I got this wrong)
Connor Ryan in goal had little to do, but notably he was very quick off his line on at least 3 occasions to block some good efforts. Morgan Fletcher and Sam Ryan looked solid in defence, but a special note to Callum Towey who personifies the grit and determination needed in a good defender. His determination to win the ball and win back the ball is an example to us all.
A good performance from the Tigers and another well deserved victory.
Nat West Player of the Match – Bailey Holderness Sunday 22nd November
Ossett Town Tigers 2 v 0 Glen Juniors
Goal Scorers: Adam Berry, Joseph Matthews
DSK Engineering Man of the Match: Ben Shelton
Town entertained opposition from a higher division in Glen Juniors on Sunday morning and put on an emphatic performance that justified their win.
Early signs were good with Ella Walker and Liam Taylor looking composed in defence and Callum Towey revelling in his central midfield role.
Liam Taylor striding forward from defence was reminiscent of Franz Beckenbauer in his pomp, majestically launching attack after attack on the Glen defence.
Adam Berry showed well up front and was the fulcrum as he held the ball up and brought his team mates in to the game with intelligent interplay. It was Adam who put the Tigers in front mid way through the first half with a well taken goal. 1 v 0 to the Tigers.
Sam Allen was rarely threatened in goal, but handled and distributed well. Whilst Ben Shelton and Joseph Matthews gave the home side width and worked tirelessly to break up any potential threat from the visitors.
The second half continued in the same vein. Town enjoying the majority of possession and coming close to adding to their tally on numerous occasions. The Glen keeper excelled and made several good saves, one in particular from Adam Berry from close range. Ella Walker produced panic in the Glen defence with a string of well delivered corners that only needed the merest of touches from an Ossett player to double their score.
The goal that sealed the game came with 5 minutes remaining and after good approach work from Ben Shelton and Callum Towey, Joseph Matthews lashed the ball in to the roof of the net from just inside the penalty area to cap a tremendous display on his debut.
DSK Engineering Man of the Match award went to Ben Shelton who was a constant thorn in the Glen Juniors side and worked overtime in his midfield role.
Ossett Town Lions 1 v 1 Glen Juniors
Goal Scorer: Thomas Coe
Hillsborough Steelstock Man of the Match: Sam Allen
In the second game of this friendly fixture the Lions came up against a much tougher nut to crack.
The first half was edged by the visiting side in terms of possession who picked up scraps and second balls with an enthusiasm that gave them the majority of the possession.
Whilst the Lions seemed content to resort to route one football that gave the game an end to end feel.
Sam Allen and Joseph Smith had to be on top of their game to keep the Glen attack at bay and Elliott Hewitt huffed and puffed in midfield. One flying save from Ella Walker, turning the ball round the post when it looked destined for the top corner, was the memorable moment of the half.
A long "hoof" by Elliott released Thomas McGee who slipped in behind the visitors defence but his deft touch past the on rushing keeper steered the ball agonisingly wide. But the deadlock was broken with 4 minutes of the half remaining. Thomas Coe, on the left hand side of midfield, up until this point had been paying particular care to the defensive side of his role with diligence and done well. But he popped up in the Glen penalty area, deceived his marker well and shifted the ball a yard to his left creating enough space to unleash an unstoppable left foot drive. Goal!
Against the run of play, but a marvellous piece of skill and finish by Thomas.
The second half was a titanic battle as the Lions tightened up and Glen Juniors pressed for the equaliser.
The levelling goal came midway through the half with a sweeping move down the right hand side that saw a cross neatly finish by a Glen player arriving timely in the box.
Town coughed and spluttered in reply without ever really finding any fluency in their game. Liam Finney battled hard but often found that the route one nature of the Lions passing meant he didn't get his normal opportunity to have an influence on the game.
The deadlock remained till the final whistle and notably it was the new partnership in the Town defence of Sam Allen and Joseph Smith that can come away with a lot of credit for restricting Glen to few clear cut chances, though they enjoyed the majority of possession.
Hillsborough Steelstock Man of the Match went deservedly to Sam Allen.
Huddersfield League Under 10s Division L
Ossett Town Pumas 2 v 1 Honley B
Goal Scorer: Finlay Townend 2
Warburtons Man of the Match: Alex Oldroyd
This game saw The Pumas break their duck with a stirring display in this league encounter.
The home side were quickly in to their stride and pouring forward asking questions of the Honley defence. The trio of Morgan Fletcher, Alex Oldroyd and Sean Owram, aided and abetted by Jordan Grace seemed to be every where, swamping the midfield, winning the ball and launching many Town attacks. Finlay Townend was released on numerous occasions and finding he had the pace to outstrip the visitors defence rose in confidence and went at them time after time.
The Pumas soon went ahead as the effervescent Townend latched on to a pass cut in and finish with a lovely neat finish, passing the ball past an exposed Honley goalkeeper. When the visitors did muster an attack they found Levi Mitchell in resolute mood and Ella Walker in goals did well to handle a lively number 18 in the white of Honley.
The vistors stopper made a number of good saves, notably from Finlay Townend, but also from Alex Oldroyd and Morgan Fletcher as Ossett looked to add to their tally. But just before the half time interval, Honley managed to level matters against the run of play.
Half Time 1 v 1.
All to play for as the second half kicked off, but the Pumas were not going to be denied and were not phased by the Honley equaliser.
Jordan Grace and Alex Oldroyd continued to forage forward down the left and when any moves broke down Jordan was athletic enough to recover his position and be next to Levi in his defensive role. It reminded me very much of Billy Whizz from my Beano and Dandy days!
Finlay by this time was tormenting the Honley defence and no matter how they reshuffled and changed their personnel, he continued to weave his magic.
It was inevitably Finlay Townend that struck the winner with another run followed by a fine strike that left the keeper no chance.
So the Pumas claimed their first three point haul of the season with a performance, though there was the odd scare in the second half, was more emphatic than the score line would suggest. There were huge display all over the pitch and Alex Oldroyd just pipped his team mates for the Warburtons Man of the Match award.
Sunday 8th November 2009
Huddersfield League Under 10s Division L
Hade Edge 6 v 1 Ossett Town Pumas
Goal Scorer : Ella Walker
Natwest Man of the Match : Connor Ryan
Last weeks upturn in performance and results lasted all of 5 seconds in Holmfirth as Hade Edge exploited The Pumas defensive frailties in the first half of this encounter!
A loose pass from the Ossett kick off saw the home side pounce immediately and fire a shot past the bemused Connor Ryan to score the quickest goal of the season. A shell shocked Town outfit never got in to their stride from that point on. A lively Hade Edge forward line were full of guile and pace and eager to take advantage of the space and time afforded them by a hapless defensive effort. Connor Ryan came to The Pumas rescue on countless occasions and restricted the score to 5 v 0 by half time.
With words of wisdom and encouragement still ringing in their ears, the visitors proved that they are more than capable of competeing after the break.
Jordan Grace and Levi Mitchell tightened up in defense and restricted Hade Edge to few clear cut opportunities. Alistair Redmond looked full of life in midfield and Alex Oldroyd was back to his combatitive best. The ball was even sticking up front with Finley Townend shaking off his first half blues.
Sean Owram on the right of midfield was the fulcrum of a lot of Ossett good play and with his confidence growing showed a good range of passing and always found a red shirt. One such attacking move found Ella Walker on the right hand side of the penalty area and she squeezed the ball in from the most acute angle to pull a goal back.
Unfortunately that was the only reward for a much improved second half performance. Hade Edge managed one more goal to see the final whistle blow with a scoreline of 6 v 1.
Back to the training ground for some defensive coaching!
Levi asked "why do the Pumas get beaten?" Well, on the first half showing it was obvious that a lack of marking and a lot of ball watching was the answer, but on the second half performance which was full of character, enthusiasm and desire, there is no reason why they shouldn't see results improve if their consistency does.
Connor Ryan took the Natwest Man of the Match award for a flawless impersonation of Davy Crockett at the Alamo
Sunday 8th November 2009
Ossett Town Lions 3 : 2 Tingley Athletic
The battle of Haggs Hill
Perhaps it is apt that on this day of remembrance the young players of Ossett Town and Tingley Athletic took part in a very competitive match more akin to a battle of attrition than an attractive display of footballing skills. No quarter was asked or given and the Lions came out the deserved victors by the narrowest of margins and a late goal. It shows another element of their game that has improved since last year – the competitive edge is there all the time and this was only heightened by the fact that these two teams were 1st and 2nd in the table respectively.
1st half
The match started competitively and very evenly with Liam Taylor and Louis Allison having to work hard from the outset in defence. There were very few clear cut chances and it wasn’t until at least 10 minutes into the game that the deadlock was broken. Thomas Coe (TC) struggled to deal with the Tingley forward who was then brought down in the box by Elliot Hewitt. The penalty was well taken leaving Ella Walker no chance.
Elliot and Joseph Smith put in a couple of good long range efforts which the keeper handled, but not too confidently and Liam Taylor then went off on a long solo run down the left flank. Nothing came of it, but it enabled Liam to show off his great speed and improving ball skills as he ventured further forward than ever before.
It was going to need something special for the Lions to score and it came in the form of Thomas McGee (TJ). From an almost impossible angle on the right hand side he let rip with a shot so powerful it almost tore open the side of the net. 1:1
The game then settled into a bit of a pattern with the Lions just about on top. Liam Finney or Joe on the right, and TC on the left linking well with TJ up front. Elliot held the midfield well and Louis and Liam T seldom looked really troubled. The Lions weren’t passing particularly well and became a bit dependent on the long ball booted up front, but what they lacked in real quality today was more than made up in grit and determination.
One such long ball from Elliot was mishandled by the keeper and TJ was alert to it and finished with a tap-in in the style of the great Gerd Muller of West Germany – a real goalscorer’s goal. 2:1 to the Lions.
Tingley made things even just before the break with a reasonably worked and well taken goal. A disappointing end to a hard working half.
2nd Half
No change in the 2nd half with the same competitive edge. One memorable chasing session from Liam Finney ended up with him regaining the ball and putting Elliot in with a chance. The Lions were beginning to dominate and it felt that if anyone was going to win it would be the Lions.
Joe set up the winner as he launched a long kick down field. TJ ran on to it and securely finished – a calm finish in a pressure situation. Route one again. It may not have been the prettiest of victories, but a victory all the same.
Some good performances, though. Ella once again doing everything well and once again her distribution was good. No longer are we putting ourselves under pressure from goal kicks. Louis getting to the ball before the attackers and so stifling opportunities before they have chance to develop. Liam Taylor solid and fast and at least two cracking forward runs. Elliot bossing the midfield and fighting for every ball. Liam Finney with great skilful runs, good passing and great chasing. TC skilful as ever providing options and width on the left. TJ with great forward running and finishing and Joseph with particularly good play towards the end of the game linking well on the left with Liam Taylor.
This was almost certainly the Tigers’ most complete and emphatic performance of the year. Any one of 4 or 5 players could have been player of the match and if it wasn’t for an awesome performance from the Tingley keeper it could have been a rugby score
1st Half
Adam Berry, Bailey Holderness and Ben Shelton were involved in goal mouth scramble after goal mouth scramble for most of the 1st half. Ryan Turfrey sat in the pocket just behind these 3 and constantly fed them tasty morcels just like on “celebrity get me out of here”. I lost count of the number of times that the ball didn’t quite cross the line and the pile of bodies lying on top of each other at the end of each incident. It was a bit like watching the Dambusters movie. How many more bombs were needed to burst the dam. Ironically it came through a deflected own goal and from that moment on it was a question of how many goals.
Bailey showed us again and again his great pace and dribbling skills down the right hand side reminiscent of the great Stanley Matthews. He has now learnt to use the ball more effectively with some great crosses from the dead ball line.
A great pass from Ben to Adam and a great turn and finish from Adam delivered the 2nd goal and took us into half time in a comfortable position.
2nd Half
Ben scored the 3rd after yet another goal mouth scramble with everyone it seems taking turns to shoot with only the keeper standing firm.
Adam scored the 4th with some more good skills.
Connor Ryan in goal then had to pull off a great save from a rare Tingley attack just showing how important it is to stay concentrating for the full game. Morgan Fletcher on the right hand side of defence was not troubled and put in a good performance, but to be fair the star at the back was Sam Allen who was outstanding. He never missed a tackle and his left foot was on song with some great passing and some great forward moves. Later on in the match Ben went to left back and Sam moved to left midfield and this worked very well.
The 5th goal came from another Bailey run and shot where Ryan managed to get to the goal and guide it over the line. Warren assures me it was going wide and Ryan had to claim the goal. Bailey then got the 6th after yet another good move where Ben, Sam, Ryan and Bailey all joined up.
Callum Towey moved to midfield in the 2nd half and made the most of the space. On one occasion he ran almost the length of the field and made the keeper pull out another great save.
6:0 up – and then Sam showed the spirit of the team. He prevented a corner by chasing back hard with no attacker near him cleared it for a throw in. The 100% Tiger’s record looks like lasting for a few more games yet
Nat West player of the match – Sam Allen
Ossett Town Under 10 Pumas Match Report
Saturday 31 October 2009
Meltham 2 –v- 2 Ossett Town Pumas
Goal Scorers: Alistair Redmond, Ella Walker
1st Half
Meltham were quick out of the blocks and it took some resilient defending from the Pumas to keep the home side at bay. As Ossett settled and their confidence grew the tide turned and the Pumas created chance after chance but were unable to make the breakthrough. Connor Ryan solid in goals, Morgan Fletcher and Jordan looking accomplished in defence, Sean Owram, Levi Mitchell and Alistair Redmond chasing everything in midfield, Ella Walker displaying a range of passing and Finlay Townend (The Fin) making run after run worthy of acclaim. Half time came with either side unable to break the deadlock. 0-0
2nd Half
Meltham started quickly again and a couple of quick attacks kicked the Pumas into action. The match was evenly balanced with The Fin creating numerous chances and Alistair Redmond breaking from midfield unable to find the back of the net. Despite the Ossett pressure, a quick counter attack from Meltham found the back of the Ossett net to take the lead. 1-0 Meltham. Ossett continued to press and an opportune long ball from the Meltham defence found a centre forward whose strike pierced the Ossett net to make it 2-0. The Pumas dusted themselves down and went again. Determined to get forward the Pumas chased every ball. Sean Owram and Levi Mitchell pressed and tackled, Jordan and Ella Walker pushing the ball forward from defence found Alistair Redmond whose fantastic solo effort saw him run from just inside his own half, pass the Meltham back line, slotting home confidently passed the advancing keeper. 2-1 Meltham.
The Pumas could sense they were getting on top, Morgan creating numerous chances and looking menacing in his temporary striker role and when The Fin returned up front to lead the Ossett attack, his pace and desire to get forward saw the Meltham side under relentless pressure. A resultant corner, Ella Walker steps forward, blazed the ball across the face of the Meltham goal and through a mass of bodies finds the back of the net. 2-2. The final whistle blows.
A fantastic team performance with individuals working for each other and a more than deserved result. As The Fin said after the game when asked how many chances we created he replied “ We must have had thousands!”
DSK Engineering Man of the Match – The whole team
Sunday October 18th
Ossett Town Under 10 Pumas 0
Hepworth United “B” 6
Hillsborough Steelstock Man of the Match : Alex Oldroyd
Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say “fair does!”
After showing promise, a willingness to learn, desire and commitment in recent weeks, the wheels came off against a well drilled and jet healed unit that was Hepworth United.
Early exchanges were even with Finley Townend again revelling with his new found confidence creating problems for the visitors defence. Jack Conboy and Levi Mitchell in defence were coping and well marshalled by Connor Ryan in goal. But the first goal to Hepworth seemed to flick a switch and with the pace and finishing ability of their excellent attack, they soon turned one goal in to a three goal advantage. Jordan Grace made a very impressive debut and looked to be able to match the pace of the visitors and was strong and fearless in the tackle. Sean Owram continued his good form with some impressive runs down the right, but neither Finley Townend or Ella Walker could find the key to unlock the visitors defence.
In the second half the pattern continued. Hepworth broke down any potential attacks amassed by Town and overwhelmed the home defence in numbers and with pace. Time after time the home defence was outnumbered and the goals continued to flow. Morgan Fletcher tried manfully to resist as did Alistair Redmond, but it was Alex Oldroyd who rose to the occasion and won his individual battle with his opposite number. He covered every blade of grass and worked overtime, proving that he was a little livewire and was rightly awarded man of the match.
Hepworth are the best side that the Pumas have come up against so far this season and on this evidence will be hard to beat with their quality and pace. The pumas challenge is to quickly regroup and set their sights on working hard in training to achieve a level of performance to match the likes of Hepworth.
Sunday 18th October
Lions
Ossett Town 3 : 0 Leeds City
A great team wins ugly! – dogged, determined and disciplined.
The ability to grind out wins when you don’t play your best is the sign of a great team. This wasn’t a great game or a great performance from the Lions, but in many ways the result and the style in which they delivered the result shows how far these young guns have come since last season.
Throughout both halves it was a closely fought contest and to be fair to Leeds City they were still right in it up until the 3rd Lions goal hit the net. However, the best team won on the day and there can be no complaints
1st half
From the kick off the Lions tried to play football the way it should be played. They looked to pass and they looked to support each other. The problem was it just didn’t mesh together. The ball bobbled, first touches were missed, kicks were sliced, but most importantly their heads didn’t go down and they didn’t concede any sloppy goals. They continued to grind away and they kept their shape. Boy, have these guys matured!
The best effort in the first half came as a consequence of Louis Allison and Liam Taylor’s improved understanding, enabling Louis to move further forward. In this instance a ball being cleared from the Leeds defence came out to Louis who let fly a great long distance shot that the keeper just stopped from hitting the top right hand corner. Not much more to report and we went into half time all square
2nd Half
The Lions applied themselves equally as well in the 2nd half and their reward for their patience and quality came early on. The hard working Liam Finney on the right hand side earned a corner after another quality running move. From the corner Thomas Coe (TC) hit a good hard low corner which the Leeds defender could only manage to stretch to reach and ended up deflecting into the net. Some may have thought this should go down as an own goal but TC (and Tony and Linda and Chris and….) thought otherwise. TC on the score sheet again.
Another great run from Liam Finney culminated in a pass to TC who unleashed a cracking shot that the keeper touched on to the crossbar. Great skills from Joseph Smith soon followed as he turned his man inside out and slotted a great pass to TC. TC then placed the ball at Thomas McGee’s (TJ) feet who blasted it into the bottom right hand corner. TJ’s finishing has become as clinical as Fernando Torres’.
TC was denied again by the keeper and the post, with another hard left footed shot, but the 3rd goal was soon to come as Elliot Hewitt hit a powerful long ranger that the keeper couldn’t handle. The game was now effectively over.
From Ella’s great hands, good distribution and big kicking, Louis and Liam Taylor’s solid defending (another clean sheet), Liam Finney and Joseph Smith’s great running, Elliot’s controlling midfield and TJ and TC’s great skills and finishing, it was a convincing team effort.
Leeds City had the occasional chance to score and their No 17 in the middle of defence held it together well for them, but overall they were outplayed by a dogged, determined and disciplined display. Well done the Lions!!!
Warburton’s player of the match – Elliot Hewitt
Tigers
Ossett Town 6 : 1 Leeds City
An ugly team wins great! – competent and composed
The Tigers definitely outplayed Leeds City with a convincing victory. The goals came consistently throughout the game and despite a few chances falling Leeds way there was not the nervousness of the eventual outcome that hung over the Lions game. Indeed the Tigers looked more exposed at times than the Lions, but this was due to some gaps being left behind as the hunger for goals, from a position of strength overtook some of the team.
The game was peppered by memorable performances. Finlay Townend’s coming of age as he scored two and created more as his confidence soars Sam Allen’s player of the match performance with great timed tackles in defence and great distribution Bailey Holderness’ continual development into one of the most exciting attacking players in the Ossett squad and another hat-trick to his collection Adam Berry’s collection of near misses, goal that wasn’t given, goal that was and what will go down as the miss of the century from two metres
1st Half
Things got off to a quick start with a blistering shot from Bailey which the keeper is still feeling as you read this report. Soon after Finlay slotted a great ball through for Bailey to run on to and slot home for the first. 1:0 to the Tigers
The 2nd was probably the best move of the game. Morgan Fletcher, confident in defence found Ryan Turfrey in midfield who picked out Bailey who, in turn found Finlay who placed the ball home. Gorgeous to watch and even more fun seeing these individuals growing in stature so quickly.
Ryan, at his best, plays the Paul Scholes role well in that holding, work horse area of midfield, coming forward to pounce on any chances falling outside the box.
The 3rd soon followed with another powerful strike from Bailey and then a strange 4th from Finlay as he squeezed in a shot from an impossible angle which the keeper clearly thought was going to miss.
It was all a bit one-sided but the Tigers started to lose their shape in the desire to add to the total.
In fact it was only the quick thinking of Ben Shelton in clearing the ball from, or somewhere near the Tiger’s goal line (and the Russian linesman) that stopped Leeds City getting a goal back before half time.
2nd Half
Leeds City showed that you must never take your eye off the ball as an attacking move from the kick off was well saved on to the post by Connor Ryan, but then scrambled in by the Leeds City forwards. 4:1 and still a game to be won
Almost immediately Adam Berry was through on to goal and hammered one in to what looked like the roof of the net, but the goal wasn’t given. “He should have gone to Specsavers” was the cry aimed at the referee.
There followed a series of shots and near misses at both ends, but mainly from the legs of Adam. Ben had a great shot pushed over the bar, Ryan hit one just past the post, Connor saved a one on one attempt and then incredibly as Adam had done all the hard work to get in front of the keeper he smashed it wide from just 2 metres. You could only smile!
Things were soon put to rights when a fierce shot from Ryan was parried back and Adam made no mistake this time. 5:1 to the Tigers
Bailey finalised the proceedings with another good finish to complete his hat-trick.
A confident, competent performance. The Tigers remain irresistible and undefeated.
The Ossett Town squad has real strength in depth and these two performances against a good, but weaker side will put us in a good place for sterner tests to come
Here’s looking forward to the challenges ahead
Nat West player of the match – Sam Allen
Saturday 10th October
Upperthong Under 10s 4
Ossett Town Under 10 Pumas 1
Goal Scorer : Finley Townend
DSK Eng Man of the Match : Levi Mitchell
Kick about with Compo and Clegg
Deep in the heart of Last of the Summer Wine country next to the river Holme The Pumas played out a very typical example of a “game of two halves”!
In the first half The Pumas gave a very good account of themselves. Jack Conboy and Morgan Fletcher excelled in defence against a spritely Thong attack. But Town gave as good as they got with Alistair Redmond and Sean Owram working hard in midfield and Finley Townend mesmerising the home defence with some marvellous footwork and close control. He carved out numerous opportunities for himself without being able to convert. Levi Mitchell playing on the left hand side of midfield was at the heart of a lot of the good Ossett football and excelled. With a change in formation and the introduction of Ella Walker, Finley found help in attack and after a weaving run crossed to Ella in space in the penalty area, but the cross was tantalisingly a yard behind her and the chance went begging.
Connor Ryan in goals saw very little action in the first half, but the tables were about to be turned!
Half time 0 v 0
Though the formation remained the same for the start of the second half, there was a shuffle of the personnel. Midfield in to defence and vice versa. Contrary to intentions, this tactic seemed to knock the Pumas out of their stride and within 5 minutes of the restart the hosts had plundered two goals!
A third soon followed and what breaks at this point were being enjoyed by the Pumas only resulted in some practice for the man with the net to fish the match ball out of the river behind the goal that Town were attacking.
Finley Townend got his reward midway through the second half, latching on to a pass by Levi Mitchell, Finley beat one defender and as he advanced in to the area from the left wing struck a fine shot that the goal keeper managed to take the sting out of, but not enough to stop it from rolling over the line. Just for good measure, Ella Walker like a true “sniffer” Clarke, smashed the ball in to the net! Who’s goal was it? Finley celebrated, Ella jogged serenely back to the half way. When queried, Ella as honest as the day is long said “it was already in”. A goal back. Reward for Finley. Game on!
Any hope of a resurgence was short lived however, as Thongs lively centre forward once more left the Town defence trailing behind and picked out the top corner with his shot to leave Connor Ryan no chance to save it.
So a promising display on the whole without reward. The main contributing factors being the quality of Upperthongs finishing, a disastrous change in players position by the coach and a propensity to switch off at vital times when not in possession of the ball. Lessons to be learned all round!
Sunday 4th October
Lions
Kirkstall Crusaders 0 : 8 Ossett Town
It’s a topsy turvy world
You know something isn’t quite right when the sun is still shining in October and it hasn’t rained for a month.
Add to this another goal frenzy, another clean sheet from the Lions, Thomas McGee (TJ) scoring another hat-trick and finding himself at right back, Louis Allison operating as a striker, Elliot Hewitt scoring with his right foot, Thomas Coe (TC) nearly scoring with a header, and several passing moves being put together making us all reminisce of the great Leeds side of the 70’s. What’s gone wrong with the world? Is it all a dream?
1st Half
Lions got off to another great start with an early shot from Elliot just past the post. Then followed an amazing move where Ella Walker took the goal kick to Ben Shelton on the left hand edge of the box who then passed the width of the pitch to Louis. Louis found Liam Finney on the right wing who beat his man and passed back into midfield finding Elliot. Elliot’s fierce shot was too hot for the keeper to handle and TJ pounced on the resulting rebound to make it 1:0 to the Lions. The comparisons with the great Leeds side were all too obvious – 4 passes in total (almost the 40
It was soon 2:0 as Elliot followed a crunching tackle with a beautifully weighted pass through to TJ who gave the keeper no chance. A corner from TJ nearly led to the 3rd as Ben, moving up from left back, had a great shot blocked and then hit the resulting scramble on to the crossbar. It was only a matter of time until the 3rd was scored as TJ once again ran on to the through ball to net his second hat-trick in successive matches. Surely he will get the match ball one of these days!!
Elliot heaped on the misery to the hapless Kirkstall team as he scored, rather surprisingly with his right foot to make it 4:0
A 5th soon followed as with many of the moves starting down the right hand flank. Louis finding the feet of TJ who fed the ball through for Liam Finney to hurtle down to the by-line and pull back a great cross to TC. TC controlled and pulled the ball back with his right foot and finished cleanly with his left. “Happy 60th Birthday dad!” we heard him shout. Another corner from TJ saw Liam Finney blast a shot just over the bar. He was on fire, the Lions were on fire and they went in at half time with a 5:0 lead.
2nd Half
Chris Copello urged the Lions, at the half time team talk, to keep possession and be patient. It was a great opportunity to improve the passing skills and learn how to keep possession. It was also a great opportunity to try out players in new positions. They listened, well partly!
Kirkstall put their best player in goal and this stemmed the flow of goals with some great saves from some great attacking play. Lions remained solid at the back and were never troubled. Good timing from Louis, great speed from Liam Taylor and Ben slotting well into the defensive role made it all a little dull for Ella.
But the Lions were not to be thwarted for long and a well taken corner from TJ led to a great header (yes, header!) from TC which went just wide. Then followed the best move of the season with Liam Finney delivering a super pass to TJ who headed for the right hand corner and pulled back to TC who hit a sweet shot with the outside of his left boot. 6:0. Two birthday presents in one day for Tony – what next?
A route 1 goal for TJ then made it 7 and an 8th soon followed with an own goal as the unlucky Kirkstall defender could do nothing against a well taken TC corner.
A final result of 8:0 was a great performance. Kirkstall were not a weak team and the Lions hunted and protected effectively as a pack. Bring on the next prey!
Warburton’s player of the match – Liam Finney
Tigers
Kirkstall Crusaders 0 : 5 Ossett Town
Tigers earn their stripes with 3rd win on the bounce
1st Half
The Tigers carried on where the Lions left off. A dominant performance proved too much for Kirkstall, but by no means was it a push over. They fought hard to stay in the game and gave continually as good as they got. One particular tussle between Joseph Smith and the Kirkstall keeper showed that Kirkstall were definitely “up for it” and not to be pushed aside.
Tigers quickly took the lead as Ryan Turfrey put Bailey Holderness through. He beat his man and the resultant shot was too hot to handle. Sam Allen followed up and his shot hit the post and then went in. 1:0 to the Tigers. Several effective attacks followed with great midfield and attacking play from Bailey, Adam Berry, Sam and Ryan.
Joe seemed out of sorts in defence and when he forgot how to throw a ball he had to win a re-take by charming the referee. He soon re-gained his “joie de vivre” when waiting on the edge of the box the ball bounced back to him from a cleared corner. For a moment it seemed like Steven Gerrard had graced the pitch as Joe, with great technique got over the rising ball and hit an absolute belter towards the goal. The keeper just managed to tip it onto the bar and out for a corner. This would have been goal of the season, or even the century.
The Tigers continued to apply the pressure but still the 2nd goal was not forthcoming. At 1:0 Kirkstall were still very much in with a chance. A Bailey corner found Morgan Fletcher on the right hand edge of the box and Morgan let go a superb shot which once again was tipped on to the bar by the keeper. Morgan has been playing with a new found confidence and skill and deserved to score from this move.
Finally the pressure paid off with a well taken goal from Bailey. Callum Towey continued to be the backbone of the defence with some great timed tackles and a memorable sliding tackle just before half time to lead the Tigers in to half time 2:0 up
2nd Half
It was all Tigers in the 2nd half and Joe narrowly missed a header from a Bailey corner in the early minutes. Connor Ryan in goal was as solid as a rock and never put a foot wrong. Indeed, he put a foot right – right through the ball for Adam to run on to and score the 3rd. Callum found himself on the edge of the Kirkstall box and narrowly missed a goal with a cracking shot.
Another Wimbledon-esque approach eminating from the boot of Connor led to the 4th with Adam scoring as 4 Ossett players charged down on the Kirkstall keeper.
The Tigers couldn’t do a thing wrong and even when Callum decided to pick up the ball in the penalty area thinking a foul had been committed, the resultant penalty was put wide.
Callum made amends by starting the move of the match – Callum to Adam to Joe and under the keepers legs. 5:0. A beautiful end to a beautiful game.
The confidence in the players is at an all time high and you can see the belief in the play. It is great to watch and now is the time to train even harder to cement the learnings and the position in the table.
Yahoo!!
Hillsborough Steelstock Player of the match – Bailey Holderness
Saturday 3rd October 2009
Ossett Town Under 10s Match Report
Saturday 3rd October 2009
Huddersfield League Division L
Ossett Town Under 10 Pumas 0
Skelmanthorpe Under 10s 1
Man of the match: Sean Owram
On an October day you can expect sun, rain, snow……..all acceptable conditions and you can still see some good football…….but the wind, oh the wind…..it was blowing a gale today, but it never knocked the Pumas out of their stride!
The first half was an evenly fought contest. Connor Ryan and Levi Mitchell were sterling in defence and launched many counter attacks. So much so the only time Ella Walker touched the ball was half way through the half when she was picking it out of her own net! A cross come shot had trickled across the goal and was tapped in by a Skelmanthorpe attacked who had ghosted in at the far post.
Morgan Fletcher was revelling in his midfield role and consistently picking out an Ossett red shirt with his passing. Finlay Townend on the end of one such pass nearly levelled the scores but saw his shot go narrowly wide. Alistair Redmond was a true dynamo and covered every blade of grass with his enthusiasm being infectious. Sean Owram came alive winning the ball on the right hand side and beating two players before crossing to Alex Oldroyd who wriggled free from one defender but couldn’t quite get his shot on goal.
Jack Conboy was introduced in to defence and the change was seamless, he slipped in to the role effortlessly and made crucial tackles and interceptions.
Half time 0-1
In the second half the visitors were not only battered by the wind but by The Pumas as well. It was all Ossett Town!
The pressure grew and grew as The Pumas looked to take the match to their plucky visitors. Connor Ryan, Alistair Redmond and Morgan Fletcher were all involved in the move of the match. Ryan picked up a loose pass in his own penalty area and coolly played it in to Redmond’s feet, who was just in his own half. As he strode forward Fletcher sprinted up and past him in support in acres of space. Redmond with head up saw this and with perfect weight and accuracy laid the ball in front of Morgan Fletcher who from the edge of the penalty area unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot which nearly broke the cross bar and as it bounced down no one quite new if it had gone in, stayed out, bounced down over the line or was still in play, but it was scrambled quickly away by a Skelmanthorpe defender. Oh for a Russian linesman! It would surely have been a contender for goal of the season!
A goal mouth scramble saw three Puma players have a snatch at a shot, but still the ball wouldn’t go in!
Despite all the corners, the pressure and good flowing football Ossett never managed to get back on level terms. Take your chances, win your matches!
A draw would have been a fair reflection on the game, because for large parts of it, particularly the second half, there was only one team in it. There were outstanding individual performances all over the pitch, but one young man, namely Sean Owram delivered as he has threatened to for a long time. His performance was full of running, tackling and passing and we saw the confidence that lies beneath that quiet exterior. Consistent performances of that calibre must surely now be his goal. On the day he was magnificent and was awarded Hillsborough Steelstocks Man of the Match Award.
Sunday 27th September
Lions
Ossett Town Juniors 5 : 0 Kippax Juniors “Here comes the sun”
As the clouds parted and the sun shone through to dry the Sunday morning dew at Haggs Hill, Chris Copello’s words were ringing in the Lion’s young ears. More passion and more fight was needed right from the start – and boy did the young brave-hearts respond.
1st Half - Lions dominated this one sided game right from the first whistle with a combination of great individual skills, great movement and passing and a maturity on the ball that Chris has been dreaming of for many months. Fluent attacking moves built on a solid defence.
Great link play down the right hand flank from Louis Allison to Liam Finney and on to Thomas McGee (TJ) led to several early chances. The resulting crosses peppered the Kippax defence. One such move resulted in a cross from TJ meant for Ben Shelton but such was the quality of the cross that the Kippax defender could not avoid deflecting it into his own net. 1:0 to Ossett!!
A couple of minutes later the same linking moves led to an Ossett corner and TJ hit a firm and low one into the 6 yard box. Ben was there coming in from the back post to volley the ball beautifully into the net. 2:0 to Ossett – Ben and TJ both on fire. Ben (Torres) Shelton then got a ball in the guts which left him winded for a moment, but there was only one thing that was going to stop him – Chris substituted him! It may have been the fact that he had his shorts on back to front!
Thomas Coe (TC) was more than an adequate replacement and the best move of the match followed. The ball bounced enticingly for him and he hit the ball sweetly with the outside of his left boot, just over the bar. This would have been goal of the season.
2nd Half – onwards ever onwards. Just to demonstrate the flexibility of our tactics Elliot (Vinny Jones) Hewitt adopted the route 1 approach with a big boot from the centre of defence. TJ ran on to it, settled himself and placed the ball beautifully in the bottom left hand corner - 3:0 to Ossett.
The confidence was oozing, players were lifting their heads and talking to each other and even the parents were beginning to enjoy each others company – who says winning isn’t everything?
With TC on the left the link moves started appearing down that flank with Liam Taylor combining well with Elliot and TC to good effect. It was great to watch and inevitably another goal arrived as TJ hit an absolute screamer from the right hand side of the box which the keeper wisely did not get a hand to.
There then followed a rare Kippax chance which gives me the opportunity to mention Connor Ryan as keeper. Not much to do, but everything he did he did well. And finally and appropriately TJ then made it 5, so finishing a great day with a well deserved hat trick.
Warburton’s player of the match – Thomas McGee
Tigers
Ossett Town Juniors 6 : 4 Kippax Juniors
“Tigers triumph in 10 goal thriller”
The Tigers maintained their 100% winning record with another toughly fought contest best exemplified by Joseph Smith’s titanic battle with the Kippax No15. This was a great game and could have gone either way right up to the end, but on balance Tigers deserved the victory through their true grit and determination.
1st Half – Kippax were the first on the scoreboard when Morgan Fletcher desperately worked to get back in touch with the Kippax striker who had got past him. Leaning heavily into the tackle the Kippax striker went to ground and the referee had no choice but to give the penalty. Well taken and 1:0 to Kippax. Tigers were soon back on level terms after some great defending from Callum Towey who then found Adam Berry who put Joseph through on goal. No mistake and 1:1
It was truly end to end stuff and a Laurel and Hardy goal mouth incident led to the Kippax second goal. The corner kick bounced off Morgan which was then well saved by Sam Allen but the next shot then hit the post and bounced in off Sam’s back. A tad unlucky.
Tigers then equalised with a great attacking move which bounced back to Bailey Holderness who then planted a stupendous shot perfectly in off the bottom of the left hand post. 2:2
It was soon 3:2 to the Tigers as Ryan (Scholes) Turfrey bossed the midfield again and slotted a pass through to Adam who finished well. Joseph was robbed when a screamer of a shot was well saved and shortly afterwards the Tigers came close again when a well taken corner by Joseph found Adam who hit the bar.
The tightrope was being walked and the Tigers lost their balance temporarily as the Kippax striker outpaced the Tigers defence to make it 3:3 – all square going into the break
2nd Half – Tigers got off to a good start with good link play from Ryan, Bailey and Adam. Sean Owram and Callum fought hard to keep Kippax at bay and Ella Walker provided some extra width and options on the left. All was evenly matched, but then a great move from Bailey to Adam to Ryan who turned on a sixpence and despite a slight mis-hit the power of the shot was still enough to beat the Kippax keeper. 4:3 to Ossett.
It was soon 5:3. Joseph to Adam (great feet for such a tall lad) who crossed to Ryan who deliberately let the ball run to Bailey (you owe me one Ryan!) for a tap in. It was still end to end stuff, but the breaks were going the way of the Tigers. Adam hit a monster from the 6 yard box to put us 6:3 ahead – surely it was all over now!
The fat lady was definitely not singing and soon it was back to 6:4. Kippax were unlucky in the dying minutes and would have drawn level if it weren’t for some great goal mouth scrambles and defending. Callum cleared off the line and headed off the line and Sam saved one on to the post. But the Tigers held on and on balance deserved the win.
For me, seeing Bailey chasing back the whole length of the field to make the tackle and seeing Callum with sleeves rolled up sporting a nose bleed showed the real spirit of this team – long may it continue and become the norm
Nat West Player of the match – Adam Berry
Saturday 26th September 2009
Netherton 3 v 1 Ossett Town Pumas
Goal scorer: Finlay Townend
Man of the Match: Connor Ryan
Paul McCartney once sang about "the long and winding road" and so it was for the Pumas, travelling to the far side of Huddersfield on A roads and B roads, in stark contrast to last years beaten track that is the M1 and M621. Just aswell Connor Ryan wasn't chaufered by his dad Dean or we would have missed out on his majestic performance between the sticks! ("Has anybody got a spare sat nav for deano???")
On a small postage stamp of a pitch chances were always going to be aplenty! Therefore it was no suprise to see an end to end affair. The home sides first real opportunity to open the scoring came from the penalty spot which Connor Ryan was able to watch as it went wide. Indeed the Pumas most potent force in attack were Ryans clearances out of his hands which reached the oppositions penalty area with ease and constantly put pressure on Nethertons defence. One such mele saw Alex Oldroyd pick the ball up only to fire wide with his shot. The home side took the lead shortly after and on fifteen minutes doubled their lead after a sublime volley in to the top corner that even Connor Ryan had no answer to. But when faced with a one on one situation just before half time, he measured up his angles, went down the line to make the goals small and at full stretch tipped a shot destined for the top corner round the post. Morgan Fletcher and Alistair Redmond grew in stature at the back and between them kept the score to 2 v 0 at half time.
Ossett started brightly in the second half with Ella Walker and Sean Owram working hard in midfield. Reward came the Pumas way after five minutes of the restart with a well taken goal by Finlay Townend, beating the home keeper at the near post with a well struck low shot. Levi Mitchell was introduced and made an impressive debut shoring up the Pumas defence. Ossett were now back in the game and hunting the equaliser with both Ella Walker and Finlay Townend coming close. Netherton had chances of their own though and it was that man Connor Ryan, that came to Towns rescue on countless occasions, saving shots, pouncing on the rebounds, punching corners away and catching crosses. But it was a set piece from a corner that proved to be the visitors undoing. As the corner was delivered and the Pumas defence played statues, a Netherton attacker cooly and with great technique volleyed home from close range leaving Connor Ryan no chance. To their credit the Pumas didn't concede the win and battled to the end showing a good fighting spirit.
Beaten on the day but not downhearted, with a steep learning curve in front of them the Pumas are quickly finding their feet and a lot of positives can be drawn from the trip to Netherton. Today all the plaudits went to Connor Ryan who was simply the best player on the pitch and was rightly awarded the Natwest Man of the Match Award.
Sunday 20th September 2009
Ossett Town Pumas 0 v 2 Cumberworth
On a beautiful morning punctuated by a hot autumnal sun, saw a closely fought contest swung Cumberworths way by virtue of two well rehearsed dead ball situations.
Ossett started brightly, with Morgan Fletcher and Alistair Redmond marshalling the defence well and Finlay Townend buzzing around up front. But chances for both sides were at a premium.
The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Ossett conceded a corner. Not having heeded previous warnings that the visitors had a well rehearsed short corner routine, the home defence switched off when the ball was dead and the Cumberworth attack sprung a short corner and had smashed the ball in to the net within a blink of an eye.
Ossett 1 v 0 Cumberworth.
5 minutes later de javu! Another short corner and Cumberworth doubled their lead.
Connor Ryan excelled in midfield breaking up any potential attacks on the home goal and in turn launching the Ossett counters.
But half time came without reward for some entertaining Ossett play and they still faced a two goal deficit.
In the second half Ossett played with better team shape and Sean Owram and Alex Oldroyd came in to there own. A determined run by Sean Owram saw him get in to a shooting position and fire narrowly wide. Shortly followed by some enterprising work by Alex Oldroyd who released Finlay Townend, but he was unable to convert. Ella Walker had come out of goals in the second period to play central midfield and showed what a good versatile player she was by showing a maturity beyond her years with her distribution and link play.
Ossett Town enjoyed a large amount of possession in the second half but couldn’t find the killer blow in the final third. Any counters by the visitors by this stage were being snuffed out by Alistair Redmond and when called up on, some good handling in goals by Connor Ryan who had donned the gloves for the second period.
All in all, a good first outing for the season and over the duration of the 40 minutes you could see the team warm to the task and finding their feet, indicating an improvement as the season unfolds and some good performances ahead.
Sean Owram, Ella Walker and Finlay Townend impressed but the DSK Engineering Man of the Match Award went to Alistair Redmond for his outstanding defensive performance.
Sunday 13th September
Lions
Hunslet Juniors 4 : 1 Ossett Town Juniors
“Clinical finishing by Hunslet wins the day in closely fought battle”
1st Half - The Lions were 1:0 down in just the first minute as the Ossett defence were breached by some quality passing and moving with a clinical finish. This happened on many occasions last season and maybe in future we should put the kick off back by a minute to avoid this happening again.
Not exactly the start we wanted, but let battle commence!
There followed a closely fought contest. Two good attacks from Ossett with good linking from Liam Finney and Thomas McGee on the right and Elliott Hewitt and Thomas Coe on the left soon followed as Ossett applied good pressure. A good long distance effort from Liam Finney narrowly missed.
Hunslet then scored a second time with another incisive attacking move catching Louis Allison and Liam Taylor a little square at the back and giving little chance for Ella Walker in goal.
The remainder of the first half was close with more chances being created by the Lions but the Hunslet goalkeeper and central defender looked impressive and remained solid.
2nd Half - The Lions came out roaring in the second half after a rousing Chris Copello team talk. Louis and Liam Taylor looked more solid as they covered for each other with better effect. Ella Walker was finding our players feet with some excellent distribution.
A mesmerising run from Liam Finney was too good for the Hunslet defence and he was brought down on the edge of the box. Up stepped Elliot (Giggs) Hewitt to take the free kick and his sweet left footed shot crashed into the underside of the crossbar. The ball bounced tantalisingly and Thomas McGee hooked the ball just over the bar. The Lions kept up the pressure and TJ rained in a couple more shots.
Then disaster struck. Just as our hopes were raised Hunslet counter attacked and scored a third with another high quality move and finish. Was it all over?
Elliott was having nothing of it and having picked up a loose clearance from the Hunslet defence he calmly picked his spot and shot accurately into the bottom right hand corner for a well deserved goal – yahoo!
The excitement was short-lived as the dangerous Hunslet counter attack once again proved effective with their fourth goal. Still the Lions wouldn’t die and more opportunities followed. Lady luck was still on her summer holidays as the ball bobbled horribly just as Thomas Coe pulled the trigger.
So a final score of 4:1, but this in no way reflected the balance of the match. The Lions are left to reflect on Elliot’s shot hitting the crossbar, Thomas Coe’s bobbling ball and the clinical finishing of the Hunslet forwards. Plenty of learnings but plenty of potential for a great season!
Warburton’s player of the match – Elliot Hewitt
Sunday 13th September
Tigers
Hunslet Juniors 1 : 2 Ossett Town Juniors
“Tigers by name and Tigers by nature”
1st Half – this game proved to be another very close affair with honours even after the first half. Goal-less, but far from dull. The Tigers were in determined mood and no one showed this more than our two sterling defenders, Morgan Fletcher and Callum Towey. Nothing got past them with fierce-some tackling, great timing and great covering play. This left Sam Allen in goal little to do except to admire his electric blue boots.
Other highlights of the first half were Bailey Holderness’ skilful dribbling and one memorable passing move from Callum to Ryan Turfrey who flicked a great pass into the path of Joseph Smith down the left wing. It was great to watch and the half time team talk was a “go and do it again” approach
2nd Half – things got underway quickly with a crazy goalmouth scramble in the Hunslet area with the ball refusing to go into the net. This was followed by a goalmouth scramble at the other end, unfortunately ending with a ricochet off Callum’s legs giving Hunslet the lead. Call me Mr Biased but this simply was not fair!
You could sense even more determination flowing through the Tiger’s legs and a good attacking move led to their just rewards. The ball came out to Joseph on the edge of the box and having got it under control he planted a fantastic left foot shot in the bottom right hand corner. 1:1 and game on!
From this moment on it was all Tigers. Joseph hit another scorching shot that just went wide. Adam Berry was through on goal only for the dreaded bobble to affect his finish. Ryan found himself in front of goal to narrowly miss as well. Things were getting desperate. Where was the winner coming from? Even Chris Coppello got in on the action when he wouldn’t leave the field after tending to an injured Ben Shelton. He just wanted to be part of it.
There was some really great play happening with Adam holding the ball well, Bailey dribbling superbly and Ryan becoming the Paul Scholes of central midfield.
We entered the last minute of play and yet another attack was under way. Bailey, Joseph and Ben were steam rolling forward and as the ball broke loose just inside the box Ben loosed off a great right footed shot that left the keeper with no chance and gave the Tigers a great victory.
A final score of 2:1 to the Tigers. A result based on fierce defending, midfield dynamos and great forward play. The Tigers will reflect on the season ahead and if we get Dean a Sat Nav we will have the added strength of Connor Ryan in the team!
