The under 17's took on top of the table Ebor Gardens FC at Manley Park in a 10 o'clock kick off this morning. Off the back of two league pastings despite some strong performances, the lads were determined to build on their 6-2 friendly win against Kirkstall last week and if not win this one, show how they are improving and maturing with some really positive approaches to this game.
The 80 minutes kicked off with some cracking football from both teams and the difference between OWLS and Ebor was measurable in microns. It was the visitors who struck first but it wasnt long before OWLS were in their groove, moving the ball around with ease. Whilst Ebor favoured the cut inside and an attack down the middle, this afforded OWLS plenty of space out wide with the wing backs Jamie and Mason, surging forward in some promising OWLS attacks. Shortly after a superb assist from Tom teed up OWLS' first goal through Ethan. 1-1 not all of the OWLS attacks came off though and despite some super midfield battles between the two teams, the ball always seemed to drop kindly for the visitors and whilst the attacks down the wings looked promising, it at times left OWLS exposed though the middle and despite some heroic defending from Will and Lennie at centre back, with Aidan and Jack at CDM, EBOR were able to regain the advantage. 1-2!
EBOR pressed the advantage and threw some bodies forward but their long ball attempts were quickly thwarted by James who was like lightening today as sweeper keeper and this gave OWLS the momentum to clinch an equaliser through Max just before half time. 2-2!
If anything, EBOR are a determined bunch and although matched pound for pound by OWLS in the footballing stakes, they know how to convert their desperation in to positive football and desire to win and it was this fact alone that gave them the slightest of edges in today's game.
The second half saw some superb midfield battles lead by Lewis and new signing Wayne. But it was EBOR's slightly greater desire and desperation, plus some lucky ricochets that ultimately undid the OWLS and EBOR fired home 4 unanswered goals to end the game 2-6.
It's widely agreed that the improvements from game to game are immense and given the fun, smiley, free flowing football played today against a strong opposition, it won't be long before the team are bagging their first points of the season. Credit to one or two players today who persevered through muscle strains and cramp and to everyone for playing with really positive attitudes.
Today's POM was a tough call again! So tough that we had to share the spoils to Jack for putting in a shift with some awesome passing, skill and tackling and Max who battled to the end despite suffering with muscle problems early on to the game, bagging a goal in the process.
Next week is away to Garforth Villa. UTO😀⚽️🦉