The Under 17's travelled light to joint top of the table, Wortley for a late 1 pm kick off today.
With Wortley flying high and OWLS having only 9 players, the only expectation was for the lads to enjoy themselves, play with a smile, and give it their best shot. So to say we are super proud of all 9 of them is an understatement. Although the result finished up with an OWLS loss, the 9 lads played the full 90 minutes like an 11 and ran in at half time with a 1-0 lead.
Picking player of the match certainly was the toughest ever as everyone brought something to the table today. Despite OWLS staying compact all game, James's goal was peppered at times by the Wortley overload and he showed us why he is number one, pulling off some remarkable saves. Jamie W had to step out of his comfort zone at left back today and made some delightful runs forward to support some unexpected OWLS' attacks. On the Right of defense, Mason was equally up to the task and it was graet to see him and Max take the initiative to swap positions in the second half. This saw him have several shots and rattle the woodwork and for Max to look like a natural, supporting some clever play out from the back. At centre back, Binnsy did a great job of keeping the Wortly attack at bay whilst his partner in crime, Will showed a darker but welcome side to his game, with some crunching tackles and a cheeky little protest at the ref which could only make anyone who knows him chuckle with delight. In midfield, Wayne battled hard all game despite sustaining a knock early on and his perseverance and pace, galvanized the OWLS attack. Knowlesy showed great maturity once again to overcome the negativity creeping in to his game, find the positivity and start and finish the game with a strong performance that will allow him to hold his head high and know he contributed 100% effort to the team today. OWLS' goal was scored by Lennie, who should now be a little less unsure of whether the decision to put faith in his accurate shooting prowess and start him in midfield, was the right one.
The Wortley advantage of extra bodies plus subs, was always going to be the Achille's Heel today for OWLS and keeping the concentration, compact shape and intensity for 90 minutes just isn't possible for anyone.
But I don't think I'm alone in saying today was one of the proudest I've been of the team and that the game was actually one of the most enjoyable I've watched. I hope the lads are equally as happy and as proud of themselves because they absoloutely should be. Well done đđŚâ˝ď¸