Match Report - Game 1 - Saturday 18th September

vs Ormskirk West End: 6-3

Team: Ciaran; Stephen (capt.), Josh; Joe, Elliot, Caleb; Seamus. Subs: Jacob, Matty

The season finally got off to a start a week late after a "grass cutting equipment failure" (or, the mower was broken). On the cricket club side of the road, the pitch looked like the mower was still broken - passing would need to be true! Adam was away on holiday but Caleb and Jacob were welcomed to the squad. With parents sensibly leaving the West End followers to look after the ditch, the Under 9s became Under 10s.

The boys started well, with a free kick going narrowly wide from Joe after only 90 seconds. West End were not going to be any pushovers, though, and a double save from Ciaran was needed to keep them at bay. After hitting the side netting and forcing a good save from the keeper, Seamus got the first goal of the new season after 12 minutes, glancing in a cross from the left from Caleb.  

With Jacob replacing Elliott, the boys pushed on and a first time pass from Joe set Jacob free, who shot narrowly wide. West End were still a threat, however, and five minutes before half time the equaliser came from an unfortunate own goal, a mistimed header from the forward bouncing off a knee and leaving the keeper with no chance.

The lead was restored within a minute, as Jacob threaded the ball through the defence for Seamus to tuck away his second. However, the lead was lost in a minute, as a loose ball in the centre let West End in for a second equaliser and a 2-2 scoreline at the break.

The second half started in just the right fashion, as Jacob picked up the ball on the right of the box and planted a shot into the opposite corner of the net, the West End keeper grasping at air. Caleb had dropped to right back for the second half alongside the ever-reliable Stephen and the defence needed to be on their wits as West End pushed again, forcing Ciaran to push one around the post. 

This proved to be the moment when the boys finally got control of the match. With Jacob beginning to run the game from the centre, always looking for the pass, and Josh and Joe buzzing on either side, the lead was doubled after 7 minutes as another neat Jacob pass set Seamus in for his hat-trick. The same pair linked up 5 minutes later, with Seamus getting another with a cheeky back heel. 

By now Matty had replaced Joe on the right and Elliott had come on to give four-goal hero Seamus a well-earned rest and the boys were in full flow, passing the ball with confidence. The sixth goal, and his first for the team, came from Matty as he rifled a shot into the net as the ball rebounded from the keeper. 

With 10 minutes to go, the boys kept pushing on looking for more goals. West End didn't lose heart though, and managed a consolation in the last two minutes.

This was a good performance from the boys, with good passing and movement throughout the team and a fine platform for the autumn. Next up, rivals Marina Sands Lions - more of the same please, boys!

Man of the match: For his four goals (even if he didn't get to keep the ball), the medal goes to Seamus.