MATCH REPORT - SELKENT LEAGUE CUP: JR Spartans v JR Knights & Teviot Rangers Reds - 14th Oct 12
Well what a Sunday of football that was!! It was always going to be a tough day given that we had drawn League A and League B teams in our first cup competition.
We started the day with our first tie against our fellow football club team, Junior Reds Knights. The boys gave a really good account of themselves holding the Knights to a slender one goal lead at half time. This was down to another battling performance from Shemar & Finlay in defence and great goalkeeping from George. The midfield of Taran, Jack & Lovell worked hard, not only in supporting the defence but also providing chances for ourselves and the ever chasing lone striker William.
Half Time Score : Junior Reds Knights - 1, Junior Reds Spartans - 0
At half time the manager made some changes to the team, Kaci on for Finlay, Ugo on for Taran and Callum on for William.
The changes provided some great pressure on the JR Knights goal with chances for Lovell, Jack and Callum but we were caught on the break and JR Knights extended their lead to 2 - 0. The boys continued to play really well with some great passing and movement. Kaci, Shemar continued to hold off the opposition with Ugo assisting defensively. Positionally we did lose our shape a bit and players did start to group together on one or two occassions (something to work on in training). The final goal we conceded was a great shot from the Knights from just inside the box low to George's left. Petr Cech would have struggled to have stopped that shot.
Full Time Score : Junior Reds Kights - 3, Junior Reds Spartans - 0
Captain - Jack
Our second game saw us take on a mamonth task of League A side Teviot Rangers Red.
To give George a chance to come out of goal for a change, Finaly agreed to don the number 1 shirt for the game.
The team weren't aware that they were playing against a league A side and played and showed some fantastic touches. George showed good skill and tackling as he joined Kaci as the defensive pair. The midfield trio of Lovell, Taran and Ugo played well with Callum chasing an opportunity that came his way.
However by half time Teviot Rangers Reds had managed to score three goals.
Half Time Score : Junior Reds Spartans - 0, Teviot Rangers Red - 3
At half time the manager made some further subs.
Kaci on for George, Jack on for Lovell and William on for Callum.
The boys battling continued but Teviot carried on from the first half and scored four more golas in the second half. One a penalty conceded by Lovell. Finlay stood tall in the goal but was beaten to his left by a powerful strike. With late injuries to Shemar & Jack (replaced by Lovell & Callum) the game was pretty much over.
Full Time Score : Junior Reds Spartans - 0, Teviot Rangers Red - 7
Managers comment: Today was aways going to be a tough two games given the opposition (not really sure why they put sides so far apart in the league together in competitions like this). Everyone should remember those sides have been together for two or more years. However that said, on a positive note we learnt more again about the squad that we can work on in training. Goal kicks and corners we need to work on. We found a new defender in George (not sure Finaly enjoyed being in goal though). Most importantly what I'm seeing is every boy trying hard and putting effort in and that's all I expect, particularly when we have difficult games like today. Next week our focus turns back to the league. Don't be dissappointed you all worked hard today.
Big thanks also go to Stan A for refereeing two games (when it was supposed to be one) and William C for sorting out the cards again. Thanks chaps.
Captain - Finlay
Man of the matches - Kaci