U12s 1 - Golden Valley Rangers 0

Written by I Templeton

A win’s a win and Jake Hawkins’ free kick goal from well outside the area was one to remember, but as a spectacle this was a pretty forgettable game.  The lumpy pitch didn’t help and a defensively well organized GVR made our job harder, but we just didn’t click today.

Jake Templeton was ‘fouled’ (well the ref thought so anyway!) in the box and won a second half penalty, but Jack Knowler’s rocket of a shot thumped the bar and rebounded safely from a Rangers perspective.  We had a few other decent chances, but regardless of our continual pressure nothing quite came off.

Lucky for the ladies there was the distraction of some new touchline eye candy as Shaun and I added much needed sparkle strutting like peacocks in our new jackets.  Welcome relief from an otherwise dull encounter, I imagine!!

On the balance of play we deserved our victory and well done Hawkins for breaking the deadlock, especially as he was under the weather.

A smart save by Jake Kirkham and strong performances from Josh Werreitt, Ferdinand de Carvalho, Declan McGettigan and Matt Sands are also all worthy of mention.

Our star performer today, however, was Ellis Cox.  He gave 100% effort for the whole match and with neat touches and sound ball play deserved his Man of the Match accolade.  Well done Ellis.

Great to start the New Year with a victory and I’m sure we’ll raise our game for the encounter with Windsor Drive in a fortnight.