U12s 1 - Windsor Drive 0

Written by I Templeton

Not exactly a thrilling encounter, but our cup quarter-final battle against Drive had moments of quality and Oranges deservedly came out on top.  Tense from the off both sides defended deeply and there wasn’t too much attacking action.

Jake Kirkham was captain for the day and barked continuous instruction and encouragement at his back line.  In a game of few opportunities Kirkham stayed alert and did what he had to do.  Twice he left his box at speed to make telling clearances and also made a tremendous last ditch stop in either half.  Stirling work Kirks!

Josh Werreitt had a cracking game at the back and on numerous occasions cleared our lines singlehandedly.  He also won more than his fair share of headed ball and continually thwarted Drive’s attacking force.  Good work Josh!

It was great to see Jake Hawkins return from illness to take his place in the middle of the park.  He did so with half a bottle of anti-biotics sloshing around inside him (Briony told him he couldn’t play football again until he’d finished the course!!).  The medicine nearly worked some magic toward the end as he crashed a shot against the Drive cross bar.  Good to see you back Jake and best of luck explaining things to mum!

Matt Sands made a noticeable difference when he joined in from the subs bench during the first half.  He started up front and then played the second period at full back.  His first touch was excellent and he really helped stabilize the side.  Great work Matt!

Special mention is merited for Ellis Cox.  Nursing a nasty groin strain and against medical advice he played upfront supporting Jack Knowler and, as always, gave everything.  Across both halves he managed about forty minutes and did well to win us a penalty late on.  The spot kick was missed, but come the end it didn’t matter.

Matt Hitchings saved the team at the death clearing the ball expertly amid a final Drive onslaught on our goal.  A real ‘hearts in mouths’ moment.  Well done Hitch!

Joe sands put in some good work on the right beating his man a number of times and shimmying down the wing.  And Ollie Graham continues to establish himself in the side putting in another decent performance at left-back.  It was also good to see Ollie’s dad Mike joining in the fun with a sideline tumble in the mud.  Not quite in Andy Hitchings league as yet, but a great debut effort nonetheless!

The only goal of the game was a worthy cup tie winner.  Ferdinand de Carvalho won the ball in midfield and cleverly set up Knowler.  Knowler’s shot was blocked, but the ball fell kindly for Jake Templeton.  Templeton knocked it forward and then creamed it with his left foot.  The Drive ‘keeper had no chance and the ball flew into the back of the waiting net.  The relief was palpable both on and off the pitch.  Cracking strike Jake!

Declan McGettigan and Harry Parkinson also both played their parts and all the boys can be proud of today’s collective achievement.

Credit to Windsor Drive.  Nice boys and management and for the second week running they fully played their part running us uncomfortably close.

Our prize is passage to the Wally Smith cup semi-final on March 11^th.  Hopefully our support will be out in force and wouldn’t it be fantastic if we can make the final.

Today’s worthy Man of the Match was our shy and retiring man in the cap, Jake Kirkham.  Well done ‘Kirks’ your sixth clean sheet of the season!!