Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions

Posted on November 23, 2009

EB Lions U12 - 6
Oakley Rangers U12 - 8

Spectators endured torrents of winter rain at the Rye but were recompensed by an equally copious deluge of goals at each end in a gritty battle that saw both sides pushing for a win.

Lions scored the opener, Charlie Nevitt landing a clean strike to take the lead, but Rangers were unfazed and hit back an incredible six times in the first half having opened up and exposed a ragged defence and some below par work in midfield. A promising run from Chris McGee broke down as the Rangers rear guard drew into tight formation, but a turning point came ahead of the break as Will Juster completed a Sean Woodhouse cross.

Lions drew together in the second half as the weather deteriorated and under a chilly downpour showed admirable determination to pull back to near level with Oakley. Defenders Aarin Johnson, Jake Draper, Dominic Ryan, Tom Horner and Mason Ashby sealed up the holes and a surge in midfield saw Adam Bradley and Ben Roberts sweep up a string of Oakley attacks.

Will took a second goal early in the half and was followed up by Sean and MOM James Hurley, pulling Lions in range of the visitors who had looked to be running away with the game only 10 minutes before. Oakley scored again but the hosts responded in kind, Charlie completing a brace of goals to put the side one behind.

Determined efforts from Alex Poynter and Aaron Gauntlett could not open up the precious chance at goal though, and Rangers were able to slip another past the fingertips of Dan Kennell, who had been truly tested throughout.

Source: EB Lions