U11s WYC Semi Final Nottingham 3 – 1 York

York U11 Schoolboys were edged out of the West Yorkshire Cup in the semi-final, in a hard fought away game, against a strong Nottingham side losing 3-1.

Nottingham dominated the early exchanges of the first period with York keeper Nathan Storr making the first save of the game on ten minutes.  The midfield of Tom Eaton, Jimmy Gore, Declan Simpson and Elliot Oliver struggled to contain a strong Nottingham midfield and York’s usual flowing football was stifled by the Nottingham midfield, with York only mustering one shot off target in the first period.

At the start of the second period a through ball from the Nottingham midfield took an unlucky bounce that beat the York Keeper and the resulting shot was had crossed the line before Liam White’s brave clearance attempt, putting Nottingham 1-0 up.

The defence of Simeon Hopkinson, Luke Jones and Liam White held firm under some intense Nottingham pressure. As York started come into the game they were awarded a penalty after a great through ball from Tom Eaton put Declan Simpson through and after a great run into the penalty area was brought down.  Will Jarvis stepped up and struck a forceful shot that hit the underside of the crossbar on it’s into the back of the net making it 1-1.

With an enforced change and Luke Jones being moved into the central midfield role York started to take control of the game and ended the second period in the ascendancy.

York started the third period the better of the two sides with Alfie Evans in the centre of defence and Luke Jones commanding the centre of midfield.  It was from some great passing play by York through the midfield when a great cross field pass from Alex Kemp unluckily struck the referee handing the attacking advantage to Nottingham with four against three.  With York outnumbered at the back Nottingham’s shot on goal was superbly saved by the diving Nathan Storr only for the rebound to fall to the Nottingham forward who finished well making it 2-1 with five minutes left to play.

York pushed on in the hope of finding an equaliser in the dying minutes with shots from Will Jarvis and Declan Simpson forcing great saves from the Nottingham keeper.  With a minute left on the clock a quick break by Nottingham saw the Nottingham forward lob the out rushing York Keeper making it 3-1 at the final whistle.

Man of the Match was deservedly awarded to Luke Jones for his captain’s display in central defence and midfield.

Scorers: – Jarvis