U12s East Riding 2-3 York
York U12 Schoolboys had a tough away trip to East Riding, both teams were evenly matched after their last meeting finished 5-5. This was a must win game for York, they needed all 3 points to keep their hopes alive of remaining in the run for top spot.
The conditions were awful and didn’t lend themselves to nice flowing football, storm Ellen was arriving in force and was having a huge impact on the game. Undeterred both teams gave 100% and started to settle in to the conditions. The first break came for York in the 15th minute when Matty Ellison slipped the ball to Noah Ward who hit a sweet right foot shot that smashed in to the net, 1-0 York. However East Riding started to utilise the conditions and started to pressure the York goal, in the 23rd minute they equalised shortly followed by a second, the ref blew for half time and East Riding went in to the break 2-1 up.
The second half started with the wind becoming stronger and making it almost impossible to pass the ball, York had the wind behind them, but to be honest it was so gusty it became a hindrance with passes going astray and flying out of play. Composure was required as the clock ticked down, York needed 2 goals to ensure they came away with 3 points. The commitment was there from the York lads but the ball wasn’t falling for them and frustration started to sneak in to their play. With 10 minutes left to play York equalised, Noah Ward launched a long throw in to the penalty box, it hit an East Riding player to ricochet in to the goal. This gave York the boost they required and they went looking for a third to secure all 3 points. With a final push York were awarded a corner, Ozzy Shaw delivered the corner which arrived at pace, it missed all the heads and somehow ended up hitting the back of the net for York’s third.
York stood fast and saw out the time to win 2-3 and earn all 3 points. A massive well done must go to both sets of players that gave there all in truly horrendous conditions. Both teams will see each other again on the 28th March when they play in the Martin Dale Cup final, venue yet be confirmed.
Goals: – Noah Ward, OG, Ozzy Shaw
MOM – Jimmy Hendon – calm and resilient at centre back in awful conditions.
