U14s South Ribble 0-6 York
York & District U14 Schoolboys headed West along the M62 on Saturday to play their first match in the new ESFA Champions Cup, the opposition being South Ribble Schoolboys in Preston.
York were definitely up for this opening fixture, from the off York stamped their authority on the match, winning the 1v1 battles and showing great enthusiasm and desire to push forward. The pressure told and after 11 minutes York were awarded a corner, the delivery from Nicholson was superb and found Fella to riffle the ball in to the net, 1 nil York. This gave the York players added energy and the midfield engine room was firing on all cylinders with Ward, Kay, Borlase and Williams bossing the central midfield. A quick throw from Steel saw Farrar break free from the defence and unleash a shot, the keeper was unable to hold on to the ball and fell to McGurrin who slotted the ball home to make it 2 nil to York. The ref blew for half time and the boys jogged off for a well deserved rest and opportunity to re-charge for the second half.
The second half got under way, York were dominant in all areas of the pitch and started to frustrate the South Ribble players with their energy and commitment. It soon payed off with a further 2 quick goals for York, the 3rd coming from a solo effort by Williams who found the ball at his feet 10yds from goal and slotted the ball passed the out rushing keeper. The fourth and 2nd goal of the match for McGurrin was another solo effort which saw him go on a mazy run down the right leaving defenders in his wake to then strike the ball with a sweet left shot to smash in to the net. York were buoyant and the long journey across the Pennines was looking a worthwhile trip. The York players were not finished, they wanted more, 2 more goals were scored by Nicholson and the best goal of the match was the 6th and the hatrick goal for McGurrin, who unleashed a left foot shot from outside the box to nestle in the top corner.
This was a fantastic effort from all the York players, great credit has to go the lads in defence, Barson, Palla, Fewlass and Potter who were immense in snuffing out any attack from South Ribble and Coy who was dominant in goal to keep a clean sheet.
The match ended South Ribble 0 v York and District Schoolboys 6, York will go on to play Carlisle Schoolboys and Sheffield Schools in the league, the top two teams progressing in to the knockout phase.
Scorers – McGurrin 3, Fella, Williams, Nicholson
