Junior Football news

Sunday 17 February 2008

Garforth League

Game 1

Woodkirk Valley Under 9s (Blue) 2 - 8 St Josephs Under 9s

Valley started play with a run by Wilson out of midfield but very shortly St Josephs took the lead. The Valley keeper was tested further and the defence cleared with good headers and telling tackles to prevent further goals. This enabled Valley to counter-attack and Kilroy surged forward forcing a corner. St Josephs scored a second but Valley continued to look for goals. St Josephs' third was a scorcher from 25 yards but again Valley's strike force looked to get back into the game as and Kilroy finally fired home from short range. Wilson then reduced the arrears further, making it 3-2 to Saints at half time.

After the restart Valley's keeper Marsden made an excellent save, which he must have seen late as it went through bodies in the box. He needed to save again seconds later as St Josephs kept up the pressure. Valley only needed one goal to get back on level terms but the visitors were just too strong in the later stages. They took control of the second half to end the game 8- 2.

Woodkirk man of the match: Marsden

Game 2

Woodkirk Valley Under 9s (White) 2 - 2 St Josephs Under 9s

The second game was a much more closely fought contest and Valley showed their intentions early on. St Josephs then had a good chance on goal but were thwarted by the Valley keeper who reacted quickly to force the shot wide. Bentley continued finding space at the front and struck home the opening goal. Some excellent teamwork saw Johnson thread a ball through to Bentley, but the ball went out for a corner from which Bentley took the ball on the rise and doubled his tally. Valley now needed to defend and Ellis and Johnson were working overtime at the back but nevertheless St Josephs managed to pull a goal back. Valley replied with a strike just wide of the target.

The second half was end to end football and Wilson did well to put the ball out for a corner as three unmarked St Josephs players were queuing up to strike. The resulting play almost produced the equaliser, but for the post. More pressure saw a St Josephs defender clear off his line. St Josephs equalised and this raised the tempo again for the final minutes as both teams created chances for the elusive winning goal.

Woodkirk man of the match: Bentley