Roach Dynamos U12 Green 2 vs 5 Shawside Juniors Football

A slightly disappointing result against a bogey team of ours, in the last game before the Xmas break.

The fixture was changed to a very quick and bouncy 4G pitch due to the weather and this definitely seemed to go in the favour of Shawside.

The teams were equally matched and for the first 20 minutes it looked like the result could go either way. An effort at goal from Alex needed some VAR and goal line technology but, with the keeper in between the ref and the line, the call was given in favour of the defending team. As is so often the case, the first goal was vital and this went to Shawside. Small lapses in concentration and some good pressing by the opponents saw them take the lead. This lifted their spirits and Roach Greens stopped working hard meaning they conceded a 2nd shortly after and a 3rd right on the stroke of half time.

A half time reminder from the coaches that hard work is what wins us games saw Roach Greens come out looking a different team. The effort to win the ball back and get shots away, looking like it could result in a great comeback. Callum slid a good ball through to Jay on the right and he absolutely powered it into the top left corner. Three minutes later and the pressure paid off again. Jay won the ball in the opponents half, made himself a yard of space and fired into the bottom right corner of the goal. Sadly, Roach Greens couldn't find another and the effort sadly dropped again letting Shawside slide in a 4th at the far post, before a very unfortunate own goal left James with no chance.

It finished as a flattering 2-5 defeat but harder work next time will see us come back stronger.

Player of the match awards today went to James whose saves kept us in with a fighting chance, Josh who had his usual powerhouse performance in defence, leading to compliments from the away team coaches and Jay who scored two great goals.