STARLANDS ST.ANNES U.10 BO 1 vs 4 ELFORD JETS

Today was Remembrance Sunday - and The Boys entertained Elford Boys who we lost 4-1 against.

Last time out, Kieran replaced Ben in goal who was injured early on - and Lewis scored with a powerful header in his own goal.

Today, Starlands were determined not to repeat the performance.

From the off Starlands looked the sharper and hungrier team. They were passing the ball , had loads of possession and were camped in The Elford half.

Ellis was making a few runs down the wing, sporting a very stylish haircut!

The Elford keeper pulled off a magnificent save from Oscar early on, that could have made all the difference. It was a long range effort going in the top corner - but somehow the goalkeeper threw himself and an outstretched hand tipped the ball around the post. 

Then, from nowhere Elford broke - Starlands failed to close down the Elford player on the edge of the box and a long range shot skidded through a crowd of players.

Ben saw the ball late and despite diving the ball went in the bottom corner.

Starlands found themselves 1-0 down - and completely against the run of play.

Elford were finding themselves on the ball more, and had more confidence - they were making more runs into the Starlands half - and the defence were playing well.

Starlands still had their chances - Josh had a few runs into the box  and Kieran was ever so unlucky not to score a tremendous goal - when he turned a corner goal bound narrowly missing the top corner. Oscar and Kieran repeated this exact same move again later on - again unlucky not to score.

The Elford No.9 was putting himself about - and was lucky not to have found himself in the referees book for kicking a few of our boys.

Josh and Ellis were trying their best upfront , but Elford were playing a sweeper that seemed to cut out any chance of them breaking free.

Oscar was once again having a tremendous game - up and down with plenty of determination. He frequently went down under heavy challenges, but is learnign to dust himself down and battle on. He's certainly becoming a marked man by opponents.

Ben was being his usual brave self - rushing off his line to narrow the angle, and made a number of good saves. Again, whenever he is caught out - either Marcus, Zak or the post come to his rescue!

Just before half time, the referee blew !...a false start...and when the game was restarted Starlands were half asleep - and another Elford shot was fortunately tipped over the bar by Ben.

So, Starlands were only 1-0 down at the break.

Rick made a few changes and Jed came on to give a bit more energy in midfield and Lewis went up front to add a bit of presence.

Soon after, Jed made a lovely mazey run and crossed a delightful  ball into the box where Lewis popped up to head home! 1-1 inspirational management by Rick.

Very soon after, Starlands were unlucky not to go 2-1 up, a goal mouth scramble looked like the ball crossed the line - however, it was not to be.

Elford broke and Zak cleared his box with a good clearance, however the Elford defender smacked it straight back long and high. Time stood still for a minute - Starlands defenders stood watching - Ben did not come off his line. The ball bounced in the box and an ELford player latched onto the end of it - and ELford found themselves 2-1 up.

Then Starlands found themselves with a mountain to climb - time was running out, and they were down in a match they had been controlling.

Elford, started to take advantage of the dropping heads - and a few little runs resulted in shots blocked by Ben , but Elford always being the  first to react to the rebound.

2 became 3, became 4...a score line that did not truly reflect Starlands performance - and so the game ended 4-1 to Elford a repeat performance, except for of course Lewis scoring a header at the right end! and therefore quite rightly picking up the Man of The Match Award.

Well done Starlands, You did not deserve that scoreline. Keep battling on!