U10s Match Reports 21st January 2012

Once again, there was a very strong wind blowing across the pitch which made it extremely difficult to complete passes.  The Blues applied good pressure and Marple found themselves defending for most of the first half, however, very few goalscoring opportunities were created.  Once again, James and Owen defended resolutely at the back, Tyler showed some good skill on the left and Adam, Dan S and Dan L applied pressure and got back and defended when necessary. 

In the second half, Jack I came on and helped out the defence but they were unable to keep Marple out and they scored to make it 1-0. Adam and Tyler linked up well but there were very few opportunities to test the Marple keeper.  Following a period of prolonged pressure, Marple scored again to make it 2-0.   The Boys worked hard in difficult conditions, particularly James, who deservedly was man of the match due to his tackling, defensive headers and clearances.
Marple Athletic A  1 V 3.............By Rob Jones...........

This was a tough game against a good Marple side played in difficult
conditions. Celtic started well using the strong wind to their
advantage and had some good early pressure. One of three early corners
from Conor was seized on by Jack but his shot went over the bar. Marple
then managed to break out of defence and threatened the Stalybridge
goal, but a fantastic tackle by Brandon kept the scores level. Then
following a Marple corner the ball was cleared into midfield and a
speculative shot from long range found it’s way into the top of the net
courtesy of the swirling wind leaving Deacon with no chance (0-1).
Stalybridge fought back immediately and forced a corner. Robson took
it  brilliantly and managed to put the ball straight in, via the far
post (1-1). Marple showed their ability by forcing a couple of chances
but the defensive combination of Brandon and Niall stood firm and when
they did manage to break through Deacon was assured in goal. Conor and
Callum were then replaced by Archie and Will. Archie had an immediate
impact by setting up Robson from a throw-in but his shot was saved.
Then after 16 minutes a cross from the left was drilled into the net by
Archie – a fine finish (2-1). Will then almost scored following a fine
run, but his shot went over the bar. Half-time (2-1).

In the second
half Stalybridge were playing into the wind and found themselves stuck
in their own half defending early on. One  Marple attack saw a
fantastic double save from Deacon followed by a great last ditch tackle
by Jack which saw the ball clear. Almost immediately another Marple
shot was expertly pushed round the post by Deacon. More defending
followed. Will then took a blow in the face and went off injured and
Niall went off for a rest. Callum and Conor came back on. Conor soon
got into the action setting up Robson, who’s shot was well saved by the
Marple keeper. Then in the last couple of minutes a goalmouth scramble
saw the ball eventually fall to Conor who calmly side-footed past the
keeper (3-1).Marple were stunned and it was game over!
Men of the match
(a tough decision after an excellent team performance):
Brandon for
superb defending throughout.
Jack Clegg for a dominant midfield
display.
Robson for a fine goal and some excellent attacking play.