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Cold weather, torrential rain, and a squad of 9 (including missing a keeper) made our first encounter of the fortnight a tough fixture against Boothstown Juniors.  We we planning on making it a dress rehearsal for the Challenge Cup game against them next week but in the end we simply just had to play it as it came.

Dan W stepped up to replace missing Lewis in goals and did a sterling job.  Making as many great saves throughout the game as he missed.  Dan F had a quiet game compared to recent ones but still showed great strength.  Nick covered well at the back when Cam or Dan were committed out on the wings.  Elliot slotted in front of the defensive 3 but often found himself wandering a little too far forward.  Ellis battled well in centre mid but was often smothered by their players.  Louis did exceptionally well out on the left wing – great pace, nice little bits of skill and some superb crosses.  Sam had a good game, although a little more quiet than usual.

First 5 minutes were entertaining, we played with conviction and did what we could.  After a few goals though heads dropped a little and we were often cut through the centre of defense far too easily.  Dan often found himself one on one and did well as he could.  We pushed forward when we could but struggled to fully operate as a single unit.

Second half and we continued to battle, even in the face of certain defeat.  At times though there were some great pieces of football and we (well, Louis) were rewarded with a goal for our efforts in the second half.  More chances on goal were thwarted by their keeper.  Ellis had another chance to score with a penalty in the second half but decided to shoot straight and the keeper decided not to dive this time.

Kenan (not mentioned before) dropped back a little to help out defense and earned a deserved man of the match for some touch challenges from the smallest player on the team and the odd bit of skill to take on the attacking Boothstown.   He played the entire match and covered a lot of ground which was a feat in itself given the weather conditions too -  well done son!

We play Boothstown next week at SSV in the second stage of the knock-out Challenge Cup.  Hopefully with a fuller squad and a little more fire we can redress today’s scoreline.  Winner of that match goes through to play Flixton or Moorside who are the 2 teams above us in the table and then on to the quarter final.