Match of the week: South Shore (U-15s) 4-1 Fleetwood (U-15s)
Shore find their shooting boots
SOUTH Shore Under-15s have been struggling in front of goal but they found their scoring touch in style to defeat Fleetwood Town for the second time in a month.
Only one point separated the sides in the Pizza division before kick-off, suggesting a closer contest. However, it was not as one-sided as the scoreline suggests, with a single goal separating the sides until the 65th minute.
And then a thrilling flurry of goals brought three in as many minutes at Common Edge.
It looked like it may be one of those days for Shore as chances went begging in the early stages but they got a fortunate break on 15 minutes, when they took the lead via an own goal.
Kristian Bonney’s free-kick into the area was headed goalwards by Christian Williams and flew into the net off an unfortunate Fleetwood defender. Shore had further first-half chances but Fleetwood had periods of pressure too and it needed solid defending from commanding home duo Chris Lambeth and Stuart Walters to keep the score at 1-0 until half-time.
The match remained in the melting pot until the 65th minute, when a second goal gave Shore breathing space.
They won a penalty when Jason Winston was fouled and Josh Walker sent the keeper the wrong way with a determined drive into the bottom left corner.
Winston played a prominent role in Shore’s third too as the goal flurry began on 76 minutes. He exchanged passes with Steve Hurst, who rifled home an unstoppable drive.
It capped a fine debut for Winston – signed from YMCA – who only came on after half-time.
Two minutes later, Fleetwood grabbed a lifeline, when Tom Lancaster beat his man before drilling in a low shot
However, within 60 seconds Shore’s three-goal cushion was restored as outstanding captain Marcus Rooney finished off another slick passing move with a blistering shot.
Walker and Williams were tireless up front for Shore and earned the plaudits of manager Frank Gourley, who he was delighted with his entire squad: “They listened and showed good discipline,” he said.
Fleetwood boss Scott Geyer singled out Lee Rawlinson and keeper Martin Hind for their efforts at the back, while he also praised Jack Bainbridge and scorer Lancaster for chasing back valiantly, while there was also a real captain’s knock from Daniel McAlpine.
Geyer is satisfied with the steady progress being made by his side. He said: “They haven’t had a regular manager in recent years, so it’s a case of trying to bring some stability and consistency to the side.
“It’s all about continuing to improve gradually. We have the squad to do it but it won’t happen overnight.”
THE MANAGERS’ MATCH VERDICT
FRANK GOURLEY (South Shore)
Fleetwood are a strong and hard-working team but we dominated from the start without three injured regulars.
We have been lacking a bit of confidence in front of goal and have had problems scoring, so these four goals should help. It was a good team effort with players out of position.
SCOTT GEYER (Fleetwood)
IT was an open and close game. We should have scored a few more but it just didn’t happen for us in front of goal. We left ourselves open a little in the second half, when the wind was against us and we were pushing up to try and get back into it.
But we played some good football and are starting to play as a unit.
THE MEN OF THE MATCH
MARCUS ROONEY (South Shore)
The skipper showed his leadership ability as he helped solve Shore’s injury problems, stepping up from his usual defensive role into centre midfield. He tackled hard, displayed a wide range of passing skills and claimed his first goal of the season in style.
LEE RAWLINSON (Fleetwood)
The central defender made some crucial challenges in a solid all-round display and helped keep his side in the hunt until well into the second half .
YMCA (from left): Back row, Christian Whittaker, Luke Scott, Tom Lancaster, Aidan Jones, Martin Hind, Lee Rawlinson, Rob Weir and Liam Gill. Front, from left, Stuart Impitt, Scott Young, Daniel McAlpine (captain), Jack Bainbridge and Declan Reburn.
CLASSY CLASH: Aidan Jones (right) battles for the ball with Kristian Bonney
TOILING FOR TOWN: Fleetwood star man Lee Rawlinson
Fleetwood's Scott Young
HARD GRAFT: Christian Williams earned praise for his hard toil up front
Visit Photostoday.co.uk to buy photos.
Email us and tell us about your stories!
|
|
