On the day Pontefract Collieries men’s first team play the biggest game in their history, the Yellows U8’s had a huge game of their own, in a keenly anticipated home clash with Goole Town Tigers.
Goole Tigers are a very good side who came on top in our fixture with them last year. But the Yellows are playing with great confidence and belief built on a solid defence, having conceding just 4 goals and scoring 30 goals in 4 games so far this season. The Yellows would be without Harry for this fixture who has been rock solid in defence and goal this season.
The 1st quarter was tight, Goole attempted several attacks but couldn’t not breach the Luke / Seb wall, both players continually timing their interceptions with perfection. From one of these interceptions, Luke cut the Goole midfield in half with a lovely ball through to Josh who’s effort on goal was saved. As the quarter neared the end, the Yellows were now winning most of the first balls with dogged play from Noah and Josh helping to retain possession.
In the 2nd, Sam and Harley were introduced up front and the Yellows were starting to knock on the door. Sam’s persistent hassling of the Goole defence paid dividends as his deflected shot found the bottom corning, 1-0 Yellows. More solid defensive work, this time form Seb and Noah in defence. Then a rare attack from Goole bringing a smart save from Henry who kept his concentration well despite seeing little of the ball at his goal. Harley then anticipated the Goole keepers kickout perfectly, to pluck the ball out of the air, drive forwards and bury the ball in the back of the net. 2-0 Yellows.
The 3rd quarter was more even, Goole started to come into the game. The ball fell to their big striker who hit a thunderous shot destined for the top corner, only to be denied by Luke in goal, who rose like a salmon to tip the ball away then instantly make a very sharp second save, low down to his left. Buoyed by this, the yellows picked up the pace again with great dribbling from Henry and solid forward play from Josh. Sam’s tireless work up front, resulting in him being everywhere at once, meant he was in the right place at the right time to receive the ball, shimmy round the excellent Goole keeper, and place the ball in the open net to make it 3-0.
The 4th quarter was nip and tuck but the Yellows held firm for a well-deserved clean sheet and 3-0 win against a very good Goole Town Tigers side.
Mom – Sam
Thanks to Gaz for refereeing.