Northowram v St Michaels
The first game was against St Michaels – the sun blazing down, the warm up was short and the teams soon got underway. St Michaels started very strong, piercing the Northowram Defence several times; James Wood making saves to keep them out and marshalling the defence to tighten up. Northowram soon adjusted to the attacking threat and began stringing together passes, winning balls and moving towards the St Michaels end to test the keeper. Ethan Wroot and Jack Craig both tested the keeper on numerous occasions before a devastating counter attack by St Michaels resulted in them going 1-0 up.
At half time the lads rallied together, changes were made to positions, substitutions were made and the second half got swiftly underway. Northowram started magnificently, Ryan Moore marshalling the midfield and pushing the ball out wide and through the centre. Northowram’s persistent pressure forced good saves from the St Michael keeper. Finally the pressure paid off – with a huge kick up field, from James Wood in goal, Jack Craig watched that ball sail over the defence; calm under pressure Jack let the ball bounce once, looked up and took stock of where the keeper was positioned, letting the ball bounce once more he calmly half volleyed left of the keeper to bring the scores level.
Some excellent play and great defending continued to excite the crowd – the game was looking like it was heading for a draw. Until Northowram broke down the right and crossed the ball into the box, where Jack Craig managed to scramble the ball in over the line making it 1-2. Northowram held on strongly for the final 5 minutes to win the first game and take a step closer to the league title.
Northowram v Bailliffe Bridge
After some changes the A Team then lined up again Bailliffe Bridge. Northowram started strongly continuing their great form from the end of the first game. Luke Whitwan came into central midfield and began strongly spreading the ball through the centre and out wide. It didn’t take long for Northowram to get off the mark; Luke crossing in allowing Jack Craig to slot home. 1-0.
Ethan replaced Jack upfront and the team continued to play some excellent football, defending well and counter attacking quickly. Jamie Upite was soon rewarded for his incredible hard work on the wing with a goal, assisted by Luke Whitwan. 2-0 to Northowram and looking strong. Jamie quickly turned goal provider crossing for Ethan who slammed home for 3-0. Bailliffe managed a conciliation shortly after, rallying well and playing the ball through the middle piercing the Northowram defence to score. Soon after the full time whistle went, confirming Northowram as undefeated league champions.
A huge well done to both the A and B Team for undefeated league wins!
A massive thank you to all those involved and a big thank you to all the parents for transporting the teams down to Lightcliffe Academy and coming along to support.
The A Team:
Archie Halmshaw
Jacob Reeday
Zach Naylor
Jack Challenger
Freddie Haigh
Jamie Upite
James Wood
Ethan Wroot
Jack Craig
Daniel Rushforth
Jack Taylor
Ryan Moore
Luke Whitwan
The B Team:
Matthew Briggs
James Halliwell
Baily Dacres
Oliver Petty
Xander Smith
James Kershaw
Ben Goold
Joshua Halls