A great start but some heart-stopping moments in second half but a richly deserved win -Scoop

Woolston Rovers ‘A’ Vs Rainhill ‘B’ U14’s 5th Sept 2010 at Rainhill. The weather was warm and dry but with a stiff wind that made good football difficult. High expectations for the new season & fans looking forward to some great football & good results. David was absent and Jake, Joe & Luke started on the bench. Woolston took the kick off and pushed forward from the off. 2 Mins and a long throw from Sean on the left resulted in a header from Jidge going just wide. 4 mins Woolston win their first corner but it is scrambled to safety by the opposition. 5 mins a good tackle by Chris who then plays a low through ball for Jidge but the keeper was out smartly. 8 mins Woolston free kick but again the ball cleared from the danger area. 9 mins and Rainhill in on goal but the ball is put wide. 11 mins Danny wins the ball in midfield feeds James who makes no mistake to put Rovers one up, 1-0. 15 mins and the match remains tight but Rovers looking the more threatening. 18 mins and Sean intercepts and puts in a great ball to James but his shot goes just over with their defence all at sea. 20 mins Mark off Luke on as Mark sorts out his shinnies to inside his sock! (Strange ref - all day long) 21 mins and Rainhill break through with No 7 in on goal past poor tackle from Ben but Robbie out to narrow the angle & pushes his shot around the post for a corner (Welcome to the team Robbie). 22 mins corner cleared away to safety. Rovers attack down left hand side and JJ out strips their defence but puts his shot wide. 23 mins and a good throw by Sean to Liam who shoots wide when in a good position. Rovers applying a lot of pressure and making openings but not making them count. 28 mins Rainhill free kick near our box but Robbie collected the ball safely. 30 mins Match remains tight as the ref blows for half time 1-0.

Mgt pleased with display. Stressed must continue to compete & not give them so much room in midfield. Also to watch the bounce of the ball & not get caught out of position. Jake on, Ben off. 30 mins Rainhill start the action in the 2nd half & push forward insearch of an equaliser as the wind strengthens in their favour. 31 mins Rainhill corner cleared to safety. Joe on Liam off. 35 mins the opposition continue to press without making a clear opening. 36 mins freekick to Rovers taken by Chris to Danny who is put in but keeper out to collect as Danny impeded! 37 mins high ball out of defence by Rainhill is allowed to bounce (and bounce) & their nippy No.7 (their best player) steals in to score despite a valiant effort by Robbie to keep the ball out at the 2nd attempt 1-1. Chris off Mark on. 40 mins Rainhill continue to press with last ditch tackles by JJ and Luke keeping the opposition out. 46 mins Match remains tight but Rovers finally adapting to the wind start to apply pressure of their own on the Rainhill back four. 47 throw by Sean and a blatant foul on Jake in the area gives Rovers a penalty and a chance to get ahead again. Up steps James to plant the ball in the bottom left hand corner giving the keeper no chance 2-1. 50 mins Rainhill apply more pressure and win a corner but the ball goes over. Liam back on with Ryan dropping back in front of/between the back line. Long clearance again catches Rovers defence but Ryan clears after his header goes on to his arm and the ref finally points for a corner – another heart stopping moment for the fans. 53 mins Rainhill free kick in a dangerous area but the ball is caught comfortably by Robbie at his feet. 54 mins freekick to Woolston to alleviate some of the pressure but the ball from Ryan goes out. 57 mins a nice move between James and Liam results in Liam shooting just wide of right post. 59 mins Rainhill come back again looking to snatch a draw but a great punch clear by Robbie from a dangerous corner keeps the nerves jangling for all.

60 mins the ref blows the final whistle 2-1. Manager happy with 3 points and a solid display to get the season off to a good start. Not pleased with the goal or the way the ball was dealt with when defending the whole game through.

MOTM James for an excellent display upfront giving their defence a torrid time throughout the 60 mins & with a bit of luck (& some real service to feet) could have had a couple more goals
today.