Saturday 20th of December gave us a chance to play another Gedling Southbank derby game at the under 10s age group due to no YEL games being played.
Both Utd and the Wanderers have had tough times in the past few weeks playing at a higher level.
Both sets of lads knew the past history of this game and with the Wanderers coming out on top in five out of the past six games it was my first Job to tell the boys its only a game, no pressure and just to give your best and enjoy the game.
The game kicked off and within three minutes Reuben for the wanderers had scored and I feared the worst yet again but if their is one thing I know about my team is they never give up. Both set of lads showed some great defending with tackles flying in, passing balls to both wings of the pitch, great link up play and attacking runs.
The first half was a treat for both sets of spectator’s. Its been a pleasure to see most of the lads from the age of five or six turn into a great bunch of young man playing great football.
Most of the first half was an even battle with both teams cancelling each other out. Ethan’s first half performance was one of his best I’ve seen with three or four very well timed sliding tackles. Any attacking moves from Utd was taken care of with Dylan, Ryan and James at the back for the wanderers.
Half Time 1-0 to the wanderers.
The second half saw Utd take a little more control. With the speed of Luca, Sam and Josh it was giving the wanderers a few problems.
Corey who was having a great game at the back and gave himself a shooting chance and smashed the cross bar.
Just when I was staring to think we might score Reuben made a great run down the right and when he put a cross over to Oliver in side the box I was sure he would score but he put it straight in to the arms of Ashton. Thomas Ronson gave the wanderers speed down the wings but Max who was playing at the back was soon to see the danger and came out to meeting him with a block or strong tackle.
We was able to make another attacking play that saw a goal mouth scramble in which George pulled off not one, two but three great saves. One of the best young keepers I’ve ever seen.
With Ronnie and Tom fighting hard against George Berry and Harrison in the midfield time was running out and with only five minutes left Ronnie and Josh forced there way into the box and when Ronnie pulled the trigger George made another save only for Josh to pick up the ball and get us back on level terms.
Cadan and Jimmy came on and had a great midfield battled with Alfie and Sam, all giving everything they had.
It was now the turn of Ashton to make a fantastic save with an out stretched leg that nearly saw Harrison get to the ball from the save.
Both set of lads gave 100% and I would of been happy with the draw, I think you know what’s coming next
Ben was put on because of his strength on the ball and his ability of putting a great cross in. We won a cross in the last minute. Ben put in another fantastic cross the ball got sent around the box with both teams unable to get control of the ball, it was finally cleared but only to the incoming Liam who from only a few yards into the wanderers half he hit the ball and it was going straight towards goal and with a flick off Jimmy’s head the ball looped over the outstanding George to find the back of the net. 2-1 Utd
The joy and reaction from the lads is a memory that will stay with me a very long time, I was a little pleased.
It’s always hard to lose a game in the last minute but that’s football, a fair result would of been the draw but football not always fair.
The game finished 2-1
I would like to say how proud of both sets of boys the club is. This was the best game between the two teams. Both set of spectator’s were fantastic and it was great to see two Gedling Southbank teams all together at the end for the photos. Long may the friendship continue.
Paul and I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
George Sims, Ryan, Dylan, Thomas, Reuben, Oliver, Jimmy, James, Harrison, Caden, George Berry, Ashton, Liam, Corey, Max, Luca, Thomas Jacks, Ronnie, Sam, Ben, Ethan, Josh and Alfie.
Gedling Southbank Under 10s
