TOTON TIGERS U11 ORANGE v GEDLING SOUTHBANK U11
Saturday 16th November saw GSB U11’s travel to Chetwyn Barracks to face Toton Tigers U11 Orange. The last time these two teams met was in the final of the Long Eaton Plate where the game finished goalless and was decided by a penalty shoot out. The last league game took place on 29th September 2012 where Toton came away with a 3-2 victory.
All the questions before hand from the boys were started with “If we win today….” The boys knew they could be promoted today if they won and other results went their way. It was certainly interesting to watch how each player dealt with this situation – some got on with it as if it was any normal game, some got a bit nervous and others got very worried. All part of their development to see how they play when they put themselves under pressure.
The game started with GSB kicking up hill and they carved out a few good chances early on but failed to finish any of them off. After 10 minutes they managed to get the ball in the back of the net with a simple tap in from Drew ‘Chappers’ Chapman after the Toton keeper had spilled a shot from Ben ‘Mozza’ Morris.
GSB had the ball in the back of the net again a few minutes later but this was ruled out by the offside flag. The first time the boys have had a goal disallowed due to offside – they have coped very well with the introduction of offsides this year.
Half Time: Toton Tigers 0 GSB 1
The second half started very much the same as the first half with GSB trying to play some good passing football and creating a few chances which went begging.
After 8 minutes of the half GSB did get a second after some good work by Ben ‘Mozza’ Morris up front set up Billy ‘Howser’ Housden for another simple tap in.
5 minutes later and GSB were on their way. Some good work on the left by Chappers, saw him deliver a cross to the far post where Jacob ‘JB’ Burley was on hand to score another tap in.
A few minutes later and GSB made it 4 when James ‘Abbs’ Abbott got the ball in his own half and set off on a run. He beat 4 defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net. A great individual goal.
And to round things off for the day, Carter ‘Pates’ Pateman smashed home the fifth goal after a cross fell kindly to him in the area.
Final Score: Toton Tigers 0 GSB 5
This result meant GSB had 16 points at the top of the table with their final game next Saturday. As the game kicked off early, the result only confirmed that no other teams could finish above GSB but 3 teams could draw level with them, so no real celebrations at the end as it was still possible that the team could face a play off to see who was promoted.
However results in the afternoon, now means that the worst placed finish for GSB is joint top with either Long Eaton or West Bridgford Hurricanes, who play each other on the 30th November, and promotion is therefore guaranteed. Onto our final game next Saturday at CLW, kicking off at 14:30, with just one point needed to be crowned Champions. All spectators are welcome to come along and hopefully join our party!
Men of the Match: This was awarded to Ashton ‘Ash’ Graham, Malachi ‘Ky’ Gregg and Kieran ‘KP Nuts’ Parrott. The boys all played in the defence today and this is their first clean sheet of the season. Well done boys and remember to stay confident on the ball.
