Saturday 4th October saw GSB U12 Boys travel to Stapleford to take on Stapleford Villa in a top v bottom of the table clash.
The game started very evenly and there was no noticeable difference between the two teams and it was Stapleford who were playing with great confidence and passing the ball around very well. GSB were struggling to get into the game on what was a very small pitch with a big slope.
GSB did however get themselves in front on 10 minutes when Ashton ‘Ash’ Graham played a through ball for Ben ‘Mozza’ Morris to chase down the middle of the pitch. Mozza got to the ball first and despite the keeper saving his first effort he slotted the rebound home.
Despite taking the lead Stapleford Villa dominated much of the remainder of the half until with 4 minutes left Drew ‘Chappers’ Chapman intercepted the ball inside GSB’s own penalty area before playing the ball up the right line to Asher ‘Ash 2’ Huffen. Asher played it onto Carter ‘Pates’ Pateman who in turn played the ball inside to Billy ‘Bills’ Housden. Bills passed the ball out wide to the left hand side where Jacob ‘JB’ Burley was in acres of space. JB very calmly strode forward with the ball and curled it round the keeper. This was probably one of the best team goals this group of players have ever scored and showed by moving the ball quickly and precisely defence can be turned into a goal within seconds.
Half Time: Stapleford Villa 0 Gedling Southbank 2
The second half saw GSB playing down the slope and the boys started to get a grip on the game more and played some good football, not letting the ball run away down the slope, which can so often happen.
Stapleford got the goal they deserved after a cross from the right was volleyed first time past McKensie ‘Macca Pacca’ Withers in goal. A great finish, it must be said.
GSB restored their 2 goal advantage after some good work in the penalty area by Chappers and when he picked James ‘Abs’ Abbott out on the edge of the box, there was only ever going to be one result. Abs picked his spot and fired in a rocket of a shot.
With 10 minutes to go GSB got a fourth through Pates. Drew Chapman chased a ball through the middle and just got there before the keeper. He chipped the ball over the keeper only for a Stapleford Villa defender to get to the ball first but his clearance hit Drew and headed goalwards only for the ball to hit the crossbar and come out to Pates, who slid the ball in past the defender on the line.
With Stapleford now going to play 2 up front, GSB midfield were getting on top and creating chance after chance. Bills got on the scoresheet to make it 5-1 before Pates finished from the edge of the box in the last minute to make it 6-1.
Final Score: Stapleford Villa 1 GSB 6
The pleasing thing about today’s game was only conceding one goal and to be fair it was an excellent finish. The team have been working hard on defending in training and today it paid off.
Man of the Match: Jacob Burley. JB’s finish for his goal was excellent to round off an excellent team goal and JB worked hard on both flanks today.
Next week sees GSB host Cotgrave at Sherwood Academy looking to make it 6 wins from 6 games.
