CAMBS COLTS U15 LEAGUE DIV. A

PARKFIELDS YOUTH U15's 3 v WEST WRATTING U15's 0

REDS DOMINATE BUT PARKFIELDS TAKE THEIR CHANCES


The Reds opened their 2010/11 league campaign with a trip to March to face last season's Div. B champions. Despite a 100% pre-season record the Reds game away empty handed after an edgy display in a very physical encounter. This is an indication of the quality of the top division this season.

Amazingly, Parkfields only had 3 shots on target but they were stunning efforts all resulting in goals that were worthy of a "Goal of the Season" award. Indeed, the Parkfields coaching team could not believe the outcome of the game after the Reds dominated the opening 20 minutes that saw the home side unable to get out of their own half. During that opening quarter the Reds were totally dominant. The back 3 of Matt Wilson, Sam Clayton and Man of the Match Jack Child looked very comfortable. There were numerous chances that, if taken, would have clearly changed the outcome of the game.

The first opportunity of the game was created by Scott Hayes as he fed Tom Pinker whose shot wall well saved. Then Matt Burley picked out Liam Curran who was hacked down 25 yards out. The resulting free kick from Pinker fizzed just over. Pinker then latched on to a cross after excellent work by Luke Wilson and Kieran O'Neill only to see his effort flash over the bar. Curran then had a long distance effort that shaved the post with the home keeper beaten.

Out of nowhwere a long punt downfield evaded the visting defence and the Parkfields centre forward latched on to a lovely bounce and fired a brilliant effort into the top corner that thrilled a very large home contingent amongst the big crowd. Immediately, a second followed as Parkfield were awarded what looked like a generous free kick but the finish from 20 yards was exceptional. Pinker was unlucky with a snap shot just before the break but the half ended 2-0.

The second half started badly for the Reds as the home side made it 3-0 with a further glorious strike after another interesting free kick was awarded. Harry Willett, James Percy, Jamie Boulton and the busy Tom Warnock had been introduced at the break and, as the Reds' defence regained control and keeper Jack Vernon looked solid at the back, the vistors went about a rescue mission. First, a foul on Percy saw Pinker's free kick curl just wide and then Percy forced a corner and Willetts lovely inswinger was met on with a meaty header from Pinker that went agonisingly wide. O'Neill then stormed down the right hand channel and his cross found Curran who then saw his shot brilliantly saved. From the resultant corner Willet's delivery caused mayhem in the 6 yard box and as the ball ricocheted around it was somehow scrambled to safety. A free kick from Curran after a foul on the bustling Zak Ollington slid wide of the upright as the game entered it's final phase.

The game finished with real frustration for the Reds as, first, Pinker was carried off with a leg injury and then Jamie Boulton's long distance shot was carried over the line by the home keeper but was ruled out by the officials.

Bad luck boys - next sunday sees the first home game of the season against arch rivals and the 2009/10 Div A champions Spartak 78