WARDLE WARRIORS J.F.C

Team: Lewis (capt), Harry, Harrison, Jensen, Henry, Matthew, Liam
Subs: Luke K, Ellis, Amy, Luke J
 
Chadderton Park Griffins 4    Wardle Warriors Blues 2  (Harrison 26, Henry 42)

You could have been mistaken for thinking that as the game kicked off, the Blues were still in their pyjamas, as with barely a minute gone Lewis made a save from Chadderton's first attack and a minute later from their next attack the Blues were one nil down. A couple of minutes later and even after a good cover tackle from Jensen, Chadderton made it 2-0. Chadderton continued to attack with Lewis saving at the feet of an attacker before Jensen made a goal line clearance to prevent the Blues going 3-0 down. Before 17 minutes had been played, Harrison, Liam and Matthew all had hobbled off injured and were replaced by Ellis, Luke K and Luke J. The Blues defending kept Chadderton at bay with Luke K and Luke J both making good strong tackles in their own penalty area. Finally after 22 minutes, the Blues first effort on goal came from a long range shot from Ellis which did not trouble the keeper. Chadderton came straight back and only two great tackles from Jensen and Harry respectively kept the score-line as it was, but even they could not prevent Chadderton making it 3-0 just before half-time.        

After a half-time team talk, the Blues came out for the second half with more purpose and after only one minute, Harrison reduced the deficit to 3-1 with a well hit shot to the top right hand corner. Henry carried on in the second half where he had left off in the first, getting up and down the pitch and made a commanding tackle in the centre circle, as did Amy with a great goal saving tackle to prevent Chadderton running in on goal but after 32 minutes Chadderton restored their three goal advantage as they made it 4-1. A minute later and with the Blues playing considerably later, the ball made its way to Liam in the box, who turned and shot just wide of the left-hand post. The Blues were now attacking more than defending with Harrison shooting wide, the keeper saving at Luke K's feet and Liam having a long range shot saved. After a couple more good tackles by Henry and the Blues continuing to push forward, Harrison was brought down on the edge of the box and the subsequent free kick was despatched with aplomb to the top right hand corner by Henry to make it 4-2. With 5 minutes remaining, it looked like Liam had made it 4-3 but a great double save by the Chadderton keeper kept it at 4-2 and then a from an excellent pass from Liam, Matthew volleyed just wide. The final play of the day saw Harrison volley over the bar from a poor clearance from the keeper.

Moment of the Match Award: Amy
 
Man of the Match Award: Henry