Results

Matlock Town away (Friendly)

Team: Sam, Jaxon, Cameron Keegan, Lance, Luis, Finlay, Charlie, Toby, Kain, Jacob, Ethan, Bradley, Luke, Romario, Keon.

With White Rose in cup action this week, the lads top of the table clash had to be postponed to the frustration of a fully fit and eager Town squad. Instead the boys traveled to Matlock Town for an equally challenging friendly against top amateur opponents on their luxurious new 4g surface.

High on confidence after last week’s win at Westend, Town were buoyed by the signing of another hot young prospect Romario, plucked not from the beaches of the Copa Cabana (Town’s scouting network doesn’t extend that far…. yet) but from the pitches of Leeds Road Sports complex! where he recently joined the boys for training, making an immediate impression in the process.

Town lined up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 with Cameron once again spearheading the attack, Romario slotting into the No10 position with Charlie on his left and Kain on his right. Luke captained the side from holding midfield alongside Toby with Luis and Jacob flanking our central defensive partnership of Lance and Finlay in a back four ahead of Sam in goal.

The royal blues of Matlock seized the early initiative, showing clear composure to play out from the back and display progressive possession football into the Holmfirth half as Town slowly got to grips with the fast playing surface.

A pinpoint pass from the opposition keeper lead to a break down the right wing, the blues No7 squaring the ball across the area to set up a shot which Sam expertly smothered down to his right.

Our boys soon regrouped, creating much the better chances as Luke commanded control of the midfield, taking the fight to our opponents with aggressive counter pressing, driving runs into the opposition half and intricate balls through the defence to release Charlie and Kain down the wings, Romario and Cameron through the middle.

Much of our play focused on the left, Luis, providing the foundations which allowed Luke to receive the ball deep and drive his team over halfway, Charlie profiting on occasion to speed clear of his marker and force two corners in quick succession, the first after a block tackle from the right back the second a shot palmed away from the near post by an alert keeper.

Toby swung in our first corner just a fraction too high for Cameron at the back post and the second bang on the money as Luis rose to glance a header narrowly wide.

Luke then almost grabbed the opener, releasing Charlie clear of the right back before Charlie checked back to send a ball across the six yard box towards our captain who had continued his run but, off balance, scuffed the shot wide.

Sam was called into action to make a diving save to his right from a shot emanating from a Matlock counter attack before Luke gave us the lead in spectacular fashion.

Toby finding Romario in a pocket of space provided our No10 with the opportunity to dazzle and turn showing quick feet to his opponent who caught him late on the edge of the centre circle conceding a free kick in the process.

From distance Luke caught the keeper off guard, rifling in a left foot shot which rattled into the top right corner of the net via the crossbar.

Toby,Cameron and Luke combined to send Charlie to the byeline again, his cross once again diverted for a corner whipped in by Toby and half cleared to Kain on the edge of the box who drilled his shot across the keeper and wide.

Sam made another crucial save diving to his right to keep out a break and shot from the Matlock No 9 before Charlie doubled our lead, pouncing on a mis-hit clearance from the keeper to beat the blues centre half to the ball and hit an early shot into the back of the net before the keeper had time to recover.

With halftime approaching and Town pressing hard from the front lead by Cameron, Matlock fought hard to get back into the game and Lance, Finlay, Luis and Jacob had to remain alert to keep the blues at bay, Lance and Finlay calmly holding off their opponents through the middle whilst Luis and Jacob ensured they weren’t outpaced by the Matlock wing attack.

The halftime whistle blew with Town still two goals to the good as the second half saw the wholesale introduction of a strong Holmfirth Town bench.

On came Jaxon, Bradley, Keegan, Keon and Ethan, and off went Lance, Toby, Kain, Finlay and Cameron as Town continued their assault in a much more open second period.

Romario continued his impressive debut, pressing high and creating space for his teammates with some intelligent running to take away a marker which facilitated Luke’s sweeping runs towards the box as he combined with Charlie to set up an early shooting opportunity for Keon whose shot was blocked, Jaxon following up to hammer another effort which struck a defender and was scrambled clear for a corner.

Luke swung in the cross, Luis rising above the defence to guide a header past the keeper to make it 3-0 to the boys.

The game then swung from end to end, Jacob busy at right back to stem the tide of left sided blue attacks, Sam pulling off another couple of fine saves as Matlock upped the shot count well into double figures.

In midfield Bradley grasped the nettle to rob his midfield opponents of possession and start us back on the attack through the middle. Jaxon proved a menace on the right, shooting just too high of the target on one occasion and sending teasing crosses for Keon to attack as our striker often proved too hot to handle but thwarted on occasion by the offside flag.

Matlock then got themselves back into the game, a long ball through the middle splitting our defence and sending the number 8 clean through on goal where he beat the on rushing Sam with a cool finish.

Luis, Charlie and Romario made way for the reintroduction of Toby, Kain and Cameron to provide fresh impetus in the final twenty minutes and it didn’t take long for our subs to make an impact. Toby fashioning an opening to shoot inches over the bar before Kain sent Keon clear of his marker to bear down on goal, round the keeper and send the ball beyond the despairing outstretched defender on the line with a composed right foot finish from a tight angle.

Cameron continued to provide service to Kain on the left before Keon doubled his tally, receiving a through ball from Brad to outmuscle his opponent and smash home from the edge of the box to make the score 5-1.

With the luxury of having so many top class options from the bench Town finished strong as Matlock wilted, Keon cruelly denied a hatrick by the offside flag after Kains exquisitely directed pass over the top was met by Keon’s deftly taken left foot volley over the keeper and into the net.

The game ended 5-1 to herald another impressive victory at top opposition and showcase the mouthwatering capabilities of this ever strengthening squad.

Players MOM went to Luke for a commanding performance in midfield, an assist and a top quality opening goal with Sam securing the parents award for assured handling in goal and some crucial saves during key stages of the game.

Well done boys!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

🎄Westend Lions home (League)🎄

Team: Max, Jaxon, Cameron, Keegan, Lance, Luis, Finlay, Charlie, Toby, Kain, Jacob, Ethan, Bradley, Keon, Luke.

🎁Town secured the Christmas No1 spot despite suffering their first league defeat at the hands of a rampant Westend Lions.🎁

A misty backdrop and an overgrown pitch provided the teams with less than festive conditions and it was the Westend boys who produced the better football in a frantic first half.

Luke had an early free kick tipped over the bar for a corner which was cleared. Toby won a free kick on the left which Keegan whipped in to the box for Kain to head narrowly wide and both Luis and Jacob got shots away which the keeper easily dealt with but despite those early chances Max proved to be the much busier shot stopper.

⛄️The Lions roared, hunting in packs to retrieve possession and pounce first to every ball with our boys struggling to keep pace. Finlay was the one shining light battling valiantly alongside Lance in the heart of defence to keep the visitors at bay.⛄️

Westend bossed the midfield, controlling possession and creating the better openings, spurning a golden opportunity to take the lead five minutes in. A long ball over the top taken in his stride by a Lions attacker, Bradley flying in to block a shot destined for the top corner of the net.

🧑‍🎄Minutes later a similar ball found the Westend No9 running clear in a one v one with Max but he screwed his shot wide with the goal at his mercy.🧑‍🎄

Max needed to be alert to stem the torrent of attacks, on one occasion scrambling low to his left to divert the ball around the post and then leaping high to gather the resulting corner safely into his chest as Westend pushed and eventually claimed the goal they richly deserved.

A cross from the left half cleared by Lance fell to the feet of the Lions No 4 who rifled a first time shot into the roof of the net giving Max no chance.

❄️Keon came on as a second half substitute for Bradley, immediately taking up the striker position alongside Luis with Jacob switching to right back and the boys looked much sharper enjoying their best period of the match to take advantage of a sleeping Lions defence.❄️

Kain and Charlie gained more influence out wide as Toby and Luke drove through midfield providing some quality passes to our wingers who, in turn, afforded opportunities for Luis and Keon to test the keeper with an array of opportunities until we eventually fashioned an equaliser.

Keegan found Luke on the move who developed a double one touch passing exchange with Charlie that sent our winger clear of the fullback and into the box, Charlie curling in a cross come shot to the back post which escaped everyone and found the net.

🥂Having created themselves a way back into the game Town kicked on and it was no surprise when our boys took the lead soon after. Luke crossing for Keon to lay off a shooting opportunity for Luis striding forward on the edge of the box who guided a powerful shot past the keeper for 2-1 Town.🥂

🎉This launched a Lions reawakening and our lead lasted all of five minutes. Westends left winger playing a give and go before looping a cross over Max’s head and into the net for a rapid response equaliser.🎉

Jaxon replaced Kain on the right and was immediately involved switching play to Luke who sent Charlie clear of the right back, Charlie setting up Toby for a strike on goal which the keeper smothered to his right.

Keegan went close with a drive forward and long range effort which dipped over the bar but in all honesty it was the red shirts of Westend that regained the upper hand, once again taking the lead with a powerful header past Max from a right sided free kick cross.

🍻Luke and Charlie combined down the left to provide Keon with an opening to shoot which the keeper saved before Westend put the game to bed with a killer fourth goal. A corner from the left swung in to the back post for a striker to tap in unchallenged.🍻

The game ended with the boys disappointed in defeat but still at least top of the league and able to reflect on an overall impressive first half of the season.

Players MOM went to Lance after a solid display at the back alongside central defensive partner Finlay who took the parents award.

🎁Fittingly, after the game, the boys celebrated the club Christmas party at Adrenaline showing immediately how they are able to bounce back from defeat!🎁

Merry Christmas all and here’s to a happier and healthier New Year ⚽️🎄🧑‍🎄🎁

Team: Sam, Ethan, Cameron, Luke, Jacob, Bradley, Jaxon, Chaz, Toby, Kain, Keon, Gabriel, Finlay, Keegan, Max.

Northowram provided the opposition in this hastily arranged friendly after league opponents Holmewood pulled out of Sunday’s scheduled fixture due to lack of players.

Town lined up against old foes at full strength, Northowram keen to exact revenge for their defeat at the hands of our boys on the first day of the league season.

An experimental Town team matched up to their opponents with equal endeavour, Luke providing the catalyst for our boys as they fought back from 2-0 down to halve the deficit just before half time after Toby provided the assist for Charlie to control with his left and apply a clinical right foot finish to set up an intriguing second half.

Luke pushed his team forward after the break alongside Toby who became our most influential player in the quest for an equaliser but it wasn’t to be our day as Northowram held firm, snatching a decisive third goal before the end to clinch a 3-1 victory.

Players MOM went to Luke with the parents award split between Luke and Toby after both players lead the fightback without their just rewards.

A constructive exercise for the boys and another highly competitive game under their belt as they head into a double assault on the Cup and League title.

Up the Town!

Wilsden (Friendly) away

Team: Sam, Max, Ethan, Cameron, Lance, Luke, Jacob, Bradley, Jaxon, Chaz, Toby, Kain, Keon, Gabriel.

An impeccably held two minutes silence preceded this Remembrance Sunday friendly game. Town crossing the Huddersfield/Bradford divide to record an impressive 6-1 victory over hosts Wilsden.

The boys lined up in an unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation which saw the return of Lance to central defence alongside Ethan whilst Max flourished in his new found role as striker alongside the impressive Jacob.

and it was Jacobs first half masterclass in first class finishing which sent the boys on their way to a comfortable 4-0 half time lead.

Toby orchestrated midfield alongside Luke and fashioned the first clearcut chance of the game, taking Sams clearance on the half turn before sending a sumptuous ball wide right and into the path of Kain who whipped the ball across the penalty area to be met by Jaxon sprinting in from the left who shot narrowly wide.

Minutes later the home side almost took the lead but fell behind in the same passage of play. The lively Wilsden No8 driving forward from the left and unleashing a venomous shot from outside the box which rattled the crossbar before Town scrambled the ball clear to Luke who sent another thread needle ball between the home defence which Jacob latched onto and buried with a clinical left foot finish into the bottom corner of the net.

Seconds after the restart Town doubled their lead. Sam clearing the ball high over midfield for Jaxon to take with a great first touch before steering his pass across the box for Jacob to smash home number two.

Battles along side both flanks ensued as Wilsden sought to use width in reply to our boys dominance of midfield. Cameron tussling to great effect with the Wilsden No9 to deny any space from the right whilst Bradley gained the upper hand over the No 8 who provided the main threat from our Craven League opponents.

Thirty minutes in and it was three nil. Jaxon cutting inside from the left on halfway to find Luke central and in space, Luke swept the ball across the edge of the box, behind the back line of the blues defence as Jacob ran through and smashed home his hatrick goal.

Sam joined the attacking threat, clearing a pass down the right for Kain who cut inside before curling a powerful shot away from the keeper and into the top left corner to make the half time score a convincing 4-0.

Changes at halftime saw the introduction of Charlie for Jaxon and Keon for Max and although the blues of Wilsden applied more of the early pressure, pulling a goal back from a counter attack after Keons shot was blocked and cleared it was our boys who soon reestablished control.

Toby brought down Ethans lofted free kick with a deft first touch before sending Keon through into the penalty area but his left foot shot cleared the upright. Ethan also went close with a speculative effort from outside the box before Toby grabbed goal No5.

Jacob looping in a cross from the right which Toby watched onto his right foot, volleying past the keeper and into the net.

Max and Jax returned to action replacing Kain and Brad as the team was again rejigged to allow Max upfront and Jaxon wide right, Jacob switching to the right back position to shore up the defence and the boys looked more fluent again, Max and Keon cutting through the defence with intelligent running and Charlie and Jaxon creating overloads from the wings.

Charlie sped past his marker down the left before cutting in and shooting straight at the keeper before repeating the process, receiving another Steve Gerrard esq 30 yard pass from Luke skipping to the byeline and pulling the ball back for Toby to set Keon for a fizzing shot which the keeper palmed clear for a corner.

Toby’s cross was scrambled clear to the edge of the box, Ethan running in to aim a chip over the keeper which fell just short of its target and into the outstretched goalies arms.

Toby played a neat one two with Jacob to almost claim goal of the day, Wildens shot stopper at full stretch to palm Toby’s volley away from goal before Charlie notched Towns sixth and final goal, controlling a high ball on the edge of the box before hitting a half volley over the keeper and into the net.

Six one up the boys had time to summon one last effort on goal, Luke sending a ball over the right back for Charlie to take with the finest of touches and send Max through on goal, his shot bringing out the kind of save he would have been proud to make himself.

The final whistle blew on a top quality technical performance from the lads. Luke claiming the Players MOM after another cultured display with the parents deciding on a team award for MOM as everyone played their part in a fine away victory.

It’s up for the Cup next week as Town host local rivals Kirkburton. Bring it on!⚽️🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆⚽️

Queensbury Celtic (League) away

Team: Sam, Ethan, Cameron, Luis, Luke, Chaz, Toby, Kain, Finlay, Keon, Gabriel.

Having dispatched of Rangers last weekend (Rastrick), Town travelled to Celtic looking for a Calder Valley old firm double on a cold and windy Queensbury Sunday morning.

Missing Keegan, Jacob and the jet pack burners of Jaxon, our boys lined up with a hardy eleven devoid of outfield subs but up for the epic challenge ahead.

Chances were few and far between in a dogged first half where both defences took the plaudits.

Our main attacking threat coming from Kain down the right in the first 20 minutes, Luke and Toby providing the creativity to send our right winger clear of defence, ably backed up by Keon on the inside and Gabriel up front.

Fin lead the backline with a commanding performance in central defence alongside Ethan as both battled hard against the Queensbury front two and the elements, the wind also providing a formidable opponent for our trusty centre halves as the ball swirled around in the air.

Both teams showed quality with the ball to feet and Queensbury fashioned the first clear cut opportunity which lead to the opening goal. A neat through ball piercing our defence for the home striker to receive and pass through the advancing Sam and into the net.

Town regrouped, Luke dictating the pace from midfield bringing Charlie into the game down the left supported by Cameron who pushed our defence forward. Toby taking control of the right and moving the ball between Luis and Kain to provide forward momentum on the opposite flank.

With half an hour gone Town turned the game around with a two minute smash and grab.

The equaliser punctuated a fine team move. Cameron laying the foundations from the back to advance and feed Gabriel, he held off a defender finding Keon in the process who continued a chain of first time passes involving Fin, Toby and Luis before Kain was sent galloping clear of the defence, our winger delivering a perfectly directed cross to pick out Charlie’s run at the back of the six yard box Charlie needing a touch to set up a shot on his right foot and a ball in the back of the net.

Straight from the kickoff, lightning Charlie struck a second time, receiving Keon’s through ball to cut inside and hammer home to give us the lead.

Shell shocked Celtic hit back, Sam called into action to pull off a spectacular triple save, first tipping a breakaway shot onto the bar then punching clear the rebound cross which fell to a Celtic striker to hit a third time effort forcing our keeper to spring low to his right and gather the ball to his chest.

Town then survived another scare when the Queensbury striker broke clear and beat Sam with a low shot into the bottom right corner of the net only to see his effort ruled out for a marginal offside.

Despite the pressure Town finished the half strong, Keon’s mazy run and pass to Gabriel setting up a shot which was saved before Luke and Charlie combined to send Kain through on goal only to be bundled to the ground by a Queensbury defender on the edge of the box, the referee waving play on much to the surprise of all concerned as the whistle blew for half time with our boys leading 2-1.

The second half saw Town build on their lead. Toby and Luke gaining more prominence to dictate play from midfield and exploit the spaces for Charlie and Kain to run into and expose the Queensbury 3-5-2 formation.

Cameron supplied Luke who fed Charlie down the left, his cross deflected for a corner which Toby zipped across the six yard box with venom, nobody attacking the ball to apply the finish it richly deserved.

With Charlie leading the right sided centre half a merry dance and Kain doing the same on the opposite side, Queensbury were forced to retreat, both wing backs finishing as fullbacks as they attempted to stem the flow of attacks driven by Luke and Toby in the middle of the park.

Max came on for Gabriel, again swapping keeping for striking and for a second game this season he came up with a goal, latching onto Toby’s through ball and applying a clinical finish.

Luke cut inside on his trusty left foot to power a shot which the keeper half saved, smothering the rebound as Max pounced looking to double his tally.

As Charlie was increasingly shackled by two defenders, Toby and Luke looked for space elsewhere, expertly switching play to put Kain away on the right, Kain again bundled over on the edge of the box to win a free kick which Luke curled around the wall but too high to trouble the keeper.

Luke then got the reward his industry deserved. Driving forward from deep, drawing the defender towards him before playing the pass for Charlie to overlap clear of the defence and turn the ball back inside for Luke to take a touch and smash home our fourth goal.

Kain used his pace and skill to set up a shot which the Celtic keeper deflected onto the crossbar and Toby also went close before Queensbury struck a second consolation goal. The Celtic striker hitting the top left corner with a free kick from the edge of the box, Fin picking up a yellow card for an adjudged late challenge.

The final whistle blew on another fine away win, Town maintaining their 100% start to the season to go six points clear at the top as they prepare for next week’s table topping clash with Westend.

Luke bagged both Parents and Players MOM awards showing composure on the ball, creative influence in a captain’s performance to lead his team to a vital victory, Well done lads👏👏👏👏👏⚽️

Holmewood Utd (League) away

Team: Sam, Jaxon, Keegan, Ethan, Cameron, Luis, Luke, Chaz, Toby, Kain, Jacob, Max, Keon.

A gladiatorial performance at Holmewood saw Town march to victory, slaying their opponents 8-1 in an often bitter and niggling affair which saw four players booked.

Keon lead the line for Holmfirth quickly establishing his dominance over the centre halves to hold off an opponent and power a shot from outside the box which the keeper could only palm into the path of Charlie who applied the finish.

Our diminutive left winger then doubled his and Town’s tally after terrific work from Jacob to chase back and win the ball deep inside his own half before releasing a pass to Luis who found Toby venturing down the right, Toby angling a cross for Charlie to tap in the second.

Toby, Luke, Luis and Charlie tussled with Utd midfielders constantly in a first half show of strength, enduring shirt pulling, elbows and devious late challenges often out of view of the referee, to give their opponents the run around with quality football.

Keegan squared up to the terrier like No8 with the goalkeeper rushing a good forty yards to involve himself in the handbags at ten paces which followed only to earn himself the first booking of the day for his troubles, the game turning scrappy as the ball bounced off the uneven surface and with far too many late challenges disrupting play. Both sides guilty of getting involved in meaningless face offs.

If this was a ploy by the home side to break up the flow of our boys football, it worked for a while, the referee halting play to allow both teams a cooling off period.

Keon who worked hard to chase down the defence kept cool and put in a top first half performance, getting shots away but also setting up chances for Toby, Charlie and Kain to get in behind the defence, Toby finishing off one move only to be called back for offside.

Cameron was involved in a personal battle with the right winger which almost erupted and Ethan was drawn into another squaring up with the home No7, Jacob, as captain, often intervening to calm his teammates and ensure we finished with eleven players on the pitch.

The Holmewood No8 then pulled a quality goal back. A cross-field free kick sent diagonally over our defence from the left side of the centre circle finding the perfectly timed run of the Utd midfielder who smashed the ball past Max for 2-1.

Town responded well. Keegan causing chaos with one of three free kicks swung into the box, the keeper flapping at it as it fell to Luis who shot wide.

Kain went on a mazy run which ended with a clipped ankle on the edge of the box. Luke stepping up to curl a left footer round the wall and into the net.

Cameron was soon called into action as Holmewood sought to hit back literally and metaphorically, our right back chasing down the winger but adjudged to have fouled his opponent near the byeline. In came the cross/shot which rattled the bar, the rebound lofted back into the mix only for Max to punch away the cross and Luis to clear.

Minutes later Luke sent Kain clear who forced the ball past the keeper to put us 4-1 up. Charlie added a fifth, keeping a calm head to get on the end of Toby’s cross and claim a first half hatrick, the move once again emanating from Luis and Lukes creative work in midfield.

Five one up at half time and the game effectively over as a contest Sam came on for Max in goal, looking for a second half clean sheet and Town set off eager to extend their lead.

Luis rattling the crossbar early on from a Toby corner Toby gathering the loose ball and curling a stunning shot which again dipped onto the bar when the back of the net would have been a more fitting reward.

Charlie intercepted a goal kick before teeing up Keon for a shot which spun wide and as Charlie terrorised the right back with quick feet and dangerous crossing, Kain began to gain more influence to do the same down the right with the unlucky left back feeling the brunt of his work.

Shots from Keon, Luke and Toby stung the gloves of the keeper before Kains right wing cross found Charlie at the back post to tap in No6.

Jaxon replaced Keon from the bench, Cameron adding his name to the scoresheet soon after with a glancing header from Toby’s in swinging corner.

With the home team tired and frustrated, the needling No8 finally got himself booked for another pointless altercation this time with Keegan, with his day ended minutes later from Jacobs crunching challenge which also earned our captain a booking. The inevitable revenge mission played out when the Holmewood Captain then cynically scythed down Jacob on the edge of the box to collect his own yellow card.

But it was cool heads and creative football that won the day in the end. Jaxon unlucky not to notch a goal when his effort was ruled offside from Kains cross and again denied this time by a top save by the keeper after Charlie’s cross.

Max came on as an outfielder for Keegan, immediately immersing himself in the action, getting shots away that were high, wide then saved just to get his sights set for the goal that soon followed. Toby tracking the run of Ethan who exploded into the box and powered in a shot which the keeper palmed into the path of Max to punctuate the score line with an eighth goal.

The final whistle blew on an 8-1 win that keeps Town top of table after three games. Charlie winning both players and parents MOM after another devastating display of quick feet and great finishing. Well done lads👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏⚽️

Team: Sam, Jaxon, Ethan, Luke, Finlay, Charlie, Cameron, Toby, Kain, Jacob, Max, Keon.

There is something about a sunny Sunday morning at Northowram that brings the best out of our boys and this weekend was no exception as Town prevailed 4-2 at one of the League’s toughest venues.

Fully briefed on what was required and with Luis, Keegan and Lance all missing, Town had to dig deep against a strong physical opponent. Jaxon , Ethan and Sam stepping into battle to play a vital role in a memorable victory.

Northowram hit the ground running asserting their physical advantage in the one v ones, but also moving the ball quickly. Sam the savior with a couple of fine early saves to keep us in the game.

Town however looked sharp on the break, Jaxon receiving the ball twice on halfway before sending Kain galloping down the right flank only to be thwarted by a couple of solid Northowram tackles.

Ethan made a vital interception as a yellow shirted striker threatened to break through one on one with Sam before our keeper palmed a header round the post and pounced seconds later to smother a shot and rebound from the resulting corner.

Then the breakthrough. Jaxon again releasing Kain who nodded the ball past his marker, sending a teasing ball from the byeline across the six yard box towards Keon who tussled with an opponent before the ball fell invitingly for Charlie to smash home the opener.

Jaxon again was creator of the second, receiving Keon’s pass on the half turn before directing the ball down the centre of the area and into the path of Kain who applied a clinical right foot finish.

Jaxon was instrumental in our first half attacking play receiving and distributing the ball left and right with growing confidence and an immeasurable quality as our back four absorbed a constant supply of forward affrays from the home attackers. Ethan, Fin , Cameron and Jacob matching the yellows for Braun and showing superior technique in playing the ball out of danger and bring our midfield creators into play.

Nothowram remained a constant threat particularly on set pieces. Sam rising to save two headers from corners, then diving low to his right to gather a fizzing shot as the No 9 cut inside and pulled the trigger and again scurrying off his line to deny the striker as he directed a volley goalwards from a ball over the top.

Town weren’t without chances themselves as Keon worked the home back line and Luke and Toby moved the ball on the floor to provide shooting chances for Kain and Charlie who both narrowly missed either upright.

Jaxon was unlucky not to notch a couple of ‘worldies’ in his role as No 10. The first a spectacular volley from Fins free kick which flashed across goal to be palmed wide by the alert keeper and the second a curling shot which rattled the woodwork after fantasy footwork from Keon allowed Cameron to set up the shot.

With ten minutes of the half remaining Sam pulled off save of the season so far, the big Norhowram striker rising above our defence Pele 1970s style to power a header down and destined for the net before super Sam did his Gordon Banks virtuoso to tip the bouncing ball over the bar as the home side held their heads in collective disbelief.

Wave of attacks followed with Sam master of his goal demonstrating secure handling as yellow strikers lay in wait for a rebound opportunity which never came. Then as half-time approached the home team pulled a goal back.

A spectacular strike from outside the box giving the unsighted Sam no chance as it flew into the top right corner of the net.

Town regrouped at the break knowing that only a monumental performance in the second half would secure the points and the boys didn’t disappoint.

Toby produced the first real threat of the second half whipping in a corner, won by Luke, which Finlay headed just clear of the crossbar.

Max came on for Keon to give our hard working striker a well earned rest and it was Holmfirth who seized the initiative to put their opponents under pressure, Charlie turning on a sixpence at the edge of the box to test the keeper from Cameron’s throw in down the left before Kain got a crucial third goal.

Jacob giving a shout to Kain and sending a free kick from deep over the home rearguard, Kain reacting with a lightning fast run into the box before nodding the bouncing ball past the advancing keeper.

3-1 up and in the ascendancy Town almost grabbed a fourth, Charlie hacked down at the corner of the penalty box from an increasingly frustrated right back presented Luke with a free kick opportunity, he struck a dipping shot which the keeper did well to get across his goal and tip over.

From the corner Jaxon brought another cat like save from Northowrams No1 as he turned and shot low and hard to the keepers left before our No10 got his just rewards.

Max brought a high ball down to feet playing a pass to Toby who turned and found Luke receiving, shielding and delaying his pass long enough for Charlie to run in behind the right back before telegraphing a perfectly weighted ball into Charlie’s path, our left wingers first time driven cross met by the speedy Jaxon who diverted past the keeper for 4-1.

Town endured a long final twenty minutes, Ethan making many timely challenges as Fin directed our back line and won all the headers that came his way. Cameron and Jacob were equally stoic at left and right back respectively, not only winning the ball back but putting us back on the attack as Norhowram were made to work hard for scraps.

The home side did double their tally but only halve the deficit, slotting home a penalty after Jacob was adjudged to have fouled his opponent but Town stood firm Ethan almost grabbing a fifth with a blistering shot which shaved the crossbar.

In a team full of Man of the matches Sam got the majority nod for both Players and Parents award for his heroic display in goal.

An epic performance full of courage and commitment. Nothing short of brilliant lads!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏⚽️

Wombwell friendly away

Team: Sam, Jaxon, Cameron, Max, Ethan, Lance, Luis, Luke, Chaz, Toby, Kain, Jacob, Finlay.

Towns extra quality up front proved the difference in a very physical and often scrappy encounter at Wombwell on Tuesday evening. Jacob, Cameron and Finlay the stars of the show leading our boys to a bruising victory.

The story of the first 20 minutes was an enthralling duel between Wombwells right winger and Cameron, the two rivals locked in battle as the home side looked to set their energetic No7 in behind our defence. Cameron stood firm tussling for the ball and giving every bit as much as he got despite shirt pulling, barging and all manner of methods designed to put our left back off his game and send the home winger clear.

Winning the battle was key, Cameron setting up our first chance of the game with a well-read interception and pass inside to Luke who took the ball on the half turn before spreading a Crossfield pass to Kain who galloped past his pursuer to whip a ball across the six yard box and inches away from the speedy attacking threat of Luis and Charlie.

Wombwell looked to assert their authority with Barnsley brawn as Town relied heavily on the fighting qualities of Finlay, Cameron and Jacob to wrestle the ball off our opponents and get us on the attack.
Chances were few and far between in a tight first half which the home side edged in terms of possession and chances, benefitting on a number of occasions with a long ball or clearance over the top of our defence as the backline stepped up. Lance reading the situation first and reacting quickest to the reds tactics by dropping off as necessary in order to head clear or collect and guide the ball wide.

Max was alert in goal to close down the through ball and clear with the reds restricted to shots from outside the box which lacked any real quality.

Town then took the lead with the first real clear cut chance of the game. Toby finding Kain on the right with space to swing in a cross which evaded the first defender and bounced up for Charlie on the penalty spot who cushioned a header to his left foot and volleyed home the opener.

Wombwell reacted with a couple of substitutions giving the No7 a rest from Cameron but also from Ethan who had afforded him little change when switched to the left but Town remained solid through until half time, going in 1-0 up.

Jaxon and Sam came on for the second half, taking up positions at opposite ends of the pitch. Jaxon moving to striker with Luis dropping into midfield and Jacob slotting into the right back spot vacated by Ethan. Sam replacing Max in goal as Town enjoyed more possession in the opponent’s half.

Kain broke clear from a Luis pass to set up Jaxon for an early strike on goal from a half volley just inside the box which was blocked. Charlie sent a Crossfield pass to Kain who set Luis to whip a ball to the back post with Toby meeting the delivery on the volley but directing his shot across goal and wide.

Luke then had a trio of strikes on goal, the first set up by the industrious Jacob who won back possession and set Luke for a shot saved by the keeper. Jaxon teeing up a second strike over the bar from outside the box before Cameron won a free kick on the edge of the box after an aggressive run from deep inside his own half, Luke’s set piece gathered easily by the Wombwell No1.

With Wombwell tiring Jacob, Cameron and Finlay bossed the back line, pushing forward at every opportunity, confident in their ability to track back and cover as required but also assured by the huge presence of Lance who allowed little to pass him by in a strong second half performance.
Wombwell substituted again with the red No7 not a lucky one as he lined up against his latest tormentor Jacob!

Kain and Luis collaborated with Toby to present Jaxon with the opportunity to shoot but his attempt was blocked and cleared, Jacob sprinting ahead of the home midfielder before being upended for another free kick without yield and as Town continued to apply the pressure the home sides defence was finally breeched for a decisive second time.

Jacob picking the ball up deep in his own half before driving into the opponent’s half past two defenders and into the box, playing a wall pass off Kain and striking the ball past the keeper to give the boys an unassailable lead.

Ethan replaced Toby for the last 10 minutes as Town saw out the game to earn another hard fought away win. Jacob’s leading by example securing him the parents MOM award with Cameron scooping the player’s award after doing his team a huge favour, nullifying the home side’s most potent attacker. Well done lads!

Little Town friendly home

Team: Sam, Keegan, Cameron, Max, Jaxon, Ethan, Lance, Luis, Chaz, Toby, Kain, Jacob.

Little Town stood little chance against a rampant Holmfirth who swept aside their opponents 11-1 at Farnley Tyas.

An impeccably observed minutes applause preceded the game in tribute to the sad passing of former Huddersfield Junior League Secretary Ursula Spencer. ‘Thank you Ursula for all your terrific work’ and our thoughts go to her close friends and family.

Town kicked off down the slope without Luke and Finley. The versatile Jacob replacing Luke as holding midfielder, Ethan dropping into the right back slot and Jaxon starting as lone striker.

Little Town donning similar colours to our local rivals Honley seemed to add fuel to the Holmfirth fire as our boys were soon trailing a blaze across the visitors back four which quickly morphed into a back five.

Cameron drove forward to send an early cross flashing wide of the far post. Luis followed up to send Toby clear and trigger a triple save from the keeper first from Toby then Charlie and then Toby again as the claret and blue rear guard struggled to scramble the ball clear.

Toby then neatly gathered Ethans crossfield pass on the turn, guiding the ball towards Charlie for the cross which found Jaxon who set the ball for Kain to shoot narrowly wide.

Kicking uphill, Little Town faced a monumental mountain to climb but still offered a counter attacking threat from their speedy No18. Ethan called upon to track back and put in a timely tackle on more than one occasion to break up play while Lance and Keegan martialed the back line with the assurance of a couple of Virgil Van Dykes.

The opening goal soon followed, Ethan spreading the ball wide to Kain who won a throw parallel to the right of the penalty area. Jacob launched the throw across the box, Charlie darting across his marker to shoot past the keeper for 1-0.

Town doubled their lead a couple of minutes later, again the move emanating from the back. Lance sweeping up from defence edged the ball forward to Jacob just inside the opponents half he looked up and picked out Kain on the wing who layed the ball back for the advancing Ethan to arc a precision ball behind the visitors defence which Charlie played forward with a cushioned left foot before striking the ball home.

Luis and Toby went close then a one two between Lance and Ethan created space for our big centre half to drive forward find Kain who cut inside from the right using quick feet and trickery to skip past three defenders on the edge of the box and play Jacob through and into the area but his shot cleared the bar.

Little Town then hit back. A clearance from the keeper splitting our defence to send their striker one on one with Max who was beaten by a cool finish.

Despite the temporary setback Town continued to dominate the first half. Toby winning every second ball in midfield and dictating the tempo with Luis. Lance recycling any attempts to clear and Ethan providing excellent cover on the right to not only stop their best player in his tracks but also provide Kain with plenty of crossing opportunities and create his own attacking threat with some equally impressive angled deliveries into the box.

Ethan orchestrated our third goal, swinging in a cross for Jaxon to turn with an exquisite first touch before burying the ball into the back of the net.

Toby fired wide, Charlie had another left foot shot saved, Luis also testing the keeper from range before Toby got his goal. Jacob finding our tenacious terrier in a pocket of space after clever wing play from Kain, Toby guiding the ball past the keeper to put us 4-1 up.

Luis smashed home a fifth from outside the box then Toby broke clear again from a Charlie through ball only to be pulled back by his shirt as he burst through on goal, Jacob sending the keeper the wrong way to despatch the resulting penalty.

Six one and cruising Luis made it lucky seven with the strike of the day. Driving from deep to smash an unstoppable shot into the top left corner.

Jaxon almost reciprocated with a similar effort from inside the box which agonisingly grazed past the angle of post and crossbar before Charlie completed his hatrick pouncing first on a rebound after Jacobs shot was parried by the underfire Little Town keeper.

Eight one up at half time Sam came on for Max in goal and Little Town played with a twelfth player to give our boys an extra test but it did little to stem the flow of play although it did keep the second half scoring down to three as the visitors elected to use the extra man in a back six which virtually formed a shot blocking claret and blue wall.

Toby soon carved open the defence with a precision pass inside the fullback which Charlie hammered towards goal past the goalkeeper but not the speedy defender who hooked the ball clear from off the line, Charlie recovering the ball at the byeline to cut inside and smash past the keeper but the ball was adjudged to have already crossed the byeline prior to his finish and so the goal was chalked off.

A second half of attack v defence developed, Jacob taking on a free role to skip in and out of two defenders before crashing a left foot shot against the bar and over.

Luis had two strikes from distance a shade too high, Kain cut inside and shot but the keeper saved, Charlie had two shots saved one right foot one left and Jacob had a pile driver turned away with Toby also shooting wide before the lads finally breached the Little Town defences to claim a ninth. Kain crossing from the right to allow Charlie to tap in his fourth goal.

Double figures soon followed. Cameron the instigator sending Toby into the box before he crossed unselfishly for Jaxon to double his tally and the boys didn’t let up despite the score. Rising to the challenge of keeping possession and choosing their moment to play the penetrating pass in behind the defence as they advanced or getting a shot away if the defence dropped deeper.

Cameron started a move and almost applied the perfect finish sending Charlie down the left wing who crossed for Luis to set up Cameron with a right foot follow up strike which deflected wide.

Toby volleyed wide and Kain almost got onto the end of Charlie’s in swinging cross before Jacob completed the scoring with a delightful left foot chip over the keeper which nestled nicely into the far corner of the net.

Tougher tests lie ahead but another pleasing workout for the boys that can only breed confidence.

Players MOM went to Luis for a composed display in midfield and a couple of cracking goals. Midfield compadre Jacob scooping the parents award for his industry, bagging a brace himself whilst being involved in another four of our goals.

Well done lads 👏👏👏👏