Hasland CFC U18s - Clay Cross Town

Under 15s 

Our u15s were once again in league action this morning up against a very good Clay Cross Town team.  Clay Cross were favourites to win the league at the beginning of the season but Hasland U15s form has definitely put us in the mix.

Last season we lost both games to Clay Cross so we knew it was going to be a difficult morning but our game plan was simple.  We had to work harder than them to stop them playing around us and win the first and second balls.  We also have an increasing injury list with having no Aidan and Alfie also missing for today's game. One or two others were playing with the odd niggle.

The first 10 minutes was a little slow from our point of view which allowed Clay Cross to knock the ball around without really causing our back four any trouble.  After around 15 minutes a innocuous clash of heads resulted in centre midfield Cole coming off with a deep gash just above his eye.  We patched him up and off he went to A & E where i have since heard he has had the gash glued and stitched.  We wish Cole a speedy recovery. 

The opening goal however came from Clay Cross from a free kick in the 22nd minute which got caught in the wind and looped over Ben in goal who did his best to get a hand to it. 

Half time 0-1 but we knew we were still in this and we just had to give an extra 2% and we could get back in the game. 

A bright start to the second half from Hasland led to a move down the left on 43 minutes where by Lucas from left back overlapped Jenson in midfield and broke into the box, with 3 defenders around him one took his legs and the ref pointed to the spot. 

Up stepped Captain Evan who went straight down the middle and scored despite the keeper getting a good touch on the ball.  This was nothing more than we deserved and for the remainder of the game we pushed on looking for a winner.  The best chance coming Haslands way from a free kick just outside the box which was hit hard and low but just wide.

And so the game finished 1-1 which all in was a fair result and one that the coaches and parents are really proud of.  It demonstrates how improved the lads are and they can now consider themselves as title contenders.  It doesn't matter if they go on and win the league as after performances like this today and showing the improvements they have, they are already winners in our eyes. 

Today's man of the match went to Max B who was class at right back today and didn't give his winger a sniff all game.  Well done lads, keep up the good work.