Boys U9's Hurricane - Sky Blue U9 Phoenix
Stockton Juniors Under-9s Hurricanes 5-7 Sky Blues in the Community Phoenix
Stockton Juniors Under-9s Hurricanes fell to a narrow 7-5 defeat against Sky Blues in the Community Phoenix on Saturday, having recorded a 5-2 victory over the same opponents the week previous.
The Hurricanes held a 4-2 lead at the interval but the Sky Blues enjoyed a prolific spell at the start of the second half, quickly establishing a two-goal advantage of their own.
Battling Stockton fought back in the keenly-contested encounter and one goal separated the two sides heading into the closing stages, before the visitors confirmed defeat with the last kick of the match.
The reverse came just seven days after Stockton themselves came from two goals behind to claim the spoils on the road, with Finley Prestidge netting a hat-trick and goalkeeper Edward Pavli putting in a superb performance between the sticks.
The return meeting saw George Brady twice threaten before Freddie Ali put Stockton into a fifth-minute lead, racing through to finish as the home side benefitted from pressurising the Sky Blues defence.
The visitors quickly levelled as Stockton had to withstand pressure, with the Phoenix subsequently going 2-1 ahead in the 16th minute.
But the hosts were not to be denied and George soon equalised, following up to convert from a rebound after his initial strike had been parried.
An end to-end encounter saw both sides threaten, Edward producing a great save, before George made it 3-2 on the counter-attack in the 22nd minute and Freddie added a fourth in the closing stages of the first half.
But Stockton were pegged back early in the second period as the visitors enjoyed a purple patch, quickly scoring twice to level matters and then going on to lead 6-4.
The determined Hurricanes showed their resolve and team spirit to get themselves back into the encounter as Leo Williams reduced the arrears from close range in the 38th minute.
And the home side duly pushed for a leveller until the closing moments of the clash when they got caught on the break and the Sky Blues had the final say with a well-taken long-range strike off the far post.
A battling performance from Stockton in which you never gave up! Plenty to be proud about, loads of positives and bits to work on in training. Well done as always!
Coaches Player of the Match: Barney Trotman
Parents Player of the Match: Freddie Ali
Goals:
5 - Freddie
17 - George
22 - George
25 - Freddie
38 - Leo
