Boys U9's Hurricane - Leek Wootton
Stockton Juniors Under-9s Hurricanes opened their 2024/25 season with a narrow 3-2 defeat against Leek Wootton on Saturday morning.
The Hurricanes showed plenty of battling spirit throughout, in what was their first competitive fixture against the experienced hosts, but Freddie Ali’s brace was not enough to prevent the reverse after an end-to-end, finely-balanced encounter.
Missing influential captain Dominic Weedall, the visitors got off to a dream start as Freddie opened the scoring with a well-taken right-footed finish following a swift counter-attack after just two minutes.
Yet Leek Wootton levelled matters via a long-range strike shortly afterwards, and duly took the lead in the 19th minute courtesy of another effort from distance.
Stockton were indebted to goalkeeper Edward Pavli as his superb double save ensured it remained 2-1 at the interval.
An open second half saw both sides threaten, with the Hurricanes going close on several occasions while an impressive defensive display from Jake Trotman continued to thwart the hosts.
Freddie duly saw his strike saved on the goal-line at the second attempt as Stockton applied plenty of pressure in search of an equaliser, while Leek Wootton hit a post at the other end.
However, it was the home side who struck from close range with minutes remaining to establish a two-goal lead, before Freddie’ long-range effort halved the deficit to make it 3-2 with the last kick of a keenly-contested opening match of the season.
Great effort Stockton, you should all be very proud!
Goals: Freddie Ali (2)
Player of the Match: Jake Trotman
