Wirral U14's v St Anselms

On a cold Thursday night a very large squad of budding, enthusiastic players descended on the Bebington Oval. It was great to see the lads raring to go and with some players starting their first game it was going to be interesting to see how we got on. After a sleepy start we began to move the ball to each other but too often we played the ball down the middle into contact or played the ball into their hands.

As the half progressed the likes of McGilloway, Lewin and Wilkinson began to link things together. Creating opportunities and getting a couple of short corners. The first that saw Wilkinson move to the right to change his angle and shoot low and hard past the St Anselms keeper, 1-0. With changes taking place left right and centre and with debuts for Knott, Portbury and Bolderson and returns for Lawton, Clegg, Lee and Jardine. It was impressive to see us get further chances and a solid performance from Graham kept the score down at the Wirral end.

Once Crane scored from close range from a Wilkinson short corner we started to play better hockey. We were just lacking width and the use of Lamen and Edwards. As we approached half time a St Anselms shot hit Lee on the foot only for St Anselms to react quickest and score from close range, 2-1. At half time we saw another debut for Cotcher Riley in goal. He was able to keep a clean sheet as further changes saw all of the boys get a good 15/20 mins each.

I have been really impressed with the approach and attitude of the boys throughout the season both to training and to the matches. This is a team that can only improve and with weekly sessions I am sure that this tea with have future success.

I feel that if more of the boys can begin to play club hockey the better the squad and team can become. It has been good working with you guys this season. Well done

AJM