Horsforth St.Margarets U-11s Reds 1
BD3 United U-11s 0

Date: Sunday, March 16
Competition: Craven League 11C

With a recent heavy defeat away at BD3 fresh in the memory, Horsforth lined up with some trepidation in the return match. The team was on a run of four away games without a win but at home, Horsforth remain unbeaten and were determined to maintain this excellent record.

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The match kicked off in cool, windy weather on a heavy pitch that looked certain to test the stamina of both teams. It was immediately apparent that Horsforth were not overawed by the opposition. They dominated the early stages of the match with BD3 hardly able to get the ball out of their half. Early shots from Matthew and Joe went narrowly wide and Callum stabbed a shot goal wards that trickled along the line before being cleared.

In midfield Joseph and Sam H were in fine form, winning the ball and surging forward at every opportunity, assisted by Leon who patrolled the left side of midfield.

In defence, Sam C, Kaylem, Oliver and Andrew snuffed out any forays by BD3's strikers. In goal Alex was immaculate, and dashed out several times to clear dangerous looking through balls. The improvement in Horsforth's defence was remarkable considering the 8 goals conceded in the reverse fixture 2 weeks ago - this time round, the opposition didn't get a look in! 

As the pressure mounted BD3 became more desperate and when Matthew broke through on the left he was brought down in the area and the referee had no doubt about awarding the penalty. Matthew's first penalty was saved, but had to be re-taken due to encroachment.

Sadly the second attempt fared no better and the keeper collected the ball comfortably. Horsforth weren't demoralised by this and continued to pour forward, with their persistence rewarded by a second penalty when Josh A was upended in the act of shooting. This time Joseph took over the penalty duties and struck the ball firmly to the keeper's left. Despite a brave attempt, he could only parry the ball into the net and Horsforth took a deserved 1-0 lead into the half-time break.

The second half continued the same pattern of play, with Horsforth well on top and dictating play. Josh P was brought on to stiffen the midfield and provided some penetrating passes through to Joe and Josh A who both looked threatening in attack. Shots rained in from Sam H, Matthew, Joe and Joseph but the second goal just wouldn't come. Twice BD3 cleared the ball off the line but as time passed without further goals, fears began to grow that Horsforth might squander their lead. Fortunately, thanks to outstanding defence by Oliver and excellent goalkeeping by Alex, Horsforth held on to their deserved lead and the final whistle blew to the delight of the team and spectators.

It would be hard to praise the team's resilience and determination highly enough for this fantastic performance. To come back and beat a team that put eight goals past them two weeks ago was something that nobody could have predicted. Congratulations to Steve and James for masterminding the team's improvement and to all the players for this stunning victory.

Team: Alex (goalkeeper)  Sam Cole, Kaylem, Oliver, Andrew (defence) Joseph, Sam H, Callum, Leon,  (midfield)   Matthew, Joe (attack) Josh A, Josh P, (subs)