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Monday, 12 May 2008 A youthful first team gets some harsh but rewarding experience for the future… By SCox @ 8:38 p.m. :: 168 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Senior Mens Teams   Ellerslie started very strong and within 5 minutes started to demonstrate to our youngsters the quality of football in the Northern League. 2 minutes later we found ourselves 2.0 down. Some quick play to feet through midfield provided a gap for the Ellerslie striker to fire home a half volley. For the next 15 minutes we started to get into the game. The midfield found time and space on the ball, the back four began to settle and some hard work from Joseph Morris and Keegan Saville up front put pressure on a notably shaky Ellerslie defence. There were some moments where we did threaten the Ellerslie goal, however, apart from a well taken free kick by Dave Allan these were limited. Trying to press forward we were caught on the break and were hit by an extremely well taken goal through some clever interplay inside our penalty area. Our heads lifted well and we continued to concentrate on the game and to play football. We fought back well and earned a few attacking corners all of which were handled well by the Ellerslie keeper (even if his back four were nervous defending the high ball). Then on the stroke of half time came a sucker punch. A direct free kick 25 yards out was struck hard and technically prefect onto the bar, ricocheted off the upright onto the ground and bounced in off the keeper. Luck or a well taken free kick? Up for debate. Half time team talk concentrated on playing with positive attitude, keep the heads up and to show some heart. It was great to see the response from the younger players and the support shown from their team mates, they refused to give up and continued to battle during the second half. We actually began to take control of the game and put Ellerslie out of their stride. Confidence started to show in some of the play and the young players started to show some belief. Ellerslie were forced to playing long and down the channels. We did concede 2 more goals in the second half, but not without creating a couple of opportunities ourselves, only desperate defending and good goalkeeping keeping us out. It is not often you can say that after a 6.0 home defeat that there were positives in a performance. Andy Hey, Robbie Leonard, Keegan Saville and Trent Hirst all showed the reason why it is important to give youth the opportunity and that we will be a better team for it in the future. A big thank you to Eddie and Josh for sitting on the bench and not playing, to our supporters and the squad for showing great encouragement. Furthermore it is important to recognise Andre Van Lieshout for his excellent commitment to the team, to the club and in the development of the youth. Thank you for all you have done Andre and all you are doing for us, you are a true professional. Saturday was all about introducing young first team players and it worked. Our first win is not far away and the team and club are preparing well for it, the youth are ready! Team:- Andre Van Lieshout (Trent Hirst 46), Ben Jonhstone, Jimmy Peckett, Andy Hey, Jay Presnall (Brad Frost 54), James Wright, Dave Allan, Jason Paranihi (captain), Duncan Moxon (Robbie Leonard 46), Keegan Saville, Joseph Morris Subs not used: Eddie Bignell, Josh Wright. Man of the match:- Keegan Saville.

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