Junior Football News

Shortly before the kick off news had swept around Coronation Rd that the ref had been injured in the morning rush hour at Morrisons. However, Wayne Heys had volunteered to do the job so it was a case of searching through the Foxhall's archives to find out when he actually officiated in such a big game as this. Apparently it was the U8s semi-final at Fishers, many years ago so we knew he had the experience to cope.

Foxhall got off to the perfect start after 3 minutes when ace marksman Ben D cut inside his marker to unleash a Ben D special from 20 yards to leave the keeper grasping for fresh air as it whistled into the top corner.(0-1)

With a strong wind at their backs, it was always going to be a case of two halves and which team made it count to their advantage. It was Foxhall that doubled their tally when a fine ball from Sam W found skipper Ollie C who released a fine pass to Chris W who made no mistake in slotting past the helpless keeper. (0-2)

Foxhall virtually camped in their oppositions half and had chance after chance with Joe H twice being foiled by the excellent Kirkham keeper. Shortly after Kirkham was awarded a penalty when there striker was upended in the box, however, Joe W dived to his right and saved.

Again their keeper worked overtime with more splendid saves and Chris W going the closest when he hit the woodwork from wide left. Foxhall made it three on 23 minutes when Joe H was put through by Mark S as Joe H raced towards the keeper he stuck out his left hand to deny Joe H only for the ball to squirm up to Ben D who volleyed home from close range. (0-3) Half-time: 0-3

Kirkham presented more of a threat in the second half. Aided by a strong wind it was Foxhall's turn to have their backs to the wall, but to Foxhall's credit they got it down better and still created chances even with the wind against them. The rearguard of Foxhall stood firm throughout and limited Kirkham to long throw chances only, but on the rare occasion when they actually did have a outfield chance keeper Joe W arched his body backwards to tip over the bar.

Then on 60 minutes Chris W made the game well and truly safe when he raced onto a Joe H through ball to out pace his marker to fire home into the bottom corner. (0-4). Foxhall made changes bringing on Matty H and Joe N to strengthened Foxhall's grip on the game and they did superbly when called upon.

James D and Tyler A where introduced to the fray and it was James who nearly put Foxhall further ahead when he latched on to a through ball from Mark S but not for the first time the Kirkham keeper denied the Foxhall frontline. Then on 73 minutes Kirkham pulled a goal back when there low of averages from the long throw paid off when the striker flicked on a header to nestle into the Foxhall net. (1-4)

Foxhall went straight up the other end when Joe N burst through cut inside his marker but the keeper saved easily then in the dying minutes the much worked upon technique (THE THROW) paid off again when it sliced off the head of Matty H giving the keeper no chance. (2-4)

Full-time: 2-4

Summary:

Too many players playing like individuals instead of a team, especially when other players are available to them. Also the easy pass is much more affective than the thirty yard passes. Okay moan over! On a more positive note some excellent finishing today and for the excellent Kirkham keeper it should have been 10 first half. Second half a more gritty type of performance especially against the elements. But times a simple pass out from the back is much nicer to see than the laces from our boots. 

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