Under 11s Juniors

Ryan Telford; Sam Terrance; Conor McKenna; Connor Brown; Joseph Connor; Lewis Cass; Oliver Baldwin; Connor Physick; Ethan Brown; Matty Longstaff; Nathan Blacklock; Dillon Young; Matthew Cartwright;
Luke Geddes; Luke Lyons & Alex McEwan

Sunday 27th February 2010
Pin Point Recruitment League Cup 3rd Round
North Shields Juniors 5 Whickham Panthers 1

For the second week in a row Preston Playing Fields was the venue for the Under 11’s. Hopeful of a cup progression the lads were eager to get going against the second division visitors who are a feeder club to Northern League side Whickham. Things though didn’t get off to a good start with the opposition only able to field 10 players – but the game kicked off on time. Within five minutes Dillon Young and Alex McEwan had put the home team 2-0 ahead with well taken goals and things were looking a little uncomfortable – the Whickham goalkeeper became sick and couldn’t continue. To keep things as fair as possible both managers agreed to play 9-a-side and reduce the length of the game. Dillon added his second and Matthew Cartwright playing in the middle of midfield also scored two as the Juniors didn’t really look in any danger of losing the game. Whickham bravely battled on and played some good football as they nicked a goal early in the second half. All in all though it wasn’t the best of times and everyone was pleased for the game to be finished and get home for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Thanks to our sponsor Mustaque for coming along to support the boys – at least he saw us get through to the next round…..

Sunday 20th February 2010
Pin Point Recruitment League Cup 3rd Round
North Shields Juniors 0 Wallsend Boys Club 3

An early pitch inspection at Preston Playing Fields saw the game get the go ahead and the Juniors face the lads from Wallsend for an incredible sixth time this season. The game was special for two reasons – it was the Juniors first game since Matty Longstaff signed for the Toon (good luck Matty!!) and to remember Lewis’ Grandad Tom who passed away last Monday. Tom had watched the boys since they were under 8 and the team and supporters paid tribute to Tom with a minutes silence before the game.

There was a panic before the game as keeper Ryan Telford was injured in the warm up and with no time to call for a replacement Matthew Cartwright bravely stepped up to play in goal. The Juniors were fired up for the occasion and attacked Wallsend from the start. Connor Brown down the left linked well with Luke Geddes and Luke Lyons saw a chance go by. Dillon Young broke through after a ball from Ethan Brown and his shot went inches past the post. Connor Brown and Luke Lyons both had further chances as the Wallsend goal seemed charmed in the first 30 minutes. Nathan Blacklock kept things ticking in midfield while the back four of Lewis Cass, Joseph Connor, Conor McKenna and Connor Physick snuffed out any Wallsend attacking moves before they started. Matthew in goal was a bystander and had counted more clouds today than he did as an under 8.

Into the second half and Wallsend had gained confidence in North Shields not scoring and within two minutes had put themselves 1-0 ahead. The first time the home defence had not picked up their players. Alex McEwan caused the visitors some problems but the Juniors began to tire and with Wallsend on the rise they snatched another to make it 2-0. The Shields boys gave it a go but Wallsend closed up their defence and saw the game through – adding to their total with five minutes remaining. Another game and another loss to the Greens of Wallsend and again frustration from the Shields boys as there was the opportunity to get something from this game again.

Man of the Match – Lewis Cass deservedly picked up the award – Tom would have been proud.

Sunday 30th January 2011
Pin Point Recruitment Junior Football League
Division One - Red House Farm Thunder 1 North Shields Juniors 3

With Luke Lyons away and Connor Physick out for a week with a bad injury, disaster struck as Matthew Cartwright was ruled out overnight due to sickness leaving the Juniors with only 11 players. This included the returning Dillon Young who had been absent with a burst ear drum and should have had a gentle re-introduction to the team from the bench – Dillon was up for the challenge – although little could he have imagined his influence on the game!

For once the game started brightly for Shields as they passed the ball around well and a combination of Connor Brown and Alex McEwan down the left caused some problems for Red House. The defensive unit of Nathan Blacklock, Lewis Cass, Joseph Connor and Conor “Einstein” McKenna played exceptionally well closing down the Red House forwards, being first to just about every ball and starting off most of the attacking moves.

The lads were pushing forward with Matty Longstaff and Luke Geddes plotting and probing from centre midfield. The breakthrough came when Ethan Brown block tackled the home left back and the ball broke for Dillon Young who burst through and hit a great shot over the goalkeeper for 1-0. McEwan and Geddes both had chances to extend the lead without success and Longstaff had an effort cleared away. Eventually though a deserved second goal came when Young again burst through only to see the keeper save well. The ball fell to Alex McEwan who hit a fierce shot across the goal and put the Juniors 2-0 ahead.

Red House didn’t give up though and pushed forward themselves, but found the going tough against a resolute Shields defence. When they did breach they came up against Ryan Telford in the Juniors goal, whose confident handling and ever improving distribution gave the team a solid base.

Red House stepped things up in the second half and began to put further pressure on the Juniors – and within 5 minutes had pulled a goal back – although the linesman was fortunate to be of the male persuasion, else he would have been subject to derision and ridicule for his interpretation of the offside rule! (Sorry Mark). Having said that the Shields lads rode their luck a bit at times as the Farm heaped the pressure on - two glorious chances were put wide and some superb last ditched tackling kept the slender lead. Some great counter attacking helped to slowly drag Shields back into the game. Some good chances were created as Young used to his pace to great effect causing the home defender some real problems that ended in some orthodox “Tommy Smith” behaviour and the Red House manager sportingly withdrew him from the game. Alex had a shot that crashed against the bar, Matty hit a thirty yarder (yes 30 yards!) that the keeper superbly pushed around the post and on two occasions the ball bounced around in the box from corners but couldn’t quite end up in the back of the RHF net. Adaptable Connor Brown was in great form on the left wing – his distribution was excellent and he used his pace well to cause problems down the left wing. He was also upended by an opposing player, but after treatment bravely continued being a nuisance to the opposition.

Into the last couple of minutes and clearing their lines the Juniors broke clear – Luke and Matty combined to send the ball through to Alex who superbly played the ball into the path of Dillon Young. Dillon used his pace again to out sprint the defence then hit a shot across the keeper for 3-1 and wrap up the result for the Shields boys.

Overall this was a good solid display by the Juniors putting last weeks performance behind them, particularly as we only had 11 players. Well dme lads thatbar has just been risen again.

Man of the Match: Several contenders today given the circumstances (ie the whole team), but Dillon Young for his two goals and an earlier than expected involvement!!

Sunday 23rd January 2011
Pin Point Recruitment League Division 1
North Shields Juniors 1 (Lyons) Wallsend Boys Club 5

The first game since 14th November couldn’t have come any harder for the Shields lads with the visit of Wallsend. This was the fifth meeting between the two sides this season and, as it turned out, the fifth time that Wallsend were the victors. The lads seemed up for it, but within 19 seconds disaster struck as Wallsend broke down the right and catching the Shields boys off guard to make it 1-0. The game settled down, but Wallsend were on top for much of it as they pressed the Juniors back. However, some resolute defending and some tough tackling saw the Shields boys look to claw their way back into the game. But then it happened again as Shields rustiness showed and the found themselves 2-0 down. The boys though responded well as some pressure forced a corner which was forced in by Luke Lyons with a good left foot shot to set up an exciting second half. Again though Wallsend dominated for long periods as the Shields lads just couldn’t find their rhythm. They fought hard, but lapses on concentration cost them dear and the visitors bagged three more second half goals with Shields only creating two or three chances. On the positive side when the lads did play they showed at times what they were capable of with some neat passing, but it wasn’t to be today. Looking for excuses we could blame a long day bag packing yesterday, rumours of late night stop overs, a lack of recent games and a claggy pitch – but regardless we’ll battle back next week. A big thanks to parents today for some great encouragement from the touchline.

Pin Point Recruitment Junior League: Under 11 Division 1
Sunday 14th November 2010
Cramlington Juniors Reds 0 North Shields Juniors 1

With most games being called off this weekend with the threat of heavy rain, the Cramlington Juniors people worked wonders to get the game on at a muddy Kramel School. The only part of the school where the mud didn’t go to the top of your wellies was marked out and the game got under way right on time. With Luke Geddes ill we were down to two outfield playing substitutes and a tactical switch saw Dillon Young surprisingly on the bench.

The game turned out to be a very evenly contested affair with for once the North Shields boys playing to their potential for the whole game rather than just in spells, with Cramlington playing at their usual high standards. Matty Longstaff and Nathan Blacklock bossed the middle of midfield, while the back four were outstanding for the whole game. Lewis Cass covered right across the back using his pace well and was able to break forward to help his attacking team mates. Connor “Fizzy” Physick playing in his hated left back position showed he has the quality to be an Ashley Cole type player and Conor McKenna at centre half adjusted superbly well winning every header and giving the various Cramlington centre forwards no chance. Joseph Connor, playing at right back, stepped up a gear winning every tackle and pushing forward making excellent passes. Back to the game and the Shields lads can count themselves unlucky not to have been ahead (not that “lucky” streak again) as overall they had the better chances with Like Lyons and Alex McEwen working the home defence extremely hard.

The tactical change came in the second half with Dillon set free to add his strength and pace as an attacking force, while an injury to ever present Lewis Cass meant a readjustment at the back with Joseph joining Conor in the middle and Nathan dropping in to right back.

As with the first half both teams created chances. Cramlington had one effort that hit the bar and Ryan Telford showed his increasing confidence by racing out of his box to tackle the advancing Cramlington centre forward who was probably favourite to get to the ball first. At the other end Alex, Luke and Dillon all had chances and with Matthew Cartwright linking well with Dillon and Fizzy down the left it felt almost a matter of time before Shields would score. The ball didn’t seem to drop in the right place. Time and again Dillon made great runs with the ball, while Matty played a clever game in the middle of midfield probing and passing to try and open up the Cramlington defence.

Eventually the lads got what they deserved – and from an unexpected source – moving from his usual left back position into a striking berth Connor Brown caused the home defence problems by finding space and with ten minutes remaining created the space he needed, received the ball from the left and calmly tucked the ball home for 1-0.

Around the world the clocks had gone back the previous week to give everyone a lie in, but today in Cramlington, the clocks seemed to have stopped in the last few minutes to give everyone from Shields a panic attack as Cramlington gave it their all in an effort to get something out of the game. It wasn’t to be for them today and the Shields boys made their way home happily.

Overall this was a good performance from the Juniors – particularly defensively as the back four / five won just about every tackle and every header. The team played for the whole game and hopefully turned the “lucky” streak around. All we have to do is to do that every week now!!

Pin Point Recruitment Junior League: Under 11 Division 1
Sunday 7th November 2010
Wallsend Boys Club 3 North Shields Juniors 0

These two rivals met for an incredible 4th time this season after three cup games and with at least one more cup and one more league game to come after this, the two teams will play each other at least six times this season. Surely just an amazing co-incidence!!

Anyway the lads went out with all guns blazing and played the better football early on with chances falling to the returning Matty Longstaff, Alex McEwen and Dillon Young. Not being able to turn chances into goals gave Wallsend heart and they began to claw their way back into the match as the game turned into an even sided encounter until the inevitable North Shields “lucky” streak reared its ugly head. Into the last minute of the first half with the scores still even Ryan Telford bravely came out at the feet of the Wallsend striker winning the ball and taking the man inside the box. It was one of those 50-50 decisions and today it didn’t go our way with Wallsend converting for a 1-0 lead at the interval. Into the second half and Wallsend grew in confidence – helped by a second goal that caught Ryan out from a shot that could have been close down earlier. However the lads didn’t give up and edged their way back into the game. Matty Longstaff was driving from the middle of the park and Luke Lyons in particular battling against a strong Wallsend defence. Wallsend though had their moments, and if it wasn’t for some good defending and Ryan looking confident in goal they could have scored again. The “Lucky” streak didn’t go our way again – another 50-50 penalty went the way of Wallsend and Dillon Young had an excellent chance only to see the ball curl around the post. Within seconds Wallsend had added a third with a well headed goal – again though we could have defended better.

Overall – the lads were disappointed with the result and they felt that although they played well at times they didn’t want to keep saying they played well but were unlucky. We all went away thinking about how we can step it up a gear.

Pin Point Recruitment Junior League: Under 11 Division 1
Sunday 31st October 2010
North Shields Juniors 3 Whitley Bay Boys Club Blues 1

The Juniors were up against long time rivals Whitley Bay and had memories of some entertaining clashes between the two sides over the last three years. With Matty Longstaff still unwell there was another reshuffle for the North Shields boys.

After a slow start North Shields began to show their potential and passed the ball around well. They took the lead when Alex McEwen lashed the ball home for his 4th goal of the campaign and the reds looked to be on a roll. However, all credit to Whitley Bay as they never gave in and created chances of their own – forcing keeper Ryan Telford into three good saves. But the Blues kept on coming and grabbed an equaliser with a well taken goal. Half time came and the Juniors realised they had a game on their hands. Things picked up again in the second half with Lewis Cass co-ordinating things at the back and Connor Brown showing his potential on the left hand side. Ethan Brown and Connor Physick tormented their full backs down the wings while Nathan Blacklock, Dillon Young and Matthew Cartwright battled well in the middle of defence. The break through came when Luke Lyons slotted the ball home again after some good play by the Juniors lads for 2-1. This gave the Shields lads more heart and they pushed forward with Luke Geddes involved in most things. Luke picked the ball up on the left hand side and cleverly switched the ball across to the right wing for Ethan Brown who swung his cross in. And there was Geddes at the far post running in to slot home and finish a great move.

It could have been more with chances being created almost at will although the Blues never gave in and had a few breakaway chances themselves. It was 4 with 10 minutes to go – or rather it wasn’t with a technically correct refereeing decision ruling out a goal. Ethan Brown was brought down in the area and with unaccustomed cockiness he went straight to get the ball and blasted the penalty home into the bottom corner. Unfortunately the ref spotted an infringement when a rather long stud from a North Shields player was seen to be within ten yards of the ball when it was struck. Ethan was required to take the penalty again and this time it ended up ten yards over the bar!! Fair play to the referee through as he fully explained his decision to Ethan after the game.

Overall, not a bad performance from the Juniors – the scoreline could have been more if chances had been taken (and penalties allowed!!), but the Blues had their chances as well so plenty to think about for our next game.

Sunday 17th October 2010
Pin Point Recruitment Junior League – Division 1
North Shields Juniors 1 Montagu Boys Club 4

With Matty Longstaff missing through illness, the game turned out to be what is becoming a typical North Shields Juniors Under 11’s performance. Some great play for long periods early in the game, flashes during the second half but inconsistency that gives the opponents an advantage. In the previous game against Montagu, the Juniors battered their opponents for the first half and ended up on the end of a 4-0 defeat. No-one really expected that again, but In what must be a outtake from “Ground Hog Day 2” the Juniors dominated the first twenty five minutes with some superb passing football – watching Commercial Manager John Brunton commented it was “the best passing I have seen in my time at North Shields Juniors”. The score could have been four nil with chances falling to Dillon Young, Luke Lyons, Luke Geddes and Nathan Blacklock, but somehow the Montagu net stayed motionless. At least it did until Ethan Brown lashed home a great shot and it was 1-0 – would the floodgates open now? NO was the simple answer – a breakaway (yes I know you’ve heard it before!) saw Montagu equalise with probably their only chance of the first half and reach the half way point level pegging. Early in the second half and the Juniors were behind and a perplexed crowd watched as the Juniors then showed some great spirit to push forwards again. Special mention must go to Dillon Young for some incredible forays forward showing some exceptional fitness, to Lewis Cass and Conor McKenna for some controlled play at the back and to Ethan Brown for some great runs down the wing – Brown even hitting the cross bar with a powerful free kick. But again it wasn’t to be and as the Juniors tired Montagu were able to take advantage and hit two late goals to give the score line a completely unbalanced reflection of the game.

The coaches believe in the team and will work with the boys to continue with and build on their impressive play and to iron out our consistency – we can’t afford to have watched the equivalent of a whole series of Bill Murray films by the end of the season!!

Sunday 10th October 2010
Divisional Cup 1st Round
Wallsend Boys Club 2 North Shields Juniors 1

The game was switched to John Spence as the new Wallsend facilities weren’t quite ready and the teams lined up in a repeat of last years classic final which the Shields boys won on penalties. Even with Alex McEwan missing, this turned out to be another very close game, but in the third meeting between these two sides already this season, Wallsend started the brighter. So positive was their start that they took the lead within two minutes catching the Juniors lads off their guard. Wallsend created three or four good chances which were kept out by a combination of goalkeeping, good defending and a measure of good luck too. Shields clawed their way back into the game and began to get things going their way. Chances fell to Luke Lyons, Matty Longstaff and Luke Geddes, but it was Lyons that brought the equaliser for the Juniors. A great through ball saw Lyons streak away, but surrounded by two defenders looked odds on to be thwarted. However a great turn saw the two Wallsend defenders left flat footed and Lyons calmly chipped the goalkeeper for a excellent finish. The Juniors had more of the play again in the second half, but were unable to turn their possession into goals and then came a turning moment in the game. Another good move saw Dillon Young’s chance slip by the post inches wide – Wallsend took their turn to attack and despite the offence being broken down, a mix up in the box allowed the Wallsend player to take advantage and chip the ball home for what turned out to be the winner. There was still time for Shields to create chance, but again it wasn’t to be there day and despite a good performance they were unable to take the defence of their trophy any further for this season.

Sunday 26th September 2010
Pin Point Recruitment Junior Football League
Under 11 Division 1
Bedlngton Juniors Milan 1 North Shields Juniors 3

The juniors visited Bedlingon looking for their first win in four games. The lads looked good in their new strips, and will look even better with the sponsors logo (thanks Mustaque) and numbers on next week. Conor McKenna was missing with a knee injury but still came along to support his team mates on the first cold morning of the year, while Matty Longstaff dragged himself off his sick bed to make himself available and Luke Geddes signed in for action despite feeing unwell. We kicked off the first half and played the ball around well looking for an opening. Some good football was played as the lads looked to use their wingers, but it was a ball through the middle that brought the first goal – Dillon Young pouncing on a loose ball to smash home his second of the season for 1-0. Luke Lyons had a good chance to increase the lead while Matthew Cartwright on the left wing was making some runs and crosses. At the back Ryan Telford was confident in his handling and Lewis Cass was covering well along side Connor Brown and Joseph Connor. The good play began to break down as Bedlington began to close down the North Shields lads and the game became a bit scrappy as both teams failed to make the best of the space available and the ball spent more time in the air than in a Wimbledon v Bolton match.

The second half saw an improvement with Connor Physick (“Fizzy”) playing his part and showing he is equally at home in defence or on the wing. Sam Terrance took his turn between the posts for he second period. Alex McEwen showed his determination and skill by chasing every ball and causing problems for the Bedlington defence. At this level it doesn’t need much encouragement to allow your opponents back into the game – and we were caught on the break with a swift Bedlingon counter attack. The Bedlington winger had his heels caught from behind and the referee awarded a free kick from 40 yards out. A long floated ball from the free kick somehow found its way into the net past the unfortunate goal keeper and the hosts were level. This could have rocked the lads, but after a few frantic minutes they settled the play down and put the Bedlington defence under pressure again. Some neat work down the left between Matty’s Longstaff and Carwtright linking with Alex and Nathan Blacklock saw some chances created while Joseph Connor breaking out of defence and Luke Lyons down the right linked well with Luke Geddes to cause some problems for Bedlington – Geddes having a shot well saved and McEwen hitting just over the bar. The lads edged ahead with 10 minutes to go - Ethan Brown swung the corner in and Matthew Cartwright rose higher than anyone to head home for 2-1. And then they settled the game once and for all with Alex McEwen breaking clear and despite being closed down by the defence coolly slotted home to make it 3-1.

Overall this was a good performance, with a shaky spell towards the end of the first half and again midway through the second, but the lads got the win that their performances deserved. Well done Juniors!

Sunday 19th September 2010
North Shields Juniors 1 Cramlington Juniors Reds 3

The two teams had very different starts to the season. Cramlington had scored goals by the hatful, winning all their games and not conceding a goal in the process. The North Shields boys had had a challenging introduction to 11-a-side and an early season meeting had been arranged for the day before with parents and players to ensure everyone was puling together – and it was clear that we all were. For the game itself, there was little to choose between the two sides, but it was Cramlington that took an early lead. However, the Juniors responded superbly well – they challenged for every tackle, they won every header and played some good football in spells. Nathan Blacklock played a superb game in the middle – holding his position well and got a deserved equaliser when the Reds defence cleared the ball out to Matty Longstaff who hammered home a shot from 20 yards into the bottom corner. From then on in the game was anybody’s with both teams creating chances – although the Cramlington keeper was the busier of the stoppers. The reds hit the bar – thanks to Matty whose flying header deflected the ball upwards and then the juniors did too - a Dillon Young effort hitting the underside of the cross bar and bouncing on / behind / in front of the line (take your pick, but I know what most of the Shields crowd thought!). Somehow Crammy took the lead when one of their players dribbled well – and although tackled the ball fell to Gourlay who beat the advancing Terrance with a clinical shot for 2-1. The lads then had three glorious chances to bet back into the game – Alex McEwen, Olly Baldwin and Dillon Young all having great chances. And then as luck would have Crammy got another – a corner swung in – and a deflection off a Shields player giving Terrance no chance. A disappointing result but a much improved performance for long periods of the game. The lads had responded well and given the game a real go – they were unfortunate not to get anything out of the game and if they perform like this for the rest of the season the results will surely follow.

Rahman Man of the Match. Lots of contenders including Matty Longstaff, Lewis Cass and Dillon Young, but the vote went to Conor McKenna who was inspirational in defence.

League Wednesday 15th September
Newcastle City 7 North Shields Juniors 1 (Geddes)

After two disappointing results the juniors headed to title favourites Newcastle City for midweek league game. The game started evenly although City Juniors soon began to dominate. The North Shields boys seemed a little unsure of themselves and had difficulty clearing the ball any distance. In the previous two games your correspondent was able to explain that North Shields had played well in the for long periods, failed to capitalise and were the victims of unlucky defeats. Not so today - it took the boys until five minutes before half time to begin to make any headway - Luke Lyons and Matty Longstaff both having chances - half time though saw the juniors 2-0 down - both goals could have been avoided. When the lads play well they play very well and when they don't it can be disastrous! For a fleeting moment (well actually slightly longer) it looked as if we were going to claw our way back into the game. Two corners, some pressure on the home teams defence and Shields looked in danger of dominating - and then it came. A goal mouth scramble that we won the ball in!!! and then Luke Geddes blasted home to make it 2-1 and it was game on. Hands rubbed together on the touch line, backs slapped and a smile of two appearing and then it was 3-1 with a breakaway and soon after 4. It wasnt until the game was well beyong reach that the juniors pushed forward - Matthew Cartwright, Matty Longstaff and Alex McEwen combined on the left. Three corners came in quick succession but to no avail and the final whistle brought to an end another game. The lads are clearly a talented bunch, but this is a tough league and opposing teams will no longer ease off in one sided games - there is plenty of promise and plenty to learn - now where's that coaching manual.......

Another game where the scoreline didn't reflect the way the game was played - honestly! For twenty minutes the Juniors were by far the best team. Playing on a very small Montagu pitch there was some great football played down the wings with Matthew Cartwright, Conor McKenna, Connor Physick, Ethan Brown and Matty Longstaff involved in a lot. Despite playing well there weren't too many chances created by the Shields boys - and they were punished with Montagu's first attack of the game. From a corner the big centre forward rose and headed home for 1-0. Nathan Blacklock and Dillon Young pushed forwards, Matty Longstaff probed and Luke Lyons played his heart out - but to no avail. Second half started the same way with Shields pressing - Luke Geddes showing with is clever runniung and passing - but the Juniors were caught with classic sucker punch - a quick counter attack and it was 2-0. Worse was to follow as the lads heads went down a little - not believing they were behind after play so well in patches. Two more goals followed as Montagu saw the game out for three points.

Its not uncommon for a team losing to come up with excuses to explain the scoreline - and this report is going to be no different!! In an eagerly awaited contest (and with quite a big crowd too as those bringing their youngsters to training at John Spence High School turned their attention to the Juniors semi final fixture with rivals Wallsend Boys Club). The game started evenly with both teams seemingly keen not to give anything away. The Juniors though began to get an upperhand and played some good football - passing the ball around well. They didn't create many chances but looked the better of the two teams in the early stages. Matthew Cartwright in particular down the left was creating problems for the visitors, while Dillion Young and Alex McEwen looked dangerous. As ever, the game turned on a moment of magic when former Juniors player Truman Hub hit a fantastic shot across the goal into the top corner. Could we have done anything about it - stop the shot - no; close him down - yes - but a lesson learned as there was plenty of time to go. The juniors still played some good football and began to create chances - McEwen just missing an Ethan Brown cross and Matty Longstaff putting just wide after a great Dillon Young / Nathan Blacklock set up. And then it happened - first a long shot that hit the crossbar - bounced down and somehow went in off the unfortunate Ryan Telford whose handling looked particularly good. Could we have stopped it - the shot - no - closed him down - yes possibly. And then a speculative through ball, an unfortunate bounce and 3-0. Could we have done anything about it - definitley not. From a position challenging the game to a challenging scoreline - thats how cruel football can be. Mention must go to Dillon Young for tackle of the season - great tracking back over 50 yards and a sublime sliding tackle to break down a Wallsend attack. For the early part of the second half the Juniors gave it a go but another long shot and difficult huigh bounce gave Wallsend an unassailable lead. The scoring was finish with abgreat finish from the Wallsend striker - again he possibly could have been closed down - so there's a training session for next time. To summarise - some good play with plenty of positives, but some lessons learned.

Pinpoint Recruitment Junior Football League
Under 11 Division One
Sunday 5th September 2010

North Shields Juniors AFC 6 Newcastle East End Juniors 3

An unexpected and earlier start to the league season than expected with the late announcement of this fixture by the league - the game replacing the previously organised friendly. Could the season have got off to a better start – I doubt it. Faced with a tall and strong looking East End side the Juniors kicked off their 11-a-side careers at John Spence. From the kick off the ball was played back to Connor Brown, forward to Matthew Cartwright, across the pitch to Matty Longstaff, Nathan Blacklock and Ethan Brown before Luke Lyons got in on the act and then Dillon Young grabbed the first goal of the game, of the season – in fact ever and the opposition hadn’t even touched the ball!! It was a fantastic goal and surely it couldn’t continue. But it did – for a while anyway - the Juniors played some fantastic stuff passing the ball around, moving off the ball and (the hardest thing of all) talking to each other. Matty Longstaff hit a great shot that just went over and then Alex McEwan grabbed a second for the juniors with some help from Ethan Brown and Luke Lyons - and then Lyons himself made it three nil as the Shields boys threatened to run riot. East End though had their moments – Lewis Cass headed off the line and another shot went just wide as the visitors showed their fighting spirit. However it was Shields that got the rewards when Alex bagged his second with another sweetly taken goal as he broke away from the visitors defence. The second half was a different story and although Luke Lyons hit his second early on to make it 5-0 (following his customary cross bar challenge!), the Juniors play became a bit disjointed and they allowed East End to claw their way back into the game with two quick goals. However, Nathan Blacklock was on hand to slot home a sixth for the Juniors but East End hit another to set up am exciting finish to the game.

Overall a steady start to the season – an excellent first half performance – almost a dream start and a bit of a stutter through the game, but holding their nerve to hold on and win the game.

Kismet Man of the Match: lots of contenders but the opposition went for Ethan Brown (that’s a quarter of a curry from our sponsors!!)