Under 12 Lions

				Back to Fixtures			League Tables
Game	Date	K/O	Venue	Opposition	F	A	Scorers	M.O.M
LGE	07/09/11	-	AWAY	WALLSEND COMMUNITY	2	6	DORR & ERRINGTON	ERRINGTON
"	11/09/11	-	AWAY	FOREST HALL	0	0	-	HOUGHTON
"	18/09/11	-	HOME	PRUDHOE JUNIORS	9	0	SUNIGA(3), KELLY(3), McKENZIE & JUSTICE & OG	HOUGHTON
"	25/09/11	-	HOME	WHITLEY BAY	4	1	McKENZIE, JUSTICE, HOUGHTON & OG	TELFORD
"	02/10/11	-	AWAY	MORPETH SC	0	0	-	TELFORD
"	09/10/11	12.00	HOME	WANSBECK	3	2	DORR(2) & SUNIGA	TELFORD
"	30/10/11	-	AWAY	FC AMBLE	3	1	HOUGHTON(2) & GRIBBIN	HOUGHTON
"	20/11/11	-	AWAY	NEWBIGGIN HALL	4	4	JUSTICE(2), WILSON & DORR	TELFORD
"	27/11/11	-	AWAY	RYTON & CRAWCROOK	3	0	DORR(2) & WILSON	TELFORD
"	04/12/11	-	AWAY	PRUDHOE JUN	3	0	JUSTICE, HOUGHTON & DORR	TELFORD
"	11/12/11	-	HOME	NEWBIGGIN HALL	7	0	DORR(3), KELLY(2), GRIBBIN & JUSTICE	HOUGHTON
"	22/01/12	-	AWAY	KINGSTON PARK	3	1	KELLY, MacKENZIE & CONWAY	HOUGHTON
"	19/02/12	-	HOME	WALLSEND COMMUNITY	3	2	KELLY, JUSTICE & WILSON	KELLY
"	26/02/12	-	HOME	FOREST HALL	3	0	DORR, KELLY & JUSTICE	HOUGHTON
"	11/03/12	-	HOME	FC AMBLE	6	1	KELLY(2), GRIBBIN, HOUGHTON, JUSTICE & WILSON	KELLY
"	18/03/12	-	AWAY	WHITLEY BAY	6	2	KELLY(2), JUSTICE, GRIBBIN, MacKENZIE & CONWAY	HOUGHTON
"	25/03/12	-	HOME	WHICKHAM	4	0	KELLY, CONWAY, DORR & WILSON	WARD
"	01/04/12	-	AWAY	WHICKHAM	3	0	KELLY(2) & DORR	HOUGHTON
"	08/04/12	-	HOME	RYTON & CRAWCROOK	10	0	JUSTICE(3), GRIBBIN(2) HOUGHTON(2) KELLY, WILSON & CONWAY	CONWAY
"	15/04/12	-	HOME	KINGSTON PARK	5	1	JUSTICE(3), CONWAY, MacKENZIE	TELFORD
"	22/04/12	-	HOME	WANSBECK	5	1	CONWAY(4) & HOUGHTON	KELLY
"	06/05/12	-	HOME	MORPETH FC	-	-	-	-

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Match Reports 

After the Lord Mayors Parade

Sunday 29 February 2012
North Shields Lions 3 – 0 Forest Hall Eagles

This game had been postponed due to frozen pitches twice before, so both teams were eager to play, and what a tough encounter this proved to be.
 
The management quartet of Paul, Phil and Tony were reunited following last weeks success, and had an almost full squad to select from (apart from the ones that weren’t there!).

Garfoot was unavailable due to a family engagement. Interviewed exclusively for the North Shields Juniors Journal, Garfoot admitted “I’d rather be there with the lads than at a family do”.
Telford also came through a late fitness test on an educational hand injury.

Lord replaced Garfoot at left back and MacKenzie joined Justice up front.

Tuck shop Kazza deputised for tuck shop Ali (coz she was at the same family do!!) and displayed the lush selection of goodies supplied by the Hoggs.

The game kicked off in almost perfect conditions. It appeared from the league positioning, that this encounter would prove easier than the Wallsend clash.

Unfortunately Forest Hall hadn’t read the script, and were having none of that. They started the first half with fantastic endeavour and commitment, that appeared to stun the Lions.

The first half was a scrappy affair, with both sides pretty much cancelling themselves out. It looked as if the boys were trying too hard.

The first half drew to a close goalless and without either keeper having to make any saves of note, otherwise I’d have noted them!!.

HT (0-0)

Ward was withdrawn and Hogg introduced, and the second half commenced. It was apparent that the pearls of wisdom issued at half time by Phil, Paul and Tony seemed to work.

Playing a more relaxed game the Lions took control of the midfield with Conway and Houghton covering every blade of mud on the pitch. Wilson and Lord were beginning to have some success on the left. Kelly was working hard on the right wing, but the magic just wasn’t there (yet!)

With 6 minutes gone in the second half, the manager made what can only be described as an inspired substitution (well described as inspired by himself!). MacKenzie was replaced by Dorr.

The diminutive striker entered the field of play with the managers words ringing in his ears “go on there, make a difference and score please”.

Within 3 minutes, he’d done that. Conway broke through the Forest Hall defence, and smashed a shot towards goal. The keeper could only parry the ball into Dorr’s path. The striker didn’t need a written invitation (Just as well as there’s no post on Sundays) and coolly slotted the ball into the net (1-0)

Fleming replaced Lord at left back and the game restarted.

Good work from Errington, saw him play a ball down the right wing and Kelly was off. Using his blistering pace he rounded in on goal. His delicate shot took a slight deflection, and into the net (The dodgy goals panel sat that night and ruled that it was goal bound anyway) (2-0).

The crowd and the management team breathed a sigh of relief at the second goal. Forest Hall were proving to be a much tougher opposition and a well organised team.

With only 10 minutes left, the manager introduced Gribbin into his usual centre mid role. Winning the ball in front of the left back he played a neat one two with Dorr. He then raced down the wing and into the box. Electing to pass rather than shoot himself, he squared a pass to Justice, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner. (3-0)

The Lions were creating chances now, with their passing football. Unfortunately the referee blew for full time before they could add to their tally.

The game ended 3-0

Scorers            Dorr, Kelly, Justice
Mom               Houghton

 

If ever there was a ‘game of two halves’ then this was it!!

26/02/12 - North Shields Lions 3 – 2 Wallsend Community

 

It was the game that everyone had been waiting for, and it proved to be the toughest test yet, as Shields welcomed Wallsend Community into the Lion’s Den.

The Management trio of Paul and Tony were up early, eagerly assessing the underfoot conditions. The thumbs were up, and the game was on.

Tuck shop Ali’ Garfoot quickly set up her stall, and displayed her wares for all to sample.

The management trio had been in constant contact over the previous week regarding team selection for this vital, top of the table, almost a must win, clash.

The squad assembled minus Dorr and Hogg. The former on a trial with Celtic (Glasgow not West Allotment!) and the latter sporting 2 broken fingers following a GB trampolining training accident.
A late fitness test on Gribbin saw the combative midfielder available for selection too.

This was the first opportunity for the home crowd to see the squads newest signing. Conway, the shock signing from Coast in the January transfer window, was also available for selection.

The crowd swelled to a record 47.5 inside the John Spence Arena as they waited with baited breath. But wait, it was alright, there were enough Bovrils left – phew!

The atmosphere was electric as the 2 captains shook hands in the centre circle. Wallsend won the toss, and elected to kick from right to left. But if you were on the other side left to right!

Wallsend started much the brighter, and were able to play some neat passing moves that Shields were finding it difficult to come to terms with. One of these passing moves saw Wallsend win a corner at the tuck shop corner.

The resultant corner was superbly flighted into the Lions box. It just evaded the finger tips of Telford in goal, and the Wallsend striker was able to head the opening goal of this encounter after 3 minutes. Not the start that the home crowd were hoping for      (0-1)

Another through ball saw the Wallsend striker in on goal. With only the keeper to beat, the result seemed inevitable. However it was our keeper he had to beat not just any keeper. Telford had no right to the ball, however he made the ground up, and threw himself at the feet of the advancing player and won the ball.

 

However the Lions are becoming a very resilient team, and bounced back almost immediately. Roared on by the huge crowd, Conway and Gribbin were now starting to win some ball in midfield, and feed Kelly on the right wing and Wilson on the left wing. The nippy wingers were beginning to have some success against the fullbacks.

A superbly delivered ball from Houghton, saw Kelly in on goal. As he tore down on goal, he composed himself and shot. The ball arrowed towards the top corner. However, the Wallsend keeper had different ideas. He somehow managed to claw this effort round the post for a corner. However this gave the Lions the spur that they needed.
Within 60 seconds, Kelly was in on goal again. This time the result was different, he blasted the ball in off the crossbar to level the scores (1-1).

The game was being played at a terrific pace, with possession being exchanged regularly. The Lions not playing their fluent passing football that has become their trade mark this season, were still fighting and scraping for every ball.

Justice found himself running diagonally (isn’t that where Harry Potter lives) across the box, and whipped a ferocious shot back across the goal. Goal shouted the Lion’s manager, however their keeper made a fantastic save to thwart Justice.

Wallsend launched several more attacks on the Lions goal. However Telford’s handling was immaculate (but it wasn’t if you’re one of the other u12 team managers reading this!!) and he held everything that came his way.
In fact the back 5 were looking more solid and composed as the game progressed.

A reoccurrence of the hip injury forced the Lions to introduce Flemming into mid field for Gribbin.

As half time neared Wallsend carved out another attack. This time down the right. The resultant cross was swept in by the Wallsend striker (1-2).

Half time (1-2)

The half time interval couldn’t come fast enough for the Lions. Fuelled with words of encouragement and instructions to return to their passing game, the Lions returned to the pitch.

Houghton and Justice kicked off with the sun in the eyes of the Wallsend keeper, and it wasn’t long before the Lions were on the attack again. Kelly, flying down the right raced onto a through ball from Conway, played a smashing ball into the centre. Unfortunately the Lions were unable to capitalise on it.

The centre midfield pairing of Conway and Flemming, and the constant running from Houghton were beginning to tell.

An exquisite ball from Justice through to Wilson saw the winger in on goal. With acres of space either side of the keeper he elected to play the ball through the keepers legs to equalise (2-2)

Almost immediately the Lions were on the attack again. This time it was Conway’s turn to feed the striker. Justice showing a clean pair of heels (his dad says he cleans his boots every week!) was in too. This time he chose the keepers right and neatly slotted the ball into the goal (much to the relief of the manager). The crowd, and Paul went wild (3-2)

With 15 minutes to go, the crowd knew that Wallsend would throw everything at the Shields defence. And the kitchen sink came too. However Garfoot, Ward, Weepers, Errington and Telford were magnificent, timing clearances and impeccable handling.

Lord and MacKenzie replaced Justice and Wilson respectfully. Both lads with their fresh legs were an excellent outlet, and were able to carve out a couple of chances in the later stages of the game.

The ref’s watch seemed to have stopped and despite ‘Tuck shop Ali’ encouraging the ref to ‘check again’, and the last few minutes were played out at a frantic pace.

The final whistle was greeted with huge cheers and applause from the home supporters, and Paul Kelly trying his best to emulate Bob Stokoe in the 73 cup final (without the pork pie hat)

It was a thrilling game, that was contested in a fantastic manner by both teams. The Lions were victorious on this occasion, but Wallsend can be proud of their performance too.

Scorers                        Kelly, Justice, Wilson
mom                Kelly ( the younger one not the dad!)

Next fixture
Home to Forest Hall

30 October 2011 - FC Amble 1 - 3 North Shields Lions

Away we go – Lion’s record their first away win of the season
An expectant crowd gathered  at the Amble (sur mare) Arena, on what can only be described as a Sunday morning!
The Lions squad depleted due to half term holidayers,  injuries, and chief scout, Alan Weepers, on another foreign sortie, in search, this time of American players.
However the 12 players that mustered, performed superbly.
The young Lion’s keeper Telford , came through a rigorous late fitness test, and proved he was fit to play, and what a performance he turned in.
The game couldn’t have been played in better conditions. Warm sunshine, not expected at this late date in October, warmed the crowd. The slight breeze ruffled the Lion’s manager’s hair – alright, alright, but I’m writing this report!
The Lion’s captain Houghton elected to kick against the wind in the first half. Amble kicking from left to right, kicked off.
The game wasn’t 5 minutes old, when Telford was called into action. Sprinting from his line, he bravely threw himself at the ball.
Ward and Hogg were magnificent in defence, clearing anything that came their way. If the odd ball did elude them, then Telford was there to mop up.
Flemming, starting at left back, began in an impressive manner too. Dropping back from his usual midfield role,  he too performed magnificently, working with Wilson on the left wing.
The midfield duo of Gribbin and Houghton (captain) were again in the thick of the action. Houghton, again covering, most if not every blade of grass.
Dorr on the right wing was having some success against the left back of Amble.
Both sides were battling ferociously for every loose ball, but the Lions were the first to break the deadlock. Telford, testing his groin, launched a clearance up field.
This was superbly, flicked into the path of Houghton by Kelly. With unbelievable composure, the captain burst through the defence, steadied himself, and lifted the ball over the advancing keeper (0-1)
The deadlock broken, the away fans hoped for further goals. However Amble had other ideas.
McKenzie and Kelly were scrapping and battling to create an opportunities.
Breaking through on a number of occasions, the Able team and supporters must have thought their equaliser was about come. However Telford had other ideas. On at least three occasions, he made astonishing saves to thwart the Amble strikers.
Half time arrived and the Lions were still one goal to the good.
The Lions kicked the second half off, with the words of encouragement, still ringing in their ears from Paul and Phil.
Kicking from right to left, with the wind at their backs, the Lions were soon on the attack again.
Justice had come on for McKenzie, as was soon in the action. Picking up a loose ball on the edge of the penalty box, he curled an fantastic effort just wide of the far post with the Amble keeper well beaten
Midway through the second half the Lions doubled their lead. Justice was involved again, holding the ball up, and laying off a perfectly weighted pass. Who do you think burst through? You guessed it. Houghton, again burst through and placed his powerful shot, low to the keepers right (0-2)
Again Amble wouldn’t lie down. Pressing at every opportunity, the Lions were caught too far up the pitch trying to add to their tally.
And again Telford came to the team’s rescue. The Amble forward was in on goal and placed a powerful shot into the corner. Telford’s reactions were immediate, and he managed to get his foot to the ball.
However, the Lion’s luck ran out. Another ball over the defence allowed the Amble striker to place the ball out of the reach of the Lion’s keeper (1-2)
This home goal stirred the home crowd. However the Lions had other ideas of their own
Following Lion’s pressure they won a corner. The resultant corner was headed clear by an Amble defender into the path of Gribbin. The other half of the midfield duo, turned and unleashed an unstoppable half volley, straight into the corner of the net. (1-3)
The third goal, with 5 minutes remaining was sufficient to see the Lions record their first away victory of the season
At the final whistle, the man of the match was awarded to Houghton. But special mention must be given to Telford and his outstanding display between the sticks.
That victory saw the Lions soar to 2nd in the league.
Well done boys

 

09/10/11 - North Shields Lions 3 – 2 Wansbeck Juniors

A hard days fight (and how the Lions fought)
On an unusually warm October morning, the Lions welcomed the visitors from Wansbeck to the Collingwood Bowl, and what a hard fought contest this proved to be.
The home crowd, gathered expectantly on ‘Kelly Hill’, and they weren’t let down. That’s right Mrs Errington had been hard at work producing baking goodies. I’m told gingerbread men. Yeah non left when I got there!!!!
 The Lion’s captain, Houghton, elected to kick into the wind first half and the game got under way. 
Both teams exchanged possession as they tried to impose themselves on the game.
Wansbeck were the first team to carve out an opportunity. Working the ball down the right, the tall winger unleashed a 25yd thunder bolt.
As it tore through the air, the away management team prepared for their team to take the lead. However Telford in the Shields goal was having non of that nonsense.
The keepers nifty foot work allowed him to get into position to launch himself backwards and tip to the ball over the bar. This stung the Shieldsmen (boys) into action.
Garfoot played a pass to Wilson who took off into the visitors half. His good work resulted in corner. McKenzie played a beautifully flighted ball into the 6 yard box. Dorr had drifted into the box and instantly controlled the ball and rifled it into the back of the net (1-0)
The home crowd, believed that more goals were to follow. However it wasn’t as they expected. Wansbeck were stung into action. Gribbin and Houghton were battling as they always do, were finding the going tough with the tall and physical opponents. A ball, slipped thought the Lions defence was slotted in as Telford raced out of his goal (1-1)
McKenzie and Kelly got the game underway again and were immediately in the action. Working the ball to Dorr, the winger coolly slotted the ball home for his and the Lions second goal of the game (2-1)
Further pressure saw the Lions win a corner. The resultant clearance ell invitingly at the edge of the visitors box. In a flash, Gribbin smashed a fierce drive towards goal. However it was hit with such venom, that it just cleared the bar. The half ended 2-1
The expectations of the home crowd, with the wind behind the team were again raised. However Wansbeck Juniors hadn’t read the script. They fought and battled for every loose ball. Another break, saw the visitors level the game a 2-2
It was apparent that, if the Lions were to get anything from the game, then they would have to continue to battle and scrap for everything.
Wansbeck continued to press, but the defence of Lord, Ward, Weepers and Garfoot held resolutely. On not one but three occasions, the visitors had the ball in the back of the net. However on each occasion, they were ruled offside.
As the game drew to a close, both teams prepared themselves or a point. However Kelly, Justice and Suniga were having none of that. A ball out of defence was instantly controlled by Justice, he laid it off to Kelly, who in turn slotted the most exquisite ball through to Suniga. 
The diminutive striker raced through, and as the Wansbeck keeper approached, he calmly slid the ball under the advancing keeper, and the ball nestled into the net. (3-2). The home crowd AND Paul Kelly went wild.
The referee signalled 4 minutes to go. It was the longest 7 minutes of my life!
But the lads held on magnificently to record another victory.
Someone once said that Man Utd don’t always win playing pretty football – actually I said it, but they rarely loose. It was sheer determination and effort that ensured all 3 points were taken by the boys.
Unfortunately Paul Kelly was unavailable for comment at the post match press conference. It was reported that he was still completing his celebratory lap of honour.
mom;- Telford                                 Scorers Dorr (2), Suniga
Next Game:- It’s the local derby between The Lions and the cougars in the cup. Cup games are not part of season tickets. Box office opens 9.00am Monday for tickets.

 

A Tale of two keepers(It was the best of times, it was the worst of times) Another fantastic display from the Lions without the killer goal.

02/10/2011 - Morpeth SC  0 – 0 Lions
An expectant crowd had gathered in Morpeth on Sunday 2 October. To be honest it was almost a home game for the Lions with the throng of away supporters outnumbering the home supporters by at least 3:1
The Lions came into this game on an unbeaten 3 match run, and were hoping to add another victory to their tally this season. However it wasn’t to be.
The management duo of Tony, Paul and Phil assembled the players before the kick off to focus their minds.
The excitement was palpable, and you could almost taste it as well. Which by the way, was more than can be said of the home teams tuck shop facilities. Tuck shop Ali would have been mortified. Not a bun or Bovril to be had.
The pitch was a narrow and undulating affair, and Paul had paced it out before the kick off. He was able to confirm that it was the same in length whichever way he paced it out.
The Lions squad had been bolstered by the recent acquisition of James Wilson from Athletic. Wilson was a player that Tony had been tracking since pre season, and quickly swooped to sign the young winger. The management due of Tony, Paul and Phil were delighted to welcome him into their squad (for an undisclosed fee) as the transfer window opened.
Morpeth kicked off towards the school end of the stadium and both teams enjoyed some early possession in the early stages.
Neither side were able to take a foot hold in the game and stamp their authority on it. The narrow pitch made it difficult for the expansive, flowing football that the Lions (and their supporters) have becomes accustomed to in recent weeks .  However the nippy wingers of Dorr and Wilson began making a number of runs down either flank and both had the beating of their respective full backs.
Telford in goal commenced where he’d finished the last game –that’s right, in goal – err no, with assured handling and also fantastic verbal marshalling of his defence. Weepers and Hogg in centre defence, cleared almost anything that came their way, and the full backs, Garfoot and Errington, looked comfortable too.
Shields captain Houghton and Gribbin the centre midfield pairing found the centre mid area congested and difficult to find any space. However they continued to battle for any scraps on the pitch. Houghton could be heard wherever he was on the pitch encouraging his team mates.
Justice and Kelly were also working hard, but again were restricted to half chances. Both sides continued to ‘huff and puff’ but only succeeded in cancelling each other’s efforts out.
Half time arrived and the score remained 0-0
The second half saw the introduction of Lord for Errington, Ward for Hogg, Fleming for Dorr and McKenzie for Justice. However the introduction of fresh legs wasn’t able to break the dead lock, and the scores remained 0-0

Morpeth’s no.8 was their danger man and he too was making a number of runs into danger areas. However he was superbly marshalled by Lord and Ward. Both players making, extremely brave and essential tackles to prevent the home team from taking the lead. Tackles which saw both boys take ‘heffty’ (wasn’t she on The Word’??) knocks, but both were able to play on.
During the latter stages of the game Shields created a number of chances, with Gribbin, Fleming and Kelly going close. However the Morpeth goal remained intact.

 

It appeared the writing was on the wall, (but the caretaker was able to wash it off - phew!!) and the game drew to a close.
The referee blew his whistle for the final time and the game ended with a creditable draw for both teams, and the Lions had extended their unbeaten run to a record 4 games.
In a rare post match interview, the Lion’s manager expressed his disappointment for the boys that they hadn’t won, especially as they had battled so hard.
However he was quick to praise for the boys for their effort and determination during the game. He went on (boy does he go on – see the length of his texts!!) that the effort the boys were putting in on the training ground was beginning to pay off.

Mon:- Telford
Next fixture:- Wansbeck at Collingwood. Ko 12.00noon 9 October 2011.

 

25 September 2011 – North Shields Lions 4 – 1 Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay Rocked

Following the Lion’s success last week the crowd obviously followed the editor’s instructions and bought tickets to ensure their entry to this match, and what a match they were served.
The ground staff had arrived early to prepare the pitch and darn the nets, and everything was ready at a record 9.45am. This was some effort, especially as the senior goal erecting team of Weepers and Errington were away on scouting duties in Scotland.
The crowd numbers had swelled from last week, and early indications suggested almost 37 had crammed themselves into the JSH Arena.
Many thought it was the eagerly anticipated local derby between Shields and Bay, however Paul Kelly thought it was because Ali ‘tuckshop’ Garfoot had baked corned beef slices.
Shields captain, Houghton won the toss and elected to kick off. Shields kicking from right to left (or guess which way if you were on the other side?) started the game.
Both sides enjoyed possession in the opening minutes as the excitement began to build.
Telford, the ever present keeper, started where he finished last week, corralling and marshalling his defence into position. Weepers and Hogg also began in an assured manner too.
Out of nothing the game burst into life, a loose ball found its way to a Bay midfielder, a neat one two opened up the Shields defence and the Bay boy was on his way. Closing in on goal, Telford advanced too. The striker unleashed a powerful drive.
The crowd gasped in anticipation of the net bulging, however Telford had other ideas. Launching himself to his right, and at full stretch he tipped the ball away for a corner. That certainly brought the massive crowd to life, and woke the Shields players up.
Almost immediately, Shields were on the attack. Gribbin, winning the ball in midfield, was able to play the ball out to the right to Kelly. His good work won a corner. The resultant kick cleared the penalty box and fell to McKenzie. The cool striker, in one movement, controlled the ball, turned back towards goal and smashed a shot just below the cross bar, and into the net. (1-0)
Shields, with their tails up pressed for another goal. Kelly on the right was getting some good possession and tormenting Bay’s left back. Following one move Kelly won another corner. The diminutive winger took the resultant kick with an exquisite execution, he placed the ball in a almost undefendable spot in the box, and it was turned into the Bay net by an unfortunate Bay player. (2-0) 
The home side were in control now and were able to create a number of chances through Dorr on the left. Justice found himself in on goal. He showed great strength and pace to evade the retreating defenders. He lined up his shot and screamed a shot towards goal, which whistled just wide of the left upright.
In another move, McKenzie found himself in the box with the ball at his feet. With a throng of Bay players bearing down on him, he narrowly placed the ball wide of the right hand post (HT 2-0)
Gribbin, McKenzie and Dorr made way for Fleming, Suniga and Lord respectfully. The second half started with an air of excitement and anticipation. However Whitley bay were having none of it. 
Bay started the second half much the better side, and immediately put Shields under pressure. Wave after wave (more waves than on Whitley Bay beach in fact) of pressure was exerted on Shields goal. However Shields held strong. Houghton, and Fleming were battling for every loose ball. Lord was a pressure outlet on the right wing. The re arranged defence of Errington, Weepers, Ward and Garfoot were magnificent.
Weepers was crashing into tackles and breaking up Bay possession. However the pressure eventually paid off for Bay. A melee in the box, saw the ball fall to a Bay striker, who placed a shot just out of the reach of Telford (1-2).
A question raced around the crowd ‘ could Shields hang on?’ and ‘did Ali have any corned beef slices left?’.
However the crowd needn’t have worried, Ali had loads of pie left.
Err no I mean they needn’t have worried about the game.
The Bay goal stung the Shieldsboys back into action. Suniga was getting into the game and causing the Bay defence a few problems.
Lord played an inviting pass to Houghton. The Shields captain didn’t need any further invitations, and steered the ball across the goal and in via the left post (3-1)
Another interaction with Lord, resulted in a pass into the path of Justice. The finish that was to follow, was worth the entry fee alone (if we’d paid one that is!!). In on goal, he played the ball with the outside of his right foot and curled his shot into the far left corner of the goal (4-1).
Yet Bay still weren’t finished. In a final push towards the Shields goal, their right winger whipped in a cross. This was met by their centre forward with a looping header over Telford. The agile keeper arched himself backwards and clawed the ball away.
At the final whistle the crowd showed their appreciation with their applause, as they’d been served a smashing game of football. Another fantastic performance from the boys.
Phil Dorr, in a post match interview said he only had one word to describe his feelings ‘over the moon’. Paul Kelly, was unable to speak too, but not with emotion, but because of a mouthful of Ali’s pie!

Away manager mom            Telford
Management  mom             Weepers

Next fixture Sunday 2 October away to Morpeth FC.  Travel club members need not apply for tickets

 

18/09/11 - North Shields Lions 9 – 0 Prudhoe

Lion’s find their voice and the manager bursts with pride!

Having started the season with a whimper, the Lions found their roar.
Prudhoe FC were the first team of the new season to be welcomed into the Lion’s Den. Riding high on an unbeaten 4 win streak, the tall Prudhonians couldn’t have expected what was to unfold.
Having put in extra training sessions this week, the management ‘duo’ of Tony, Paul and Phil decided to keep faith with the team that started against Forest Hall last week.
Conditions couldn’t have been better.  The senior goal erecting team were on site early to ‘snaffle’ the ready assembled goals. Ali ‘tuck shop’ Garfoot was also on site early to grab the best location to sell her wears.
There was almost a capacity crowd of nearly 27 people anxious for the game to get underway.
The Lions kicked off from left to right (or right to left) if you were on the other side of the pitch, and were straight into the action. Playing some nice football the Lions soon were in their stride.
A sharp one two between Houghton and Justice, saw the powerful forward, control, turn in one movement, and unleash a fantastic drive from 20yds out. It just whistled over the bar to the ‘ooooohs from the near capacity crowd.
Dorr, playing on the right wing, won possession from their left winger and played an exquisite pass through the defence in to the path of Kelly. Showing some fantastic strength, the forward brushed off a challenge, before unleashing a blistering shot into the net. (1-0)
The game continued to flow from each end.  Gribbin and Houghton were winning balls and picking up loose balls in midfield and began to take control of the action.
However the assured handling, calling and kicking from Telford in the Lion’s goal was superb, and increased the confidence in the back four of Errington, Hogg, Weepers and Garfoot.
In what some might call an inspired decision (Paul thought it more lucky), McKenzie and Dorr switched wings. Almost immediately, the Prudhoe goal kick was taken.
McKenzie rose to instantly control the ball and exploded towards goal.  Some 15yds from goal, McKenzie launched a missile of a shot that the Prudhoe keeper didn’t see and almost burst the net. 14 minutes gone and the Lions had roared into a 2 goal lead. (2-0)
Prudhoe came back at the Lions almost straight away, as we expected a table topping team to do. A one two, saw the Prudhoe striker in on goal with just our keeper to beat. However Telford was straight off his line and was bravely at the strikers feet, and made a superb save.
20 mins in Ward came on for Hogg in defence, and slotted straight in with some calm and assured tackling and passing/
The Lions were quickly back on the attack, and as half time approached, Kelly  again showing a clean pair of heals (his boots are always immaculate – have a look!) added a third and doubled his tally for the day. (3-0)
One final attack from Prudhoe down their right resulted in a scramble for the ball. It squirmed loose and their right winger was able to get a surprise shot away. As the ball looped over the defence, towards our goal, you could almost hear the Prudhonians celebrating their goal.
However, from absolutely nowhere, and I mean from nowhere, Errington appeared. The young (I know they’re all young) right back leaped and made the most sensational headed, goal line clearance you’ll ever see. This kept the score 3-0 at half time.
3 changes were made at half time, and saw the introduction of Flemming, and Suniga (remember the name).
The second half started as the first had commenced, that’s right with a sharp shrill of the ref’s whistle.
Again the Lions were quickly back on the attack, and it wasn’t long before Kelly had completed his hat trick to the delight of him and his father, and the financial ruin of his granddad. Kelly was immediately replaced by Justice (more at the request of Kelly Snr, snr) (4-0)
McKenzie was in control down the right wing, and was running past the Prudhoe defence playing in some dangerous crosses and firing in some ferocious shots.
In recognition of the way the boys were playing (and right on cue- coz Tony had arranged it) the Red Arrows flew over head in perfect formation, just as the Lions were!
The Lions defence were looking assured now. Weepers, mopping up every loose ball and looking majestic there, Ward tackling and clearing when necessary and the two fullback Lord and Garfoot, playing some inspired passes from defence. They even conspired to frighten the manager with a short goal kick manufactured by Telford.
Almost immediately Suniga (told you to remember that name) burst through the Prudhoe defence. Showing great composure he slotted in a shot to make it (5-0)
As quickly as the game could restart, Suniga was at it again. This time firing in a low drive. 2 goals in 7 minutes – told you to remember (6-0)
A well worked cross in to the heart of the Prudhoe defence, following good work by Justice, saw the ball fall at his feet. And without a second invitation, he lashed the ball into the net. (7-0)
The Lions were in full control of the game and were playing some excellent football. Houghton was withdrawn, and received a standing ovation from the crowd (I know they’re always standing). Further pressure in the opposition box resulted in an own goal (8-0)
However the Lions weren’t done yet. Remember the name I mentioned earlier, well he did it again. Suniga was again played through, this time by Gribbin, and as calm as a cumber he completed his hat trick (in 19 mins) and the scoring. (9-0)
At the final whistle the players, management and parents were beaming, and why not.
It was a fantastic performance, but nothing that Tony, Paul and Phil knew the boys were capable of – well done.

John Brunton, a NSJ Committee member said after watching the game that all 15 players were moms, and I’d find it hard to disagree. The opposition’s mom was Houghton

Next fixture :- Whitley Bay at JSH. Season ticket holders voucher B. Tickets go on general sale Wednesday, tho’ I’d start queuing now!