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Under 13 Lions
2
Match Reports
North Shields Lions – On Tour
31 April - 3 May 2010Where to start? Why not the car park at John Spence School, with the bus at it’s maximum axle-loading carrying it’s valuable cargo, and the lads.
Setting off at rush hour, it was a 2 bud ride to the tunnel, and 2 more to reach Guisborough where we were relieved to find the facilities of a roadside pub, and the pressure on the bus axles eased considerably. With the bus driver’s tacho getting close to the limit we arrived at the Primrose Valley site and settled into our caravans. The kids had time to spend a small fortune at the arcade, and the grown-ups just had time for a beverage before bedtime.
Tournament Day 1
As ever, Paul had coached the lads in goal celebration. How long would it be before we saw it?
Match 1 v Humbledon Common
A tough opener, but Shields did well in the first half and could have gone ahead when Elliot fired a shot just wide. In the second half, with all of the litter cleared from the pitch, Humbledon stepped up their game. From a long throw one of their players turned and looped a shot over Matty and into the net. 0-1. They got a second when they were quickly onto a Shields goal-kick and ran on goal to score. 0-2. The game was settled with a third Humbledon goal, a tame shot that Matty let creep into the corner of his net. Even worse was to come, when Elliot was carried off with a suspected broken toe.
Match 2 v Guide Post
Something of a derby match, and in typical derby style there was no love lost between these teams. From a long (foul) throw a Guide Post player volleyed the ball into the Shields net. 0-1. The football went downhill after this and some of the coaching from the touchline wasn’t taken from the FA Manual.
Match 3 v Thurmuston
This was a strong team who were in command from the start. They were quicker to the ball, passed it around confidently and took their chances well – all 6 of them.
Final score 0-6.Match 4 v Wath St James
Another strong side, and another 6 goal defeat.
This was the last match of the day, and we hadn’t seen a shot on target. Perhaps Paul would work on a corner celebration for tomorrow.
Tournament Day 2Match 5 v Dodworth
The lads started well in this match, despite coming under some pressure. The defence worked well together and there were 2 goal-line clearances, but there was still nothing resembling a shot on goal. It was 0-0 at half time, but early in the second half Dodworth took the lead when Matty came out to try to cut off a long through ball, but he came second and the Dodworth player slotted home.
Then a local dog came onto the pitch, and promptly took a dump in the Shields goal. Admittedly the lads weren’t at their best but that was harsh criticism. The ref ran off to find someone to clear up the mess. (where were the Humbledon Common team?).
5th & 6th Place Play Off
Shields v Guide Post
Last chance to win something, and get one over on local rivals Guide Post. A promising start from Shields, with a shot on goal by Mark and a header on goal by Andy. Worth a celebration in itself, but the Guide Post keeper was a match for each of them. It was 0-0 at half-time, and a much better game that the previous encounter.
In the second half, however, Guide Post took the lead with a lob over Matty’s head. The game finished 0-1 to secure 6th place for Shields.
The lads showed us the goal celebration anyway, a classic from Paul Gascoigne’s heyday, and despite the results they all had a fantastic time. As Billy says, it’s about the weekend away as a team rather than just the football.
And of course the parents enjoy the weekend also, but I’m not going into print about that. Anyway, team photographer Chris was on hand to capture the spirit with his Brownie. They say a picture says a thousand words.
North Shields Lions 1 – 4 AE Phoenix
League Match
22 May 2010The Lion’s last match of the season saw John Spence playing field bathed in sunshine, and a carnival atmosphere thanks to the air-horns provided by Peter “Hard 2 Bare” Holmes.
Billy, the chosen one, Atkin made some tactical changes putting Connor in goal, Elliot in midfield and Jack up-front. Injury forced a change on the touchline with Paul taking the linesman’s flag in place of the injured Chris. Apparently swinging a golf club is recommended therapy for a bad back, honestly Karen!!
From the whistle it was evident that this Phoenix side were a lot stronger than the team we played earlier in the season, but the Lions opened the scoring when a goal-mouth scramble left the ball at John’s feet and he stroked the ball home. 1-0.
Soon after it was level when a high ball bounced into the Shields penalty area. Connor came to collect but the Phoenix No. 9 bravely jumped to head the ball over him and into the net. 1-1.
Shields had chances with Elliot going close and, from a great through ball by Jack, hitting the cross-bar with a fierce shot. The first half ended even, and Billy brought Matty on in the second half, reinstated Connor in the centre of defence and put Elliot up-front.
Early in the second half Phoenix broke through on goal and their No.9 hit a shot that Matty parried, but only to another of their players who slotted home left footed. 1-2. They went further ahead when a good passing move was finished in style with a shot across the goal finding the far corner. 1-3.
Phoenix wrapped up the game with a fourth, a lobbed shot that looped over Matty into the Shields net. 1-4. Shields rallied towards the end and had some good chances, but the Phoenix keeper played a blinder and stopped everything we threw at him.
It would have been nice to have finished this excellent season with a win, but we had a sunny day, a BBQ and a surprise visit from Stella. We also had the memories of some great displays from our lads in one of their best ever seasons. Well done to all of them.
Man of the Match – James Burt
Morpeth CS Porto 2 – 4 North Shields Lions
League Match
25 April 2010Chasing a promotion spot, the Lions took to the road this weekend with an away game at Morpeth.
The home team got the ball into the net first but with a player offside it was disallowed. From the free-kick, Liam Higgins picked up the ball and moved it forward quickly to Elliot who whipped a shot across the keeper into the corner of the net. 1-0.
Morpeth replied soon after when their quick No.9 broke through on goal. He got round Matty and tapped the ball into the open net. 1-1.
Shields regained the lead following some excellent play between Olly and Liam H down the left. Liam took a return pass and raced down the left wing leaving Morpeth players in his wake. He picked out Elliot in the middle with his back to goal, who looked up to see Billy moving in from midfield. Elliot dropped the ball back to John who hit it first time over the head of the keeper and into the roof of the net. 2-1.
Again Morpeth bounced back and from a good move down the right one of their players met the cross first time and the ball flew past Matty. 2-2 at half-time.
Some changes in the second half saw Connor go in goal, Jack going up front and Julie taking on the reporter’s role as I took Dan to his match at Cramlington. Shields were buzzing now and Liam and Elliot both went close. That pair combined for the third goal with Liam playing a great pass for Elliot to knock home. 3-2.
An awful tackle by a Morpeth player on Joe left the lad with an injury. From the free kick, Andy fired just over the bar. Twin brother Mark also looked like scoring, but for a great save by the Morpeth keeper. Then Elliot stepped up with one of his specials, firing the ball over the keeper and under the bar. Elliot’s hat-trick ending the game at 4-2.
A solid performance from the lads, and 3 more points in the promotion race. Pity that Eddie was at work and missed it, especially as Sue couldn’t get his car started at the end of the match. Had Eddie sabotaged it, or had volcanic ash got into it? Sue’s theory was that it was due to “Eddie’s hard clutch”?? but let’s not delve into their private lives. Her mechanical prowess soon came to the fore and she managed to get it started, using the specialist technique of turning the key!!! She hadn’t turned it the first time. Women and cars…..
Man of the Match – Elliot Kelly
North Shields Lions 3 – 0 Newbiggin
League Match
22 April 2010The Lions faced up to Newbiggin again in this mid-week fixture, having drawn 3-3 with them ten days ago. It was a tough game then, and it started off in the same vein in this match.
It was an untidy first 10mins with both teams weighing each other up, then Shields took the initiative and there were some great efforts in succession. First off was an Elliot corner which fell to James running in at the near post. He hit it on the volley and it was goal-bound until it deflected off a Newbiggin defender for another corner. Next was John with a great strike from outside of the box that just cleared the cross-bar. Minutes later Liam H had a similar effort from range that took a layer of tape off the top of the bar. (The parents who put the goals up know what I mean).
It was hard work with both defences on top of their games and giving nothing away, so it finished 0-0 at half time, then 5 minutes later it finished 0-0 at half time again. No it wasn’t Groundhog Day, the ref hadn’t realised that it was 35mins each way so blew early, then restarted for 5 more minutes when he realised his mistake.
It was tough again in the second half, with both defences in control, but it was Shields that were creating the chances. Finally the breakthrough came, when Billy went past a couple of players in midfield to pick out a pass to Jordan in the box. Jordan took a touch then struck the ball low at the keeper, who let it slip through his legs and into the net. Hard luck on the lad who’d played well, but it was a goal to Shields and that’s what goes in the record book. 1-0.
Almost immediately the Newbiggin lads lost their composure, probably fearing the blast from their coach at full-time. Shields took command and the second goal was a classic. From defence, Andy and Luke combined some smart passes then moved the ball forward to Liam R who passed on to Elliot bearing down on goal. He side-stepped 2 players, looked up to see the keeper off his line, and looped a perfectly weighted shot over him into the roof of the net. What a strike. 2-0.
With five minutes left Shields won a corner. “Sick-note” Corness stepped up to take it and fired it perfectly to the near post where Andy Packham was waiting to rise above the defenders and nod home. A great effort as Newbiggin had some big lads who were useful in the air. 3-0.
Late in the game Eddie tried to give an assist to Newbiggin when he signalled a throw their way, but was over-ruled by the ref and the linesman – from Newbiggin. If you want to borrow my glasses Eddie…..
We conceded 3 goals to this team last time, but our defence were resolute tonight. Connor, Joe, Jack, Andy and Luke were in complete control and Matty was rarely troubled.
On the domestic front, chocoholic Peter won the chocs in the raffle. Jordan’s nan won the wine, who handed it back for the bus trip to Scarborough. Team spirit doesn’t get any better than that.
Man of the Match – Joe Fairbairn
North Shields Lions 2 – 5 Morpeth
League Match
18 April 2010Shields entertained runaway division leaders Morpeth SC Lisbon at Collingwood this week. We had a full strength squad available for a change, and it was great to see Johnny Corness back in a Shields strip after a long lay-off.
Shields started strongly and put pressure on Morpeth, but it was the away side that took the lead in controversial circumstances. Morpeth took a corner that Matty tipped over the bar. From the second corner the ball bounced in the box and was clearly handled by a Morpeth player into the path of another who put the ball home. The ref didn’t see it that way unfortunately and awarded the goal. 0-1.
Shields kept the pressure on, and in a strong attacking move Elliot fired in a left foot shot that cannoned off the post. It was all Shields, but then Morpeth broke quickly from defence and had a player through on goal. Matty parried the shot but it fell to another Morpeth player who had a simple tap in. 0-2 at half-time.
At half-time we sipped our bovril and hot chocolate (a local speciality) and couldn’t believe we were 2 down having been the better team for the entire half. It was business as usual in the second half with Shields out-playing Morpeth and creating lots of chances. Syvers, Mark and Liam Higgins all went close with long range shots until finally a goal came our way. Olly sent a ball down the left to Liam H who cut inside and played an inch perfect pass to Mark who beat his marker to create some space for a shot which whistled past the Morpeth keeper into the net. 1-2.
Almost from the kick-off Morpeth regained their 2 goal advantage when a long ball through the middle was contested by their forward and Matty. It rebounded to the Morpeth player who fired a shot across goal that Andy tried to keep out but could only help into the empty net. 1-3.
Shields battled on and were rewarded with a second goal created when Elliot contested for a ball in midfield. There were 3 Morpeth lads around him, but this was Elliot’s ball and he left them behind him then arrowed a pass to Mark in the 18 yard box. Morpeth players were immediately on Mark but he saw Billy advancing from midfield and rolled the ball back to him. Cool as a cucumber, Billy side-footed the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the box. 2-3.
The lads could sense that they had the beating of this good Morpeth team, but 2 goals in a minute ended their chance, one a lob over Matty as he came out to challenge a Morpeth forward and the second a tap in from a goal-mouth scramble. 2-5.
Johnny came on in the last 10 minutes to generous applause from the Shields supporters, but there was no way back and the frustration in the lads began to show, some more than others.
The lads worked hard and certainly made it an entertaining match for the spectators. If it goes on like this, I’m going to need a bigger notebook.
Man of the Match – Joe Fairbairn
Newbiggin 3 – 3 North Shields Lions
League Match
11 April 2010Once again a clash of fixtures prevented our intrepid reporter from seeing all of this game, and it was 2-1 to Shields when he arrived this week. A wing-rusty Chris (Lee was on linesman duty again) updated the reporter. Goals had come from Elliot who scored from a spot-kick and a goal in open play from Mark Packham, who has just joined the Lions following the demise of the troubled first team. Well done Mark on opening your account.
Newbiggin drew level when a corner wasn’t cleared and the ball fell to one of their players who fired home. 2-2.
This lifted the Newbiggin players and they seemed to take control of the game, creating some good chances. We pressed back but the final ball never seemed to fall to a Shields player. In a Newbiggin break from defence, 2 players passed well between each other down the left, ending with a shot from one of them that went into the far corner of our net. 2-3.
As the clock ticked down the lads pressed hard for an equaliser, and had some cruel luck in front of goal. Then, in the last minute, we won a corner. The ball fell to a Newbiggin player who tried to play the ball out of defence, but was muscled off it by James. The ball fell to Elliot who ran in on goal and hit a shot that cleared the Newbiggin keeper into the roof of the net. 3-3.
That proved to be the last action of the game as the ref blew for full-time straight after the kick-off.
A tough game, and another good performance from our lads. It was also interesting to see the difference in coaching styles. Billy congratulated our lads on a hard fought game and a creditable draw, whereas the Newbiggin Coach put his hairdryer on warp factor 9 and tore into his lads. Perhaps Billy could give him some lessons in man-management.
Man of the Match – Liam Higgins
North Shields Lions 2 – 6 Killingworth
Cup Match
28 March 2010Our intrepid reporter missed the first half, taking in an Under-12 Shields game with other son - on right side of a 5-0 scoreline. Getting a half-time update from Chris, I can report that the lads played really well in the first half, going ahead through Jordan and matching the Division 4 leaders in all areas of the game. They did come back at us and went 2-1 ahead, but Jordan scored again to level it up at half-time.
In the second half, despite a hurricane blowing across the pitch, Killi put together some good passing and cut through our defence. It was like watching Groundhog Day as their tall centre forward came through 1 on 1 against Matty time and time again. Unfortunately he won most of the duels and Killi scored 4 in the second half.
Another good performance against a team leading the Division above the Lions, so no disgrace in this scoreline. I heard that they matched Killi throughout the first half, which I unfortunately missed.
Perhaps I should have missed the second half as well.
Man of the Match – Elliot Kelly
North Shields Lions 0 – 5 Ellington Eagles
Cup Match
14 February 2010The Lion’s first match of the Decade fell on Valentine’s day, and being up against a Division 2 team in the cup there were some who feared a massacre. The lads, however, fear no-one and kicked off confidently.
It was a hard fought first half, with Shields creating chances. The best of them fell to Elliot and James, with Elliot’s shot clearing the crossbar after a wicked bobble on the uneven Collingwood pitch, and James firing wide under pressure from a defender almost twice his size.
It was all action at the other end, with Ellington creating some great chances and having lots of shots on goal, but Matty being equal to all of them and pulling off some great saves. At half-time the lads were holding their own and the score was still 0-0.
In the second half Ellington won a corner, one of many, and their big lads came up front. Andy and Matty were getting pushed and shoved continually, but the ball cleared all of them and found an Ellington player on the back post who headed home. 0-1
Within a minute it was two, when Ellington broke through the middle and hit a crisp shot past Matty. 0-2
Soon after it was three, when an Ellington player latched onto a ball 25 yards from goal and hit a scorcher of a shot into the roof of the net. 0-3
Shields were under continual pressure and conceded twice more before the end to finish the match 0-5.
Not a massacre by any means, and in the first half the lads matched Ellington and could have sneaked a goal. Neutral observers would not have thought there were 3 divisions between these teams. Well done lads, a great display.
Man of the Match – Matty Crow
Throckley Magpies 1 – 7 North Shields Lions
League Match
13 December 2009With rumours of bribery rife along the touchline, Billy Atkin stirred his Lions with the promise of a paint-balling session if they could win today’s game. We were sure that big-hearted Billy would have taken them whatever the result, but a bit of incentive does no harm.
With 3 consecutive wins behind them the lads started this match full of confidence, and within minutes created some great chances. Then after 10 minutes Elliot Kelly broke through on goal and calmly picked his spot to the keeper’s left. 1-0.
It was a tough game with both defences playing well, and it took Shields another 20 minutes to extend their lead when Liam Syverson ran strongly through the midfield and passed between defenders to find Jordan May. With the keeper advancing Jordan slotted the ball past him into the bottom left corner. 2-0 at half time.
Shields kicked off the second half and immediately won a corner down the right. Despite the Magpies having some tall defenders, it was Syvers who rose above them to head home. 3-0 and the paint-balling looked secure. Even more so a few minutes later when the ball fell to Syvers, again inside the box, for an easy tap-in. 4-0.
The Magpies got one back soon after when Matty Crow let the ball slip between his legs. He turned and dived onto the ball, but the stand-in linesman for the day judged that it had crossed the line. Come back Chris.
With 10 minutes left, Billy brought Elliot back on and he made an impact immediately when he burst through on goal and lobbed the keeper, who got a hand to the ball but could only help it into the net. 5-1. Having practiced that move Elliot thought he’d do it again, this time from further out, and giving the keeper no chance he lobbed the ball into the net from outside of the box. 6-1 and a hat-trick for Elliot.
Still Shields weren’t finished, and in the last minute Syvers broke through on goal and scored his third. 7-1.
A confident display, a fourth consecutive win and two hat-tricks. Enjoy the paint-balling lads, you deserve it.
Man of the Match – Luke Ord
North Shields Lions 2 – 1 AE Phoenix
League Cup Match
6 December 2009When the usual Sunday Morning text saying “Match Off” didn’t arrive we set off for Collingwood Field to face old rivals AE Phoenix in the second round of the League Cup.
Shields kicked off and were straight at Phoenix, pinning them back in their own half for the first 15 minutes. The lads created chances, with Elliot Kelly running them ragged and Liam Syverson firing in shots from all angles. He beat the keeper with one of them, but the ball came off the post and Phoenix cleared.
As half time approached, Shields were still on the offensive, then a Phoenix clearance fell to Connor Holmes way outside of the box. He hit it hard and low to the keeper’s right and it flew into the net. 1-0 at Half-Time.
Phoenix kicked off the second half in bright sunshine, but Shields were the brighter side and once again they put pressure on the visitors. Then Phoenix broke down the right with one of their players skipping some tackles and heading for goal. Andy Packham moved in to tackle just as their player shot and the ball deflected off Andy, looping upwards and goalwards. Matty Crow got his hands on the ball, but it slipped out and into the net. 1-1.
Shields came straight back and created lots of chances but couldn’t put them away. Syvers was twice through on goal with only the keeper to beat but fired wide. Then, with extra time looming, the ball broke to Joe Fairbairn outside of the box. He turned and shot in a flash, sending the ball hard and low past the diving keeper’s right hand.
Sound familiar? They must practice that in training. 2-1 at Full Time.Yet another close game against Phoenix, but it could have been an easy win if the lads had converted half of the good chances they had. Most importantly, they played well as a team, passing the ball well, covering for each other and taking people on with confidence. A great game to watch.
Man of the Match – Joe Fairbairn
Haydon Bridge 3 – 7 North Shields Lions
League Match
15 November 2009With matches cancelled in the last 2 weeks the Lions were eager to get back into action, even though it meant the long journey to Haydon Bridge. Liam Syverson returned to the team but we were without Johnny Corness through a hip injury which is probably going to keep him out for the rest of the season and Elliot Kelly who has
2 fingers strapped up (don’t ask).Haydon Bridge kicked off and launched an immediate attack down the left. They fired in a low cross that Olly McGee got a foot to but could only turn it into the Shields net. Must have been one of the earliest goals in history. 0-1.
Shields picked themselves up and were level 5 minutes later when a through ball set Liam Syverson through on goal. The keeper came out but Syvers coolly lobbed it over his head into the empty net. 1-1
A minute later Shields took the lead when Syvers put over a great cross from the right wing that went over the keepers head and found Jordan May at the back post for a tap in. They all count Jordan. 2-1.
Shields were on top and growing in confidence. The midfield players were passing the ball well and creating chances. One attempt by Billy Atkins was cleared by Haydon Bridge, but only as far as the edge of the box where it came to John Ward. With a crowded area it was a difficult chance, but John found the gap and hit a powerful shot past the Bridge keeper. 3-1.
Haydon Bridge weren’t going to lie down and they came back at Shields with a wave of attacks. A goal line clearance by Joe Fairbairn, a tip over the bar and another round a post by Matty Crow kept the advantage for Shields. But from the resulting corner the Bridge got one back. The ball seemed to stick in the mud when we tried to clear it, but a Bridge player did get a clean hit and sent it past Matty. 3-2.
It was end to end play and Shields were back at the Bridge in no time. Syvers sent in a great cross from the right and James Burt ran in to meet it at the near post. James hit the ball first time and it was goal-bound until the Bridge keeper stretched out a long arm to tip it round the post. So it remained 3-2 at Half Time.
It was a great first half and we looked forward to more of the same in the second. Master tactician Billy Atkins (senior) decided on some changes and moved Connor Holmes back into defence and Joe Fairbairn up into midfield. What was his plan we wondered? Within 2 minutes of the restart Shields regained a 2 goal lead when a shot rebounded to Jordan who, like all good strikers was in just the right place to fire it home. 4-2.
Again the Bridge came back and twice had strikers through on goal with the keeper to beat. But Matty was on his game today and he made great saves from both. Then he was beaten by a rocket of a shot that hit his post, the ball rebounding to a Bridge player who tapped it in. 4-3.
Then Shields came back again and put pressure on the Bridge goal. From a clearance, Andy Packham controlled the ball and sent in a long pass to Joe who controlled it well and turned it round the Bridge keeper like he’d been a striker all of his life. (So that’s why Billy pushed him forward). 5-3.
Shields weren’t going to let the Bridge get back again, with Connor, Andy, Olly, Jack and Luke defending stubbornly against their pacey attackers and, when they did get through on goal, Matty was pulling off more saves or coming off his line to smother the ball.
Then Syvers took the pressure off with a stunning goal close to the end. He picked up the ball in midfield, moved in on goal then hit a shot from more than 20 yards out which flew past the Bridge keeper into the net. Even the home supporters applauded, despite going 6-3 down. And it finished even better when Jordan was again in the right place to pick up a fumble from their keeper and slide the ball home. 7-3 at Full Time.
This was one of the best ever performances from the Lions with every single player making a contribution. Well done lads.
Man of the Match – Matty Crow
Blakelaw 1 – 2 North Shields Lions
League Match
27 September 2009Another sunny Sunday game, this time at Cowgate. Shields were without Jordan May, and the Red Arrows didn’t make an appearance this week, although the Police helicopter did pass overhead a few times.
Shields started strongly and the defence were really on their game with Connor Holmes looking supreme at Centre Half. Elliot Kelly was posing a real threat up front and was fouled 25 yards out. He took the kick himself, and it was a beauty which flew over the keeper into the roof of the net. 1-0.
Blakelaw fought back, and one break away brought a good save with his legs by Matty Crow, then another almost broke the cross bar. But Shields held on and went further ahead before half time. Some good play down the right left Shields with 3 players bearing down on goal. Danny Penton unselfishly passed inside to John Ward who picked his spot and banged the ball home. 2-0 at half time.
Early in the second half, Shields could have gone further ahead when James Burt played a superb ball though to Elliot who shot just wide. It was end to end stuff for a while, and both teams had chances. But our defence stuck to the task and were well supported by Billy Aiken and Johnny Corness who tracked back to help.
By now the tackles were flying in and frustrations were evident. A rash tackle by Elliot was too much for the referee, who had no option but to send him off. So with 20 minutes to play, Shields were down to 10 men.
With emotions running even higher now, the referee was struggling to keep an eye on the play, and had no chance with off-the-ball incidents. Amazingly, with 10 mins to go, he stopped the game and talked to the coaches of each team, who in turn talked to their players. On the re-start things were calmer on the pitch, but it was an agonising, and long, last 10 minutes for the Shields parents.
Then, with 5 minutes to go, Blakelaw forced their way through our defence and looped the ball over Matty into the net.
1 - 2It was backs-to-the-wall time now but our lads were not going to throw this one away. The defence were superb, with James Burt moving back to help and doing an excellent job of it. The game ended with a deserved win for Shields. 2-1.
Not the prettiest of games, but the lads worked well as a team, took their chances and defended resolutely. Well done.
Man of the Match – Johnny Corness
North Shields Lions 3 – 6 Whitley Bay Barca
League Match
20 September 2009
With our regular reporter taking in a rare England win at ODI cricket, this weeks report comes from Cub Reporter, Danny Crow.In a quick return game against Barca, the Lions hoped to make amends for the 2 points lost in the last game. Unfortunately they were without Liam Syverson,
Olly McGee and Jordan May this time, and Barca took the lead after 5 mins, extending it to 2 at 10 mins. 0-2.A fly-past by the Red Arrows inspired the Lions who got back into the game through a goal from Elliot, ideally placed to pick up a rebound. I think the Arrows also inspired his celebration. 1-2.
The fight back suffered a set back when a Barca free kick took a wicked deflection into the Lions net. 1-3. Elliot was still flying and was again in the right place for another blistering tap in from 2 yards. 2-3 at half time.
Barca were creating the chances early in the second half and our defence was stretched as they went further ahead with goals in the 10th and 15th minute. 2-5. They went further ahead towards the end with a long range shot hitting the post, only to rebound to a Barca player for a tap in. 2-6.
The lads still tried to get forward and a great move say Johnny Corness put an inch perfect cross onto Liam Rennison’s head, who duly nodded home. 3-6 at full time.
Missing players didn’t help, but the lads just weren’t at their best today. But this is not our Groundhog Day, so let’s get back on the flight path next week.
Man of the Match – Elliot Kelly
North Shields Lions 0 - 7 Berwick Rangers
Tesco Cup
13 September 2009
Not the best of draws for Shields with Berwick being in Division 3, but the lads weren’t deterred. Billy used the opportunity to experiment with his team, playing Luke Ord in goal for the first half and giving James Burt a midfield role in the second.
The lads started brightly but the first goal went to Berwick who, against the run of play, broke quickly from defence to set up an easy chance for their forward to coolly slot past Luke. 0-1.
After 10 minutes Berwick struck again through a great solo effort and a cracking left foot shot that looped into the top of the net. 0-2.
The lions fought back and Olly McGee and Dan Penton both went close with long range efforts. But back came Berwick who once again found the net after a clearance from defence was fired straight back in to one of their forwards who side-footed past Luke. 0-3.
Still the Lions wouldn’t lie down and shots from John Ward and Jordan May brought fine saves from the Berwick keeper. But after 25 minutes Berwick extended their lead following a break from defence and some crisp passing. 0-4 at half-time.
Matty Crow went back in goal for the second half with Luke returning to the centre of defence and James moving into midfield. Also, in a surprise move, Lee came on as linesman in place of Chris!!
Berwick were in top gear now and shots were raining in on our goal. Matty made some diving saves but one fell to a Berwick player who slotted it under him. 0-5. Berwick’s next 2 goals both came from great crosses which found their tall (about Eddie’s height) No.3 who nodded home. 0-7 at full time.
It was always going to be a tough game, but the lads kept their heads up and created some chances. A good sign for our next league game.
MOM: Olly McGee
North Shields Lions 2 – 2 Whitley Bay Barca
League Match
9 September 2009
How many times last season did we say “..if only the lads could start as well as they finish…” Remember being 6-0 down at half-time and fighting back for a draw? Well the lads seem to have got the message about the early start and were at Whitley Bay from the whistle. Looking much stronger, the Lions pressed on goal and after 5 mins went ahead from a headed goal by Jordan May. 1-0.It was one way traffic throughout the remainder of the half with the Lions having countless chances but just not putting them away. Just before half time Johnny Corness took his umpteenth corner into a Barca penalty box that was more congested than Foxhunters car park. The ball fell to Liam Syverson who calmly selected a gap to the goal and slotted the ball home. 2-0 at half time.
The Lions kicked off the second half and we looked forward to the landslide, but it was Barca who took the initiative. A ball down the right was pushed forward then chased by their winger. The lad ran the ball beyond the by-line before crossing and our lads thought “goal-kick” – so it didn’t seem to matter when the ball deflected off Luke Ord into our net. Incredibly, the referee awarded the goal despite our team’s protests. 2-1.
It seemed to affect the Lions and Barca took the initiative for a while. A ball out of our defence fell to a Barca player who knocked it forward, straight into the path of one of their forwards who found the corner of the net. 2-2.
A nervy last 10 minutes saw players and parents on edge. The Lions finished strongly, but again but were unable to convert chances into goals. Final score 2-2.
With more luck in front of goal we would have won this game easily, but let’s not dwell on that. The chances being created from some great work in midfield, typically in this match from Dan Penton, will one day give us a cricket score. Keep your heads up lads.
Man of the Match – Dan Penton
North Shields Lions 4 – 2 Throckley Magpies
League Match - 6 September 2009The first competitive game of the season started in rainfall at Collingwood, and a little confusion about how long each half should be with the managers finally agreeing on 35 mins each way. None of this bothered the Lions who came flying out of the blocks and outplayed the Magpies in an impressive opening 15 minutes.
Goals were on the way, and the first was a treat. Some good midfield control led to a through ball for Elliot Kelly who left 2 defenders in his wake as he closed in on the goal and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper. 1-0.
Soon afterwards, with the Lions completely dominating, Dan Penton fired in an excellent corner which found Connor Holmes, in unfamiliar territory on the opposition goal line, to nod the ball home. 2-0.
Elliot, Johnny, Jordan and Dan all went close in a spell when it seemed like all of the play was in the Magpies half. Then out of the blue the Magpies got a break-away goal. A ball out of defence was played through the middle into the path of their striker who hammered the ball home. 2-1 at half time.
In the second half the Lions were on top again, forcing the Magpies keeper into some excellent saves. But he had no chance with the left foot thunderbolt that Jordan May fired into the top of the net from just inside the box. 3-1.
Then the Magpies upped their game and had a few chances of their own. In a goalmouth scramble where none of our lads got a clear kick at the ball, it fell to one of the Magpies who knocked it home from close range. 3-2.
The parents were anxious at this stage, no doubt recalling defeats by the Magpies last season after playing them off the park. But Liam Syverson calmed our nerves when he slotted home in a goalmouth scramble at the Magpies end. 4-2 at full time.
This was a great start to the season, and an all-round team performance with tight defending, sturdy midfield work and great finishing – from 4 different goal-scorers. Keep it up lads.Man of the Match – Elliot Kelly
