Report

Buxton jfc sharks u13s rowsley league 1 away v Welbeck saturday 12th may 2012.

Welbeck 2 v Buxton sharks 2.

Buxton travelled to Welbeck on Saturday morning with a squad of 11 to play the team in the rearranged cup final on sunday. But with Jack Hibbert sick only 10 played. No ref was organised and Welbeck had two number 10’s on the pitch.

Early on Sharks again started lively with Luke Stow breaking through but not getting a good shot away. Oliver Box from midfield evaded tackles in the box to squeeze the ball in at the near post for the first goal.

From an incorrect offside decision Welbeck forced a corner which was converted by Liam Gilbourne on the line with his head. chances were traded, Ollie went wide, Alfie made a good save in nets, then Luke Stow had a shot saved and Joel had to make a good clearing header. 

Sharks were playing a 4-4-1 and were matching Welbeck with 11. Alfie in goal was subject to several late challenges when he collected the ball. Joel and Callen at centre back had to be strong against Liam and Matt. Harrison and Ewan were both excellent in tackle and reading the game to make timely interception but also providing breaks from fullback to set sharks on the attack. Joseph , Oliver and the two Jacks had to battle in midfield but when the passing worked they looked in control on the pitch which was short and narrow. Luke Stow persevered up front alone and always looked dangerous running in on goal.

As the half drew to a close an unsavoury incident occured with Callen cleared in the box to be taken out by Liam who then threw a punch at Callen. With the ref not claiming to have seen the incident nothing was done. 

Second half two chances fell early to Jack Shenton, who went wide then over. After 8 minutes a corner from Jack Haddon was headed by Jack Shenton into the path of Joel Donnelly who headed into the net at the back post. Within a couple of minutes it was 2-2 as Welbeck turned the ball in from an acute angle on the left as Alfie tried to close the winger down.

Sharks had chances in the next ten minutes, Oliver went wide, Jo over, Luke and Jack Shenton wide then Jack Haddon with a curling shot saved by the keeper.

The next passage of play was all Welbeck, Joel clearing off the line after Liam hit the post, Harrison clearing with his head from a corner which was dropping in at the back post, welbeck then hit the crossbar twice in the last five minutes, Matt and Liam. Then the next incident as Joel cleared the ball from the box he was taken out late by Matt. two poor incidents off the ball from welbeck who were lucky to still have 11 on the pitch.

A fantastic performance with only 10 boys starting, sharks got the necessary point to gain 3rd spot in the league, a good achievement after a shaky start. Nick and Jeff would like to thank the boys for their commitment this year and thank the parents for being as supportive as always.

Sharks Squad:  Oliver Box, Joel Donnelly, Alfie Scott gk&c, Jack Haddon, Jack Shenton, Harrison Fletcher, Luke Stow, Ewan Kilpatrick, Joseph Latham, Callen Deighan.