Report

Leabrooks Tigers (U9’s) 0 Buxton Spartans (U9’s) 2

SPARTANS TAME THE TIGERS

The Tigers knew the match was going to be tough after some early crunching tackles by Tom Woodward and on three minutes Spartans were awarded a penalty after a foul on Jacob Hodgson, who then calmly slotted home from the spot. The match was a keenly fought contest in midfield with some excellent running and passing play from Adam Robinson and Kai Gilbride.

The Tigers attacks were broken up through great defending from Jack Edwards, Woodward and Joel Mitchell-Taylor. Man of the match, Finn Muir-Cochrane, the Spartans keeper, made some terrific saves and some great punches to clear the lines.

The second half was a more nail biting affair as Tigers pressed to equalize, but the defensive trio of Woodward, Edwards and Mitchell-Taylor dealt well and were even able to press up the field to counter attack as gaps appeared. Keeper, Muir-Cochrane continued as he had started with further fine saves. Substitute Jack Gyte had a long range shot go just wide and Hodgson was unlucky when one on one with the keeper.

The second goal for Spartans came on 31 minutes with a lovely slotted pass by Robinson to the forward rushing Hodgson, who netted his second low into the corner. Harri Bowen came on for the last 10 minutes to help shore up the Spartans defence as the Tigers kept the pressure on

In the end though, Spartans came out on top after a gruelling contest, this now their fifth consecutive clean sheet

Man of the Match for Spartans was Finn Muir-Cochrane â€" sponsored by Balfe Building Contractors