Guthlaxton 5 - Melton 0

Team:	U16 Football
Competition:	County Cup Final
Date:	6th December
Result:	won 5-0

Man of the Match: The Whole Squad!

The scene was set and the game Guthlaxton U16’s boys had been waiting for was here. On a beautiful morning at Wellbeck College, Guthlaxton knew they were going to have to produce their best to win the title they so badly wanted. The pitch looked amazing and with the large support gathered, Guthlaxton settled into their clear game plan straight from the whistle.

Adian Kirby and Chad Bradshaw bossed the middle of the pitch and really set the standard for the other players to reach. Ryan Woolley was well used in the opening exchanges as this proved to be Guthlaxtons outlet on numerous occasions. The front two of Liam Burden and Liam Read worked well to stretch the Melton defence holding the ball up and allowing the midfield to join in the attack.

However, after fifteen minutes the score was still nil nil and some started to wonder if we were going to be able to capitalise on our dominance. Melton had not threatened Jack Ridleys goal once but looked dangerous on the counter attack and with Guthlaxton pressing forward a goal against the run of play was on the cards. However, a well worked move found the ever present Callum Earls, whose pin point cross found Chris Weston of head home from 5 yards to open Guthlaxtons account. Suddenly the flow and the tempo of the game increased again and the Guthlaxton boys started to knock the ball around with great confidence. Bradshaw and Kirby were at the centre of things but the support play from the full backs of Woolley and Michael Webster really stretched the play and created width and space.

With the first half drawing to a close a beautiful flick around the corner by Burden found his strike partner Liam Read who composed himself brilliantly to pull the ball back to the oncoming Bradshaw who double the lead with a well deserved goal.

Half time saw the introduction of Ryan Purple who immediately made an impact on the right hand side. His link up play with Woolley created an opportunity for Read but his shot fell just wide. The centre backs of Luke Read and captain, Lewis Hill, looked solid throughout. They dealt with everything thrown at them and were able to start the majority of the play. When called upon Ridley made some valuable contributions between the sticks and was able to stand a watch as the game pan out in front of him.

Read created the third for Burden and then Baldwin made a few more substitutions’. Marcus Mantalios replaced Burden up front and Jamie Alexander replaced Ryan Woolley. The flow of the game was not affected, proving the strength in depth that Guthlaxton possess, in fact Mantalios was on hand to score a tap in from close rang after a fantastic save from the Melton keeper; making the score four nil with ten minutes left. Ben Vegh and Shamus Young replaced Liam Read and Adian Kirby respectively. Both players receiving the adulation from the crowd that their performances warranted.

Callum Earls to sealed both the game and his excellent performance with five and final goal. Hill’s quick thinking rolled a free kick to Young, his turn and pass to the over lapping Webster allowed Earls to advance past the full back. Webster passed the ball with pin point accuracy over the defence and Earls was in. A well struck shot found the bottom corner of the net. The final whistle followed and the celebration began. A well deserved victory for a team that continues to work hard and improve.

Guthlaxton College now represent Leicestershire against Derbyshire early in the new year.

Thanks to all the fans that came to watch for their continued support.

Mr Baldwin

Published on Tuesday 6th January 2009 at 09:00