Marsden A v Kirkheaton YFC u10s

A very hard-fought win out in 'the sticks' this morning! The first thing to mention was the size of the pitch...it was pretty big (9v9 pitch), so the compact football we're used to seeing from the Lions was missing today.
Marsden were not amazingly organised, but they had 2 or 3 key players that ran the show in midfield. First half chances were few and far between. Luca had an early opportunity, whilst Lewis also played 2 good corners into the box. Leo also used all his effort to run onto an advancing ball, only to be pulled down at the last moment. A good shout for a penalty, but appeals were turned down. Speaking of penalties...moments after, Josh was unfortunate to catch a player, which resulted in a Marsden penalty. Step foward Jai in goal to pull of a solid save down to his bottom left!!
The second half was again...a big midfield battle, with little chances. Luca pulled off 2 good saves, whilst down the other end Joe tried tirelessly to get a ball through to the likes of Leo, Daniel and Jayden. Eventually Joe saw Jayden on the left of the box, made a lovely cross, for Jayden to smash goalbound....it hit the crossbar, bounced back to Jayden, where the birthday boy was there to make sure his second attempt went in......GOAAAALLLLLL!!!
The last 15 minutes remained a tight battle where Jayden was unfortunate not to get a second. Toby also nearly found the net with a loose shot, which just went over the bar. Full-time 0-1.
Mentions to Jai for his penalty save, Birthday boy 'Jayden' for his deserved goal, and Josh Mac for his battling display in defence.
Rest well boys.......that was a tough one!!