Batteyford v Meltham 6-2-10 KO 10.00am
Damp and misty day with a soft pitch.
Meltham Team: Louie, Fraser, Oliver C, Oliver Bing & Josh in goal.
What a line up for this none stop game away at Batteyford!
On arrival at Batteyford, it was clear we were in for an interesting game, after all we only had 5 players to their 6, but that was the least of our worries…. Who was going to do the match report aagghh!!! With the toss of a coin, I drew the short straw. Oh no you may cry, a woman writing about football!!!!
Well here goes..
Louie started the match proudly wearing the Captains armband and took the first centre start with Fraser. We’re off. Fraser passes to Louie, but Batteyford soon have control of the ball and take the first shot of the day, but nothing can get past our Josh who picks up the ball like a natural. Fraser manages to get hold of the ball and has an attempt at goal, but to no avail. Batteyford pick up the pace and take the ball to the Meltham end, a shot is taken but missed, another try but they are well defended by our Oliver C who takes it away. Louie then has a full run of the pitch, but good defending from Batteyford takes it out. Fraser takes the throw in and Louie takes the ball, runs, shoots and misses, but there is no stopping him as he tries again and successfully scores the first goal of the day 4 mins in. Well done Louie.
Oliver C then has a good run up the field but a foot in from Batteyford and it is taken away, Louie gets another run but again is well defended by the Batteyford boys. Ball out and Fraser takes a corner, Oliver Bing gets a touch but the ball is out yet again, this time a Batteyford corner. The Batteyford boys seem all over and have 2 shots at goal, but nothing can get passed our Josh as he saves a great shot. A good goal kick and Louie touches the ball, quickly taken over by Oliver C, Batteyford once again take the ball and have a few attemps at goal, but their luck is just not in today. Josh throws out to Oliver Bing and Fraser attempts to take a run but Batteyford gain contol, not for long as some good defending from Oliver Bing takes the ball out. Batteyford throw in and another attempt at goal is missed. Fraser then gains control and has a shot that is well defended. Oliver C manages to get a good run, passes to Louie who trickles the ball in and make the score 2-0. Another centre kick and Louie is straight on the ball with a run to score a hat trick. The crowd goes wild! There’s no stopping Louie today though as he tries again with a good run, but is stopped by Batteyford defence. Goal kick and Fraser takes the ball, Oliver C then has another good run and passes on to Louie, who hits the post, Fraser then has another go, but Batteyford gain back control, not for long as Louie has another run, but his shot is well saved by the goalie. Coming up to half time and Oliver C takes the score to 4-0 with a full run of the pitch, the goalie has no chance to save this one. Louie takes the ball and passes to Oliver Bing, only for the whistle to blow half time.
Quick team talk and Louie passes the captaincy to Fraser for the second half.
Batteyford to start, Fraser & Oliver C are straight in there; Oliver C takes control, shoots and scores only a few mins in. Batteyford are not gonna take it lying down but their next attempt at goal is to go over. Fraser takes another throw in, Louie takes on the opposition and sends the ball to Oliver Bing who looses it, but it is soon out by a Batteyford player. Oliver Bing takes the throw in, Batteyford manage to take control again but some more good defending from Oliver Bing as he takes the ball out of play. Oliver C takes control again and another couple of shots are only just missed, Louie is very frustrated at this point as he thinks Oliver C should have passed to him. Louie manages to gain control but only to hit the post. Batteyford then get a good run and Louie is with them all the way, they shoot but only to go wide. Play continues, but not for long as the ball is out again. Fraser takes it but the whistle blows to be retaken further up the pitch (nice try Fraser!) Louie takes control and manages to weave through the Batteyford boys, he takes a shot but it’s well defended, Oliver C takes the ball and tries but only to miss. Batteyford take the ball again down the pitch, but Oliver Bing manages to kick it out of play again. Batteyford keep trying and another attempt at goal won’t go in, but once more and they manage to score their first goal past Josh. Oliver C is not having that though and is straight back in to score again for Meltham, also giving him his hat trick of the day. Off we go again, Oliver C straight on the ball again, passes to Louie who shoots but is getting quiet attached to the post today! Batteyford take the ball back down their end, but Fraser takes control and runs down the pitch, Oliver C takes and shoots again, but only for it to be saved. Batteyford then take a minute to change goalies. Goal kick, Louie and Oliver B get a touch but for it to be taken away, Batteyford get a run and Oliver Bing sticks with his man all the way but just can’t get a foot in and Batteyford shoot and score their second goal. Centre ball and Oliver C manages to get a hold only to be tripped up by a blue. Penalty is awarded. Fraser takes the shot and successfully scores a well deserved goal. Batteyford show they’re not giving in and take another run to successfully score their 3rd of the day. Louie manages to gain control, but he just can’t seem to score in this second half as his shot hits the post again! Oliver Bing manages to run with the ball up half the pitch, he passes to Oliver C who shoots but misses, ball still in play Louie takes a shot but again misses; he’s not a happy chap. Nothing is going to stop him though and he takes the ball, shoots and scores to make the final score 8-3. Whistle is blown and the boys have a well deserved drink.
Match Report by Helen Bingham.
