ROSS U16s maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a performance of great character against a very physical Hinton side and were unlucky to only draw an entertaining encounter 2-2.

Ross fielded a very strong side but conceded a goal as a long speculative ball-in drifted in to the top corner, setting the pattern for the first half. With the Hinton long ball tactics proving difficult in the wind Ross continued to struggle and Hinton scored a second. Ross persisted with their passing game and gained momentum. They defended higher up the pitch with Matt and Joel a strong central pairing and Jacob and Ollie with the pace to cover. With attack the best form of defence, Ollie and Jacob provided excellent pace out wide and gave Chris, Liam and James (D) space to operate in midfield. But still Hinton were first to the ball. James (R), David and Jake (W) linked well and Ross settled into the game. Ollie's long shot went inches wide and James (R) and Jake (W) both had shots well saved. This was better from Ross and with the initiative Ross pulled one back with a long ball from Matt finding Chris whose header found Jake (W) who coolly slotted the ball home.

Ross pressed but were prevented an equalizer before half time by some robust defending.

The second half was all Ross. Chris and Jake(W) had efforts saved and Ross forced corner after corner and James(R), Joel and Chris all had efforts cleared of the line. Ross laid siege to the Hinton goal and the pressure told when Matt's free kick beat all the defenders and crashed into the net thanks to a dummy from James(R) to level the score 2-2. Despite Ross dominating the game the occasional foray by Hinton and the predictable long ball meant Kieran(B) had to be alert. Ross pushed for the win, James(R) went close at a corner, Chris shot just wide, Jake(W) had his shot well saved from close range and James(D) one on one with the keeper pulled his effort wide. With minutes left Ross forced a corner and from broken play Matt smashed the ball goalward only to see his effort crash against the bar. The whistle went with Ross attacking, rough justice on a day of great football.

Ross deserved to win the game with the exception of the disastrous opening ten minutes but football is a funny old game. The man of the match award went to Jake(W) for a sublime finish and excellent work rate.