Ross Juniors U11s welcomed Ludlow for their final league game of the season on Saturday morning but they didn’t get the outcome they had hoped for.

Both teams started well, putting together some good team moves but the Ross defence of David, Ethan and Bill denied the visitors any clear opportunities whereas Ross created a number of good opportunities.

Bill tested the Ludlow keeper with a long range effort before Harvey ran on to Ollie’s back-heel to put the home side one up. Ross soon doubled their lead as Harvey linked up with Oli and a Ludlow defender diverted Harvey’s shot into his own net.

Ross continued to dominate the chances and Ollie was unlucky not to stretch the Ross lead as he latched on to a through-ball but the Ludlow keeper deflected the ball wide. It was all looking very comfortable for the home side until Ludlow pulled a goal back midway through the first half with a great diagonal pass that their striker met well with a sliding finish.

To make matters worse for the home side, their striker caught Roo on the knee with his studs and he had to come off.

Harvey took the gloves and was tested with a number of long range efforts but showed a safe a pair of hands.

Ludlow grabbed an equaliser when Ross failed to clear a corner and it could have been worse before half time as Josh had to make a vital tackle to deny Ludlow a clear goal scoring chance and Harvey pulled off a great save.

Roo returned to goal for the second half and was called into action in the opening minutes, making a great save as the striker raced through on goal. However, he was unlucky to see the striker reach the rebound before the home defence to put Ludlow 3 – 2 up.

Ross pushed for an equaliser and were unlucky not to level it up when Ollie’s shot from the edge of the area stuck the post with the keeper stranded and Ross then went 4 – 2 down in comical circumstances.

The home side made their substitutions midway through the half with three players coming off but there was a mix up and only two went on, leaving them with just eight players. Nobody noticed and play restarted, and Ludlow scored straight from the resumption.

Back up to nine players, Ross looked settled at the back again and on the few occasions when they were put under pressure JT came to the rescue with some important tackles and challenges. With time running out Harvey came close to reducing the deficit when set up by Jake, but his shot was saved and Ludlow saw out the win.

With a good all-round performance, the Harley Finishings man of the match was awarded to Harvey Briscoe.