INSPIRED by England’s U17s World Cup victory over Spain, Ross Juniors U17s put in a great team display to defeat Withington 7 – 2 at Ross Sports Centre last Sunday.

The Ross boys were quietly confident, as they were pretty much at full strength for the first time this season, welcoming back Nat from injury and with Wilf and Max returning to the fold.

The home side could not have got off to a better start, as Lewis put them ahead with a great header from Myles’ corner, but Withington soon equalised with a direct free-kick, thanks to a deflection off the defensive wall.

Ross went ahead again thanks to persistence from Lewis, as he coolly rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home.

Withington went looking for another equaliser but Marcus, Dan, Will and Tom stood firm in the Ross defence, and James was quickly off his line when balls were played over the Ross back four.

Nat was introduced after 20 minutes and seconds later the home side had stretched their lead when Myles’ long throw fell nicely for Nat, and he lobbed the keeper with his first touch of the game.

Harry, Charlie and Myles were combining well down the left of midfield and a great team move set up a chance for Jack on the edge of the penalty area, which he took with a sublime left foot strike that gave the Withington keeper no chance.

Further substitutions saw the introduction of Wilf and Max and the pair were soon combining with Max just inches away from getting on the end of Wilf’s 40 yard diagonal pass at the far post.

The home side finished the half strongly and were unlucky not to stretch their lead with Lewis heading over from a corner and Wilf striking the Withington crossbar with a long range effort.

The second half was pretty comfortable for the home side, although Tom and Will pulled off a couple of vital tackles to deny their opponents.

Ross continued to pepper the Withington goal with shots from a distance, but the visitor’s keeper did well to deny Harry from opening his account for the season.

Coby and Tom saw shots that went narrowly wide and Charlie was denied by a great save at the near post by the Withington keeper. The relentless pressure soon told as Wilf added a fifth goal with a great strike from a distance.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Lewis headed in his third goal of the game (he only gets to look after the match ball for a week!) and then Myles saw his dangerous cross deflected in by a Withington defender to make it 7 – 1.

With just seconds remaining, Withington grabbed a late consolation goal but it did not dampen down what had been a great team performance.

The ‘Man of the Match’ was Lewis Fletcher with a well taken hat-trick.

Ross Juniors U17s are still on the lookout for a few more players, especially a goalkeeper. If you know anyone in (school) years’ 11 or 12 keen to play, please contact Dan on 07805 379403.