Ross Juniors Football Club U15s for 2017/18 have made an inconsistent start to the new season. Managed by Mark Fletcher, a core group of lads have been playing together for four years now, and have steadily improved season on season.

Hopes for 17/18 were boosted by a top performance in September against Ludlow, the league winners for the last three campaigns. Ross equalised in an even game to bring the score to 3-0 with just a few minutes to go; Joe Thomas sealing his hat-trick. However, Ludlow scored quickly to retake the lead, and despite then striking the cross-bar and seeing a parried shot roll along the goal line, Ross were unable to score again, losing 4-3.

Ross followed that performance with a fine 3-0 win at Pegasus, this time Adam Davies scored three. Having created many more chances in that second game, Ross travelled to Toros with confidence. Belmont Abbey based Toros, had given Ross three hard battles last year, and were relieved to go 2-0 up quickly through some Ross defensive errors. Ross lost composure, eventually losing 4-1 despite Leo Hollis opening his Ross goal account in style.

The strangest result then came at home to Shobden, formerly Kimbolton, who went in at half time 2-1 ahead, despite their manager admitting Ross were all over his side. A second half series of Ross mistakes and missed chances from all over the field led to an almost farcical final score of 8-2 to the visitors, which no one could quite understand or explain.

It was a great sense of relief when Adam Davies again found the net early in last Sunday’s game at Bartestree. Even then Ross made hard work of seeing out the victory, eventually secured by a brace from Leo Hollis, taking his tally to five for the season. Max Jennings tackled relentlessly in midfield, while Jonno Wright and Tom Hassan dealt effectively with any danger in central defence.

Ross are looking to put a good performance this weekend against Lads Club from Hereford, to start climbing the table before the half term break, and then be more consistent and ruthless each week against teams they know they can compete with.

Many thanks to Tracy Lloyd for sponsoring the U15 kit again this year through Total Living Care. Pictured in the new shirts are Giles Steele, Joe Thomas, Ethan Lerego, Tom Hassan, Fin Fletcher, Max Jennings, Adam Davies; Leo Hollis, Ollie Lloyd, Ben Fletcher, Alex Bailey and Jonno Wright.