Last season’s cup finalists met in the second round of the county cup on Saturday, December 14th as Ross Juniors U9s team travelled to Leominster.

Ross went ahead early on when Morgan’s long kick was well controlled by Euan and he turned and slotted the ball past the Leominster keeper but the celebrations didn’t last long, as Leominster equalised minutes later. The visitors responded well with Alex and Euan both going close before Morgan made a good save.

Leominster then managed to take the lead with a shot through a crowded penalty area but once again the visitors responded well, with Timmy finding Euan unmarked in the penalty area but his shot went just the wrong side of the post, and then Alex turned nicely on the edge of the area and struck a shot which the keeper did well to save.

Leominster scored again before Tyron’s direct free kick was saved, and then Leominster stretched their lead before Jasper went on a great run but was denied by a good tackle. The first half had been really end to end stuff but Leominster had been more clinical in front of goal.

Ross had a tough task to turn the game around in the second half, with the pitch cutting up and against a strong wind but a great run down the left saw Tyron’s angled shot strike the near post and Euan was on hand to reduce the deficit. Leominster threatened an immediate response but Owen made a good block and Morgan made a good save but unfortunately Leominster did manage to extend their lead again. Leominster were now on top but another block from Owen and a clearance from Zak kept them at bay.

Zak made a great tackle before Leominster scored two quick goals to effectively win the tie. Morgan was forced off with a hand injury so Euan took over in goal and was called upon to make two saves before Tyron made a goal-saving block. The visitors kept going and Alex went on a good run and saw his shot well saved before Leominster added a further goal right on the final whistle.

It was a tough match, against a very strong opponent in tricky conditions. Tyron worked tirelessly in midfield and Euan took his goals well but the Nick Thomas Landscapes player of the match was Owen for his disciplined defensive display.