Ross Juniors Colts Under 11’s in their new kit, sponsored by Fishers, took to the field on September 8th away to Bobblestock on a beautiful pitch in initially wet conditions.

There was an even start to the match but after confusion in the Ross defence a move down the wing led to the ball trickling in to the net. Alfie was showing good skills down the right and Ben was playing well in goal. A big kick went to Charlie who shot, but the ball was palmed away by the home keeper. Ewan then cleared off the line, before Alfie dribbled down the left taking on two opponents and shooting but Ross failed to finish.

Ben was excellent in goal but a goal kick went to the Bobblestock player who slotted home.

Ross had good breaks involving Alfie, Owen, William and Ewan but a through ball to Charlie saw him in an offside position. A four-pronged attack then broke down and Bobblestock hit Ross on the break and slotted home.

A long kick from Ed went to Alfie who crossed for Charlie to score. Then Alfie was fouled and Owen’s kick was palmed away. Ross were definitely back in the game after a slow start, William then released Charlie who just failed to score. A break down the Bobblestock left saw the ball fizz across the Ross goal and it was finished at the far post.

The second half started with some Ross pressure and a shot by William went out for a corner. Alfie then just hit the ball over from a corner and then sustained Ross pressure led to Alex forcing the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble. Bobblestock then scored after the ball bobbled over the keeper and squeezed in to the net despite a sterling effort by Zachary to keep it out. A long ball went through to William which he just shot over. Tenacious play by Alfie then led to a number of opportunities but Ross could not force the ball home.

The very entertaining match then ended with Alex just shooting wide.

Then, following their disappointing start to the season, Ross took on Westfield at home on September 15th. After an even start goalkeeper Ben dealt with a few Westfield shots then put the ball to Alfie, who fed Owen and crossed to William. William shot against the keeper and was quick to slot the rebound home. Alfie was involved in lots of attacking moves down the right combining well with Owen. A long break by Westfield and a good dribble led to their first goal. Alfie then took a great pass from Ted and the ball despairingly went across the Westfield goal. A corner led to William heading the ball against the post and Westfield then scored following a good break. The next time Harry made an excellent tackle saving a certain goal. A good half of football with chances at both ends, Westfield just edging it.

The second half started with many good runs down the right by Alfie. Alex took two corners but Owen could just not convert them in to the goal then a tremendous run down the right by Alfie went across to Owen who just shot wide. By now it was end to end play with great interceptions from Ted, Callum, Ewan and Zack and great breaks by Alfie and Kyle. Ben was certainly playing his part with two amazing saves from one v one situations. After a mix up from the goal kick Westfield put the ball in.

Instead of letting their heads go down, Ross rallied and starting applying lots of pressure. Kyle went down the left but William couldn’t score and an Owen long shot was just wide. A long shot by Callum couldn’t find the net then a good break by William led to a great shot and an outstanding save by the Westfield keeper, A great ball down the left went to Owen who shot, the keeper saved but William slotted home. All the pressure was coming from Ross although Ben had to make a first class save from a one on one situation. Ross Juniors under 11 Colts had played well and were bitterly disappointed not to have at least forced the cup match in to extra time. What first class entertainment it was!See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.