Ross Juniors U12 Royals travelled to Bartestree for a friendly on Sunday and put in a battling performance.

Things didn’t look great when they conceded two early goals but, despite a lot of pressure from Bartestree in the first half, the Royals battled well and stayed in the game, with Maxwell making a number of good saves in the visitor’s goal and Blu, Aaron and Joseph making a number of vital tackles and clearances.

The second half was a much more even affair, with Maxwell making some good saves early in the second half before being replaced in goal by Charlie, who kept Bartestree out. Ross had more of the game in the second half and the midfield had more joy with Joseph, Aaron, Max and Owen competing well and Ruben using his pace up front to good effect. Aaron was unlucky to see one shot saved and another flash just wide of the post as Ross put pressure on the Bartestree defence. Bartestree continued to threaten but Blu, Ollie and Joe made a number of excellent tackles in defence. Late on, Brady made a great run down the right and set up a chance for Aaron and then Aaron set up a chance for Maxwell which just missed the target. The visitor’s deserved a goal but it wasn’t to be as Maxwell fired just over the bar from close range late on.

Maxwell, Joseph B and Aaron all had good games but the ‘man of the match’ was Blu Jarrett.