Ross Juniors U17s took to the field against Ledbury on Sunday with just 10 players and no recognised goalkeeper so were always going to be up against it.

Despite being a man down, the Ross defence repelled the Ledbury attack for the first 20 minutes and, when they were breached, James pulled off some excellent saves in the Ross goal. Eventually the pressure told and Ledbury went ahead with a good team move but Ross almost equalised straight away, when Jack ran on to Coby’s through-ball. Charlie, Myles, Lewis and debutant Nicole battled well in midfield and frustrated their opponents but against 11 men Ross began to tire and Ledbury could bring on fresh legs from their bench. Late on in the half Ledbury doubled their lead with a well-taken free kick but a great tackle from Dan and vital interception from Will denied Ledbury from extending their lead. With just minutes remaining in the half an unlucky ricochet resulted in a simple chance for an opponent to put Ledbury 3 up at the break. The opening 10 minutes were pretty even although Tom and Will were called on to make important tackles. Ledbury extended their lead with a thunderbolt of a shot from distance that found the top corner and then added a couple more quick goals. Dan Ruck looked on enviously as Ledbury made multiple substitutions but was cheered when Jack outpaced two defenders, tackled a third and beat the keeper at his near post for a wonderful solo goal. Ledbury continued to pressure the Ross defence and despite a great effort added more goals. With five minutes to go Ross were awarded a free kick 35 yards out from the Ledbury goal and Jack was invited to try a long range effort, and he hit an absolute cracker that the Ledbury keeper couldn’t keep out.

The man of the match was Jack Clark who not only scored two brilliant goals, he absolutely terrorised the Ledbury defence for the whole 80 minutes.

Ross are at home to Ewyas Harold on Sunday afternoon. The U17s are finding it tough with such a thin squad but they play with a great spirit. It will be a shame if they can’t find some new players to keep going. If you know anyone in (school) years 11 or 12 keen to play, please contact Dan on 07805 379403.