U18'S GRAB LATE POINT IN GAME THEY "SHOULD HAVE WON!"
The U18’s hosted local side CMB at Kearsley, with the aim of achieving maximum points being rehashed pre-match.
The messages were clear; correct the mistakes, apply the principles from the training session and be clinical in front of goal.
Approach play and chance creation in recent weeks hasn’t been an issue for the Young Stripes, taking those chances however has.
Knowing how it can cost you in games has been a clear reminder to the lads.
The Match began with Colls having most of the ball, using it well and moving CMB around the pitch. In wet conditions, the pitch presented a chance to play at a quicker tempo.
With Ollie Norris making his debut in a midfield 3, alongside Nathan Critchley and Ethan Rowe, it was a chance to impose midfield dominance. And in large parts they did, drawing fouls, progressing the ball well and switching the play efficiently.
CMB defended well, but through grit more than composure as Colls pilled on the pressure.
Chances came thick and fast; first, Mckenzie Brennan with a looped header just over from a set piece, before Malik Mohammed with two 1v1’s in quick succession that the keeper was equal too.
After great play through midfield and in wide areas involving Ethan Rowe and wide man Rio Sutherland, further chances were created, channel balls in behind the CMB back line were received, but the resulting finish wasn’t there.
CMB were clinging on, but worked hard to prevent further Colls chances. A direct side who searched largely in behind Callum Knox and Tom Darlington’s defensive line, most often unsuccessful.
However, towards the end of the first half after a direct pass in behind, CMB were in, as the ball entered the box – last ditch – Tom Darlington went to ground, and appeared to win the ball, but the referee pointed to the spot deeming it not to be the case. He awarded a penalty and booked young Darlington. CMB took their chance, converted and lead 1-0.
Young Tom was involved in the action again when a long ball in behind bounced awkwardly and as he went to clear, an accidental collision with Colls keeper Davis left him worst for ware (Tom is well and is recovering at home).
HT: 0-1
After analysis and instructions were given, the lads knew the job in hand, considering they should have been leading by a margin.
The second half began, and was a largely wet, windy and untidy affair, with both sides struggling to gain consistent possession. The Colls back line however stood strong, with Captain Callum Knox winning almost every ariel duel he faced, Keeper Davis commanding well and Mckenzie Brennan showing his immense quality in defensive and attacking areas.
Colls had another 1v1 foiled, and as the half progressed – it felt like one of those days. Changes were made throughout the half to help create and take chances, but, as time ticked on, it became tougher and tougher.
With a minute to go, Colls fired long, the ball received on the edge of the CMB box, after a battle to win the ball, the referee deemed a Colls man to have been impeded.
22 Yards out, just left of centre – Nathan Crichley stood over the ball, a set piece specialist.
As the ref pipped, he ran up, struck the ball hard and low under the wall and after a very minor nick, it rattled past the keeper into the bottom right hand corner. IN! Colls had rescued a well earned and deserved point.
As play resumed, the referee brought the game to an end – A full time scoreline of Atherton Colls U18’s 1-1 CMB U18’s.
FT: 1-1
MoTM – Mckenzie Brennan
Showed his class, understanding and quality throughout the game, unlucky not to score and complimented the back line well, a solid return.
Callum Knox again was solid and showed great leadership.
Nathan Critchley showed class in midfield as always and scored the equaliser – another fantastic goal.
