Pocklington Through to 3rd Round

18 Nov 2012

Osbaldwick U15s	2
Pocklington Predators U15s	4

 

In a tough game characterised by some impressive, high quality football, the Pocklington Predators were able to achieve a 4 – 2 victory over home-side Osbaldwick, despite some very controversial refereeing decisions, taking them through to round 3 of the York City & District Association Football Minor League Cup competition.

The Predators, often starting slow and cautious, found themselves in difficulties early on as Osbaldwick took a quick throw, and made it past the visitor’s defence, placing the ball into the bottom corner.

Now 1 – nil down, Pocklington managed to arrest the game and settle it down in their favour, gaining in both control of play and confidence. Working hard at the back was Harry Crusher, who seemed to be covering at least a third of the pitch by himself. Also working hard at the back were Eric Hogan and Stuart Wright. Yet, despite the tightening of the Pocklington Defence, the home side gained an advantage again after slotting the ball in high over the Predator’s keeper from a free-kick. But for the capability and fearless challenges of keeper Alex Varley, Osbaldwick may have pulled even further in front.

Now, with half-time drawing closer, Pocklington needed a goal to keep in the game. But, despite some poor decisions from the official and decisions that rarely seemed to go Pocklington’s way, their sheer determination and superior control found the Predators clawing their way back into the game.
The first of Pocklington’s goals came from wonderful through ball by Nathan Smith to George Pilkington, whose cool head produced a great finish to leave the half-time score at 2 – 1 to Osbaldwick.

The second half found Pocklington making some changes to the field, most notable was Jamie Harvey in defence and Danny Shaw in attack. These subtle changes were felt immediately, as the pressure from the Predators resulted in a corner. Taken by Joe Aconley, the ball found Nathan Smith
who banged it into the corner of the net.

The pressure continued as the Osbaldwick game began to crumble under the onslaught, and Huw Jones struck a magnificent shot from 20 yards out into the bottom corner. Now 2 – 3 in favour of Pocklington, the final goal was an almost identical corner taken by Joe Aconley that once again found the sure foot of Nathan Smith who claimed his double, and sealed the Predators seat into the next round of the League Cup competition.

Kaine Varley

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Category: Under 15 Boys

Tags: Junior BoysCup MatchKaine VarleyPredatorsUnder 15sSeason 2012/13