Predators League Title Chances in the Balance

24 Feb 2013

Pocklington Predators U15s	2
Poppleton Tigers U15s	2

 

With a depleted squad, the Pocklington Predators took on league leaders Poppleton Tigers in a gutsy display that ended with a 2 – 2 draw and leaves the Predators’ league title chances hanging in the balance.

This week Pocklington played host to league leaders Poppleton Tigers in their first meeting of the season so far. Poppleton were out to maintain their unbeaten record while the home-side needed a victory to maintain their chances at the league championship. This set the scene for this titanic struggle that could ultimately decide the winners of the league.

Poppleton seemed to open the strike early and, finding a chink in the Pocklington defence, stormed forward onto the Pocklington keeper, Sam Flinton, whose quick thinking interception managed stifle the charge while Jamie Harvey was able to get back in time to protect the goal line.

Poppleton were able to break through again, this time down the wing, outpacing the home side’s defence and, with a phenomenal shot, found the top corner of the net, opening the score sheet, capturing that all important half-time initiative.

With the corner count totalling nearly ten in Pocklington’s favour and numerous free-kicks, it seems that the home-side was never going to draw level. That was until, after a foul in the box presented the Predators with the only penalty of the match, and one that Jamie Harvey had no trouble dispatching.

Even though Pocklington held the majority of the possession and created the most opportunities, it was Poppleton that yet again took the game to the next stage scoring their second of the match and seemingly sealing the Predators fate.

However, Pocklington are a well-disciplined side that have triumphed over many a setback and this was to be no exception. With heads held high and with grit and determination on their faces, the home-side continued their barrage of the visitors and were finally rewarded as George Pilkington drove a wonderful ball through to the charging Danny Shaw. Danny managed to beat the final defender and struck hard only to be saved by the Poppleton keeper. Moving across the goal, Danny was able to capitalise on the rebound, this time finding his mark in a decisive show of skill.

With only a draw in their pockets, Pocklington need some luck if they are to stand any chance on the league title, as remaining fixtures dwindle with each passing week.

Kaine Varley

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Category: Under 15 Boys

Tags: Junior BoysKaine VarleyLeague MatchMatch ReportsPredatorsUnder 15s