Champions!!

28 Apr 2013

Pocklington Predators U15s	5
Fulford U15s	1

Pock Pip “Pop” to Pole Position

On Sunday afternoon, Pocklington Predators capped off a tremendous league campaign by becoming champions for the second year running.  A remarkable twelve-game unbeaten streak had seen the Preds pile the pressure on title rivals Poppleton Tigers, who having been league leaders for so long, lost two games in quick succession, meaning that victory for Pock in their final game would secure them the league title.  However, the Preds knew that they couldn’t take their opponents Fulford lightly, as they were the only team that had beaten them this season - inflicting a 2-0 defeat on Pock back in October.

Pock welcomed back Sez Altin from injury, but were forced to make do without their influential central defender Jamie Harvey.  So, with manager Joe Cooney opting to pair Ben Potter and Eric Hogan in the centre of defence, the Predators lined up as follows: 

Goalkeeper: Sam Flinton Defence: Harry Crusher; Eric Hogan; Ben Potter; Stuart Wright  Midfield: Huw Jones; Sez Altin; Nathan Smith; Joe Aconley  Attack: George Pilkington; Danny Shaw

Subs: Matty Terry; Ollie Hughes; Alex Varley; Ed Borrie

In front of their home support, the Preds got off to the perfect start, when striker Danny Shaw found space in the box to drill a low shot in to the bottom right corner of the goal with only five minutes on the clock.  But rather than allowing the Predators to settle, the goal seemed to hand the incentive to their opponents and on 10 minutes they should have been level, when a through-ball played in the Fulford striker who put his shot just wide of the far post.

After these early chances, the game became something of a midfield battle and with neither side dominating, the crowd had to wait until the 23rd minute for the next chance of note. This time the Predators’ George Pilkington played a lofted pass to Danny Shaw, who beat his marker to give himself a clear run on goal.  However the Fulford keeper was equal to Danny’s effort and pulled off a great save to keep the score at 1-0.  This was followed a minute later by a speculative 30-yard strike from Preds midfielder Nathan Smith, but again the keeper was equal to it.

Fulford then went on to enjoy a spell of sustained pressure, which asked plenty of questions about the strength of the Predators’ rear-guard: in the 27th minute a tremendous block from Harry Crusher deflected a goal-bound shot behind for a corner. The resultant delivery was only half-cleared by the Preds, allowing Fulford to put their striker in on goal.  However this time it was the Preds’ keeper Sam Flinton who showed his defensive qualities, making a vital block to prevent Fulford equalising.  The visitors continued to press and Sam was called upon to make another smart save on 35 minutes.  Fulford then had their closest chance on 40 minutes, when a header from a corner flew inches over the host’s cross-bar, much to relief of players and spectators alike.

But just when it looked as if Fulford would draw level, they found themselves 2-0 down.  A long-ball played out of defence found Danny Shaw, who showed great skill on the edge of the box to create space for himself.  Danny hit a powerful shot which the keeper could only parry and George Pilkington was quickest to react, lashing the ball past the despairing keeper and into the roof of the net to make the score 2-0.

The half-time whistle blew, much to the relief of the Predators, who had been given a stern test of their championship credentials by the visitors.  Time then for the Preds to get some much-needed inspiration from manager Joe Cooney.

And what a team-talk he must have given, because with 30 seconds of the re-start the score was 3-0!  Straight from kick-off, the Predators took the ball down the field and a shot from Danny Shaw was deflected into the path of substitute Ollie Hughes, who made no mistake from 8 yards to bag his first goal of the season.  However any thoughts the Preds may have had of beginning their celebrations early were banished ten minutes later, when Fulford pulled a goal back.  Sensing that Pock might be vulnerable, Fulford went on the attack again, but Ben Potter, playing in an unfamiliar defensive role for the Preds showed good composure to prevent the visitors from getting a second goal.

In order to steady their nerves the hosts needed to score again and with an hour of the game gone, Joe Aconley showed some determined play down the right hand-side of the field, squaring the ball to Ollie Hughes, who played a great pass to split open the Fulford defence and allow Danny Shaw to hit a low finish to make the score 4-1.  By now the Preds knew that the title was theirs, but credit to the hosts, who went on increase their lead - George Pilkington showed great pace to chase down a back pass to the Fulford keeper, and his resilience was rewarded when the keeper’s clearance cannoned off him and into the net to make the score 5-1.

The full-time whistle was met with a huge cheer from players and supporters alike, as the Pocklington Predators took the title! 

Credit to all the players, each of whom has shown great team-spirit and discipline all season.  Thanks must also go to the coaching staff of Joe Cooney, Dave Hughes and Rob Jones, for their continued dedication and commitment.

The Predators will now look to complete a League and Cup “double” when they take on Wheldrake in the Final of the York & District U15s FA Cup Final at Tockwith on 6 May 2013.

Leigh Hogan

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Category: Under 15 Boys

Tags: Junior BoysLeague MatchMatch ReportsPredatorsUnder 15sLeigh HoganSeason 2012/13