Match Report
Earl Marshall JFC 6; Hackenthorpe Juniors 1
Sheffield & District Junior Sunday League – Division D
Hinde House School
Earl Marshall delivered another strong team performance against second placed Hackenthorpe Juniors, with six Earl Marshall players finding the net.
Earl Marshall suffered a setback during the pre match warm up with Dominic MH not well enough to take his placed in goal. Dominic was clearly disappointed but Joe, who had previously only played in goal in tournament matches, stepped up to accept the keepers’ jersey.
The game got underway with Earl Marshall looking well organised and determined in their opening play. Their first chance fell to Elijah in the 4th minute but he saw his shot go wide, a minute later Earl Marshall had a deserved lead when Edwin received the ball inside the box and fired the ball past the keeper. Already Earl Marshall were starting to look the stronger side but they were pegged back soon after the restart when they failed to defend a long range free kick letting Hackenthorpe grab an equaliser with their first real chance of the game. Earl Marshall responded well, making good use of wide positions firstly Kenan, cutting in from the right, saw his shot tipped over. Then in the 10th minute Edwin intercepted a goal kick and spotting Elijah’s run sent the ball into space. Elijah’s shot was blocked but in the ensuing melee he managed to get the ball over the goal line.
Hackenthorpe were by now pegged back and having to defend in numbers, Seymour came close with a powerful drive through a crowded penalty area only to see his attempt blocked, and Aaron had a chance that went just wide. Then with half time approaching Calum released Kenan on the right. Kenan used his pace and skill to get passed the defender before sending a perfectly placed chip over the keeper (HT: 3-1).
The second half got underway with Hackenthorpe looking to get back into the game. Inside the first minute the visitors looked to have scored a second but were denied a by a brilliant reflex save from Joe who despite having little to do in the first half was clearly ready to deal with Hackenthorpe’s occasional threats. In the 8th minute Earl Marshall scored what must be one of the goals of the season, an end- to-end counter attacking move involving 6 players. Dominic won possession in the penalty area and passed the ball up to Edwin on the left wing. Edwin threaded the ball to Elijah who spotted Kenan making a forward run on out the right. Kenan received the ball just inside the Hackenthorpe half, made a neat one-two with Jordan before running into the visitor’s penalty area. Kenan spotted Aaron making a run in on goal and delivered the final pass for Aaron to slot home. It was an outstanding goal which typified the real sense of team spirit that was evident throughout the game.
Two minutes later Seymour made it 5-1 with a delightful chip over the keeper. Hackenthorpe had little in reply which allowed both Adam and Lahkem to push forward well into the visitors half. Late in the game both Kenan and Bradley had chances, with Kenan making an excellent forward run tripped on the edge of the box. Despite jeers from the Hackenthorpe players Jordan showed great composure and fired the ball into the top left corner – it was the ‘icing on the cake’ after one of the best Earl Marshall performances of the season. The 6-1 win ensuring that Earl Marshall remain in contention for a top three finish.
Coaches’ Man of the Match: Edwin Ashman
Mick A