Macclesfield Saints  vs  Egerton 15/3/08

Having been soundly beaten by Egerton at  the start of the season it was with mixed feelings that the boys stepped onto the pitch.  However it was a matter of minutes until the boys settled into their stride with our improvement over the season being obvious to all. Time and time again Mike solidly blocked Egerton’s advance, abley supported by Callum and Douglas.  Despite our solid defence Egerton made 3 early and accurate attempts on goal. Joseph was phenomenal in goal with all 3 balls saved.  Macc then enjoyed a run of play with good midfield effort by Douglas passing through to Tom, Sam and Jack. Unfortunately a number of shots at goal proved fruitless before Egerton regained control and made some of their own goal attempts that missed by inches. Another 2 Egerton goal attempts were no match for Joseph and a third went over the bar. A fabulous corner by Egerton also ended up hitting the centre of the crossbar. Calum and Mike defended well with some skilful tackles sending the ball back to Jack. Unfortunately another great save by Egerton’s goalie denied him the goal.

Half Time Score 0:0

Early in the second half Egerton had another shot at goal saved and kicked out by Joseph, the ball was kept within the box by Egerton who made a quick shot back at goal, this time the ball bounced up and was caught by George as a reflex action. The resulting penalty was accurately landed in the right of the net with Joseph diving, but failing to save it by inches.  Moments later Egerton made it 2:0. Macc Saints fought on with all the team playing well and battling hard. Al and Mathew both   played well in midfield and Douglas made two great crosses that just failed to connect. Egerton continued to play well with many more attempts on goal. Joseph’s saves are too many to mention individually but one flying save was particularly spectacular. Despite our best efforts the final score line remained 2:0.

Final Score 2:0

Player of the Match - Who else, a unanimous decision by managers, spectators and players alike - Joseph!!

Second Game.

The second game was another closely fought match with the boys again stepping up to the challenge. Again our defence was tested to the extreme with some great attacking play by Egerton. Both James and Ross did us proud marking well at the back. Alex C had a good match, early on he made a fantastic corner kick to cross the goal but unfortunately the boys didn’t connect with it to make it count. Egerton regained possession and after a largely solo run, Oliver braced himself but the ball shot in, literally through his legs. Jamie blocked a throw in from Egerton sending it up midfield for some exciting play with Eddie heading the ball with good skill.  Oliver was again kept busy in goals with some lovely saves .Having regained possession Edward made a brilliant run and passed to Al who made a shot that just skimmed over the bar. Seconds before half time Egerton made a great corner kick that was skilfully headered past Oliver to make the half time score a frustrating 2:0

The second half saw equally spirited play from the whole team. Eddie did a great job directing his team and keeping them focussed. Alex C had some great runs of the ball that left the spectators gasping. Sam Frost also had good possession but time and time again the Egerton defence denied our boys a chance on goal. Ross tackled and ran well  to set up Alex who missed a goal by inches.  Egerton battled on to make it 3:0 despite Oliver’s best efforts to save it. Soon after, another solo run towards goal by Alex was thwarted by an Egerton tackle. With their goalie having come out to tackle, the ball rolled off an Egerton boot into the net. Making it 3:1. Egerton followed on with another 2 goals, the last being particularly spectacular and nothing Oliver could have done would have kept it out. Despite a final score of 5:1 our boys can be proud of a match well played.

Final Score 5:1

Player of the Match – Well deserved - Oliver