Farnborough v Linaker

13^th March

Southport Premier League (Away)

The final game of the league season for the A Team saw them knowing a win would secure the league title. However with two members of the squad unable to play it looked like we might have to forfeit the points as we only had 9 players. However Oscar’s younger brother, Eric, an ever present supporter accepted the challenge of playing for the team. This was the first time in over twenty years, possibly ever, that a boy from Year 3 would represent the A Team!

The first period saw a revised line-up with Bailey in goal, Kian and Ben in defence, Lucas and Rhys in midfield, Oscar up front and Captain for the day, George out of goal and playing on the wing. The team opened up with some confident passing, moving around the pitch and frustrating their opponents. The first chance of the game was created by a great run from George, who crossed to Oscar, who saw his effort blocked. George then hit a sweet strike only to see it go just over the crossbar. The opener came from a Rhys throw in to Oscar who calmly rounded the keeper. Shortly after we saw Lucas go close with two great runs and George making the Linaker pull off a fine save. Oscar then finished off a move, started from the back by Kian and Ben, smashing it in to the Linaker goal. Oscar made it a first half hat-trick with a through ball from Lucas sending him one on one with the keeper and there was only one result – 3 nil to Farnborough!

The second period had a line-up of Dana and Lawrie in defence, Lucas, Ben and Eric (making his debut) in midfield and Captain George leading the line and hoping to score. The quality of the passing continued to be of the highest standard and Ben, Lucas and George all created chances only to see an in form Linaker keeper pull off a string of stunning saves. Eric found himself coping well and showing no signs of nerves as he competed with challenges and runs. His hard work and endeavour was rewarded with his first goal and possibly becoming the youngest player ever to score for the A team. George looked certain to score as he broke down the middle only to see his thunderbolt shot blocked by the brave Linaker goalie.

The third period saw the boys re-organise the team themselves with Bailey still in goal, Oscar in defence, Kian, Rhys and Dana in midfield, with Lawrie and Eric up front. The team continued to play fluent, flowing football and their passing was stunning. The team totally dominated creating many chances, however I was a Thompson double act that created the next goal. Oscar won the ball at the back and passed to Rhys, who then set Eric up to score his second of the game. Moments later Lawrie and Eric combined to allow Eric to match his brother and bag his own hat-trick! The final goal of the came as Dana broke in to the box and smashed home to make the final score 7 nil and secure the league title.

The boys should be extremely proud of the manner in which they played the game and are worthy Southport Premier League Champions 2014-15.