Sheffield U12's v's Warrington U12's
Sheffield U12's v's Warrington, 2nd May 2009
Michael Dale Cup - Semi- Final, Westfield Sports College
Sheffield hosted Warrington in the Michael Dale Cup; the previous meeting had ended in a hard fought draw at Warrington, the only game Warrington had failed to win in the league, this season.
Warrington had the better of the early exchanges and were working the ball down their wings and keeping possession well. Sheffield were trying to close down every ball and make it difficult for Warrington to get in their stride. Sheffield's main chances were through balls for the lone forward George Scott to chase, the Warrington keeper was quickly off his line and their defence held out. Warrington's dominance told and mid way through the first half another break down the right, resulted in a good cross which was stroked in well by the Warrington forward. 0-1. This was soon 0-2 when a well worked one two put the Warrington player through to calmly slot it passed the Sheffield keeper, Sam Nuttall, into the net. 0-2 at half time.
Sheffield started the second half with some fresh legs and a determination to get back in the game. Joe Greene continued with the Sheffield tactic of chasing down every ball and after some good pressure on the Warrington goal keeper, the ball fell to Jed Phillips who lifted his shot over the stranded Warrington Keeper into an empty net. 1-2 and all to play for. Warrington continued to look dangerous on the break and did have the ball in the net, only for it to be called offside. With time passing Sheffield pushed more upfront and started taking risks. When Warrington did break, the Sheffield defence held out well - all the lads played magnificently. Joe Green then had a chance to equalise when he stole the ball from the Warrington left back and shot towards the near post, the Warrington keeper made up for his previous mistake with a fine save, which he held on to. With the minutes ticking away, defenders were sacrificed for more attackers and Sheffield's last chance was a high lob into Warrington's crowded goal area. Again Warrington's keeper showed his worth by jumping and catching the ball from mid air in the melee of the penalty area. Final score 1-2.
Warrington were by far the best side we have played this season and although Sheffield lost today, they can feel very proud of their achievements. Good teams like Warrington would have walked away with this game last season. We gave them a game today. All the players have shown how far they have developed in football and matured in their attitude.
It was the hardest MOM for the coaching staff today but it goes to Jack Baker who was magnificent where ever he played.
A big thank you to all the parents for all their support and help and well done to all the lads - looking forward to next season.