EBFA Division 6 Under 12
March 22, 2014
Mortimer Stingers v Shinfield Rangers
One of the Mortimer players dad’s sadly passed away suddenly last week. After a short discussion with Mortimer it was decided to go ahead and play the game. Both teams observed a minutes silence and then proceeded to provide some fantastic football over the next 60 minutes.
Shinfield with the help of a big wind went two goals up in the first half courtesy of Ethan and Liam. Mortimer in difficult conditions threatened the Shinfield goal on more than one occasion and pulled one back from a corner. Shinfield had a look of a team who thought this would be an easy match.
In the second half Mortimer brought the game level and were starting to threathen more and more. Against the run of play Shinfield got a penalty which Liam despatched to the back of the net. But again within a short period Mortimer levelled the game again after a very uncharacteristic mistake in goal.
Shinfield re-organised and played with a back three and man of the match Liam sat in front of the defence. The boys suddenly came alive and Luke and Liam both increased their efforts to turn the screw on Mortimer while defending resolutely.
With about eight minutes left Joe received the ball in the Mortimer half and his shot screamed into the net. Shinfield hung on for the victory, but the look on our boys face showed they knew they had been in a real battle for the points. To their credit they all dug deep and finished on a real high.
It’s great to be able to be part of games like this where the game is played with great spirit and determination and no little skill.
Great credit must go to the Mortimer players and parents at such a difficult time.
Pitchside with Ryan Blandville