11th March 2006
Selby & District JFL Under 12s
Snaith Juniors 2 - Pollington Panthers 5
Despite the tensions that erupted between these two
teams and their supporters, this Selby & District Junior League match - and next
week's semi-final encounter at the same venue - was put into perspective with a
minute's silence, respectfully observed by all involved, following the death of
16-year-old Joshua Murdock.
A pupil at Snaith High School and known to many of those attending the game,
Joshua was killed in Rawcliffe earlier in the week when his motorcycle was
involved in a collision with another vehicle.
"It was an emotional moment," said team manager Marcus Reid who, referring to
touchline exchanges later in the match, added: "I am amazed how people can allow
their emotions to get the better of them to a point where it becomes abusive. It
is a game of football - and an Under 12s one at that."
In a dress rehearsal for this weekend's cup tie, Panthers hit form at just
the right time. Mark Baggaley gave them an early lead, assisted by Tom
Heckingbottom, with Snaith taking advantage of some sloppy defending to equalise
shortly afterwards. However, panthers were ahead again at half-time thanks to
Heckingbottom when Jack Stocks linked well with Williams to penetrate the Snaith
defence. Snaith then came out all guns blazing but were met with a sturdy
defence from Reid, Stocks, Blevin and Elsley backed up by Williams, Whitton and
Allinson in midfield as Baggaley and Williams went close.
But there was a feeling of deja vu as strong challenges led to an exchange of
views across both sets of supporters. Panthers, however, kept their cool, none
more so than captain and man-of-the-match James Rankin who stretched their lead
with an exquisite left-footer. Baggaley continued to tease the Snaith defence
with his lightning pace and notched a second goal, assisted by Jack Derham,
before completing another hat-trick after Snaith reduced the deficit from a
set-piece.
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18th March 2006
Selby & District JFL Under 12s Cup Semi-Final
Snaith Juniors 3 - Pollington Panthers 2
Snaith destroyed Pollington's dreams as they reached
the Selby & District Junior League Cup Final with a narrow win after a tense
encounter. Unable to replicate last week's performance, Panthers were
soon a goal down courtesy of a well-taken corner. And things went from bad to
worse as Reid left the field with an injury although Butler
covered well with some important interceptions as Snaith had the lion's share of
possession.
However, Rankin levelled the scores with his left foot towards the end of the
first half. With Baggaley marked out of the game, goals were going to be
difficult, yet Stocks and Austrums went close. But Snaith
countered a Panthers attack, forcing an own goal from a hurried clearance. And
Snaith capitalised on this slice of fortune by further extending their lead
following another set-piece and quality ball over the top of the defence as
penalty appeals went unpunished.
Panthers has the last say with a beautifully taken free kick by
Heckingbottom. But it was not enough and a dejected team returned home to
lick their wounds as team manager, Kevin Whitton aims to finish the
season on a high note.
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U12s Reports
