Goals, goals, goals!

Despite some atrocious weather conditions in the last week, our footballers have been very busy and all of the age-groups have put in some fine displays.

Last Friday saw the U12A and U12B teams travel to KEQMS for some difficult matches. In appalling weather, both the Arnold and KEQMS boys gave great accounts of themselves. In the U12A match, KEQMS edged a tight match by 1-0. Charles Shaw made some nice runs down the right wing and Issac Eastham and James Cowburn linked very well in midfield but, despite creating some good opportunities, they could not beat the KEQMS keeper. Oscar Gavin was the man of the match, with his tremendous work-rate and effort an example to everyone, but a curling KEQMS free kick was not dealt with and that was the difference between the two sides. Robert Pickersgill and Alexander Douglas both made some timely interceptions at the back and James Wood always looks dangerous up front.

The U12B put in excellent performance as they won 4-1. Uwais Patel (2) and captain Matthew Clayton (2) were the goal scorers. Tobias Woodhead and Harry Hudson both played very well and Sam Baines made some very telling passes as the U12B made a great start to the season.

Sadly, the matches on Saturday versus Altrincham GS were all lost to the weather but the U13A and U13B were both in action on Monday against St Mary's, Crosby. Unfortunately, both teams came up against some talented opponents as the U13A lost 4-1 and the U13B 6-1. In the U13B match, Joe Smith played very well and Harvey Ross worked tirelessly in the midfield. James Barrow looked dangerous on the right wing and he fully deserved his goal. Despite the loss, the U13B will look forward to their next match against KEQMS after half term.

On Tuesday, it was the turn of the U14A as they travelled to QEGS, Blackburn. The match did not start well as after 20 seconds a defensive lapse saw QEGS sneak in for a goal and the best of starts. However, Arnold remained composed and, led magnificently by their captain Ben Pearson, they began to come more and more into the match with their speed and fitness proving vital. Will Eccleston made some excellent saves and clearances. Ellis Whorlton-Jones came close to scoring the equaliser but his header struck the bar.

Tom Riley and Matthew Barrett linked well but Arnold did not draw level until midway through the second half when an excellent run by Whorlton-Jones saw him round the keeper and stroke the ball into the net from a tight angle. The U14A now pressed for the winner and there were some great chances for Sam Royle and Tom Riley but neither could convert. In the end it was a mazy run by Pearson who skipped inside four players before being brought down in in the 18 yard box. Pearson was then cool and calm as he scored the penalty in the last minute which gave the U14A a narrow 2-1 victory.

Posted by: M L Evans
Date: Thursday 02/02/2012

  • Goals, goals, goals!