Whaley U12's faced a second tough game on the trot away against top of the table Spurley Hey who have yet to drop a point. The home game earlier in the season had been close physical game that ended 1-0 to Spurley so we knew we had a good chance of getting something out of the game.

With a full squad at hand we started well and for the first 10 minutes had them trapped in their own half and forced 2 or 3 corners but couldn’t quite convert any of the goalmouth scrambles. We looked in control but were hit on the counter attack and Spurley took the lead with a clean strike that left keeper Dranfield with little chance. Spurley then looked stronger as they took control and Barlow reverted back to defence with Currington going back up front to try to prevent us falling further behind. We looked dangerous on the break and as in other matches had plenty of breakaways with forwards going on long runs into the Spurley half but couldn’t quite get a clear shot on goal. Again we were getting back at Spurley in the last 10 mins of the half. A key moment came just before the break. Spurley advanced into our box and Vernon was adjudged to have brought down their forward and the ref pointed to the spot. Dranfield stood tall, and parried the shot away brilliantly to keep us in the game, so we went in just 1 down at half time.

Switches were made at the break to get everyone on and we continued to battle in midfield, clear the danger from defence and looked dangerous when we broke. Spurley then got another with a break down the right and another good finish to make it 0-2. There was still plently of time left but both sides seemed to cancel each other out with only a few chances created by both sides and both keepers were relatively quiet. With literally the last kick of the game Spurley made it 3-0 with a similar break down the right and a clean shot. This was harsh on our behalf in a game that was very even, but the difference was that Spurley took their chances well and we just need to be a bit smarter upfront and were caught offside on too many occasions. Again all credit to our lads who gave it their all and I can’t fault the effort put in.

This has opened up the race for second place now, and we have just been unfortunate that we have had two tough games so close together with not the best preparation due to the weather. With seven games to go we now have to really win them all, which I seriously think we are capable of and hope some of the other results go in our favour.  Technically we are now 3^rd level on points but just 1 goal behind Dynamoes and it will only be once all the top teams have played each other that we will see a true league position.

MOM to Adam D for his fine penalty save.

Team: Dranfield, Fell, Austin, Vernon, Barlow, Barnes, Meads, Currington Barnett, Harvey, Lomas Subs Hill, Bagley, Vann, Whelan, Bowden.