Update from Handsworth
Around 40 people made the journey on a pleasant sunny Sunday morning from Sheffield to the excellent facilities at Cavendish Playing Fields Matlock, where most of the Matlock Town Juniors train and play. Handsworth, Olivers Mount was hosting a 'fun day' and Brookfield Colts were restricted by the cricket on their ground; so neither could play at home.
Handsworth started brightly and created a few chances ably defended by Brookfield, coached by ex - Nottingham Forest defender Gary Charles.
Both teams were playing good passing football, but it was Handsworth who took the lead on 9 minutes. Around half a dozen passes from right back through midfield, found Louis Meakin on the left, who cut inside to hit a good strike into the far post. 1-0 Handsworth.
Brookfield were not to be beaten easilly and created a couple of chances themselves; in particular their on trial at West Brom striker who gave our new boy, Harry Hurst (ex SWYO) problems throughout the game. Harry nearly scored from a corner; a good delivery from Louis Meakin, Harry met the ball well, only to see his effort hit the cross bar.
In the 29 minute Handsworth increased their lead; again a move from right to left, more patience this time, around 12 passes, the final pass was inside their fullback and saw Ellis Moore meet the pass in his stride, sweet strike into the far post.
A similar move from the back, through midfield, with James Hastings picking up the ball centrally, on the edge of the area, good strike, but equally good save from their 'keeper.
Half time 2-0 to Handsworth.
Their players were tiring at the end of the first half, reflecting they had been back training for just a week; but they found a 'second wind' and reinvigorated from their half time team talk, they equalised from a penalty within a minute of the restart. It was soft from our point of view, we lost the ball in midfield, they played through into our penaly area and a good turn from their player saw him brought down. Penalty to Brookfield. Converted . 2-1.
From the restart, we went straight down the other end to force a corner. Another good save from their 'keeper as Jay Smith met it full on.
Nearly a goal from the two U15 players combining; Adam received the ball wide on the right, beating the full back, crossed it to the far post, Tyler comming in, unfortunately, half scuffed his shot and their 'keeper parried it.
It was Brookfield making most of the play towards the end of the game after we lost two players through injury. They passed the ball well, played it through to their right winger who took it into the penalty area and struck a powerful shot into the top right corner. 2-2.
Brookfield are a good team, having won the Derby City League for the past two seasons, ably coached by Gary Charles and I understand, apart from the boy on trial at West Brom, are supplying many players for the Matlock Town's forthcomming Youth Cup Squad. So good luck to them all and thanks for the game.
Tim,
HJSC U16 Boys