UNDER 14's MATCH REPORT: LEFC 2 - 0 Barton Rovers

The Under 14's got back on track after last weeks indecorous defeat to Field Lane with a hard fought victory over a very good Barton team. Going into the game is was obviously a tough proposition as Barton have proven themselves to be one of the quality teams in Division 2 having beaten joint top Field Lane 3-1 in their previous game. The question around the Emmanuel camp was about how the players would react after losing the previous match. There is no doubting the Emmanuel players ability so it was just case of showing confidence and belief in themselves.

Any hangover from defeat was put to bed however as Emmanuel proved the dominant side overall, creating more clear cut chances and limiting Barton to only a handful of opportunities, most of which were the result of silly mistakes at the back.

Barton defended superbly throughout and are obviously well drilled. It was in the end an own goal which put Emmanuel infront and sadly for the Barton defender if it had been at the other end of the field people would have been screaming superlatives. Unfortunately lobbing your own keeper from 25 yards isn't something you want people to remember and I doubt he'll enjoy our video highlights recording the event for eternity. Unlucky for him, but the goal we deserved through our constant pressure.

Emmanuel players continued to work hard, both Josh Cooling and Adam "The Rock" Richardson had good halves each, whilst Toby Telfer reprised last seasons sweeper role to good effect. Special mention in defence should go the Dan "The Man" Callan who had another assured game at left back. In midfield the usual high workrate, craft and commitment of Patrick Trebski and Captain Isaac Timson, supplemented by the intelligent and calm work of Jabed in the holding role were a telling factor in the victory. Debut boy Jordan Bailey performed very well on the left side of attack and showed glimses of what Emmanuel supporters can expect over the coming months. His pace, trickery and creativity will add something extra to the Emmanuel team and with skillful forward Alex Bucknor, who grabbed his 7th goal of the season for Emmanuel's 2nd, there are plenty of things to concern any opposition.

So, there it is, another Emmanuel win and a first clean sheet for the lads. The team should enjoy this win and feel proud of their achievements. Then, come training on Wednesday all focus should be on the next match against table topping Mickleover 95' Utd. This promises to be our toughest match and a stern test for Emmanuel but if the player walk onto the pitch next saturday with self belief and the same team ethic and commitment there is every chance of coming away a positive result.

COME ON EMMANUEL!!!

Goals: Barton (O.G), Bucknor

Man of the Match: Trebski

Special Mention: John Parton for going in goal during our mini keeper crisis. Cheers John! Took it like a man.


Squad: Back: Barrow, Grainger, Richardson, Timson, Cooling, Parton, Jabed, Carter.
Front: Trebski, Telfer, Callan, Bucknor, Bailey, Tourki, Jubed.

Starting 11: