UNDER 14's MATCH REPORT: LEFC 6 - 3 Toton Tigers

There was obvious tension surrounding the team before this Cup game, masked well by the usual high spirits and togetherness of the players. For this was a game that would either prove the previous excellent result to be a fluke or act as confirmation that Emmanuel have this season established themselves as a strong, powerful and talented side. There was no fortune involved in proving the latter to be true.

Emmanuel started all guns blazing, as is the teams nature, or rather the gung ho attitude of head coach Luke, and went close with a couple of early chances. If only Joe Conneally had been a couple of inches taller! The confidence was there but there was some pressure. Never has this Emmanuel team gone into a match as favourites before so the first goal was important to settle nerves. Luckily it wasn't too long in coming when 15 minutes in, Patryk "Roy Keane" Trebski hit a pin point 30 pass from the right to Captain Awesome Isaac Timson, who chested the ball down and struck the ball across the Toton keeper into the corner of the net from the edge of the area. 1-0 and let's all relax!

The attacking continued but the 2nd goal was elusive and as silly errors and lack of concentration were causing a few scarey moments at the back Emmanuel badly needed the cushion. It came eventually, from the usual suspect, star Striker Alex Bucknor who slotted the ball home after coming on as a sub following a powerful run and through ball by Timson. 2-0!

The second half proved to be even better going forward although in an attempt to get everyone plenty of time on the pitch the chopping and changing of the players cost Emmanuel 3 goals but in reality this was a game which was never in danger of being drawn or lost. Goals from Noraddin "Noddy" Tourki, a beautiful right footed drive across the keeper, another screamer from Captain Isaac Timson who is having a personal goal of the season competition, and another 2 well taken goals from Bucknor to complete his hat-trick roared Emmanuel into a 6-0 lead before a little confusion and complacency allowed Toton to get 3 consolation goals.

In conclusion this Cup win is a huge boost to Emmanuel who needed to prove to themselves that they are geniune contenders. The key is the consistency throughout the team to produce good performances each week. Special mentions should be made of Jabed and Adam Richardson who are looking assured throughout and the unbelievable work rate and commitment of Trebski have added another dimension to midfield. Jubed Rachman also made a great debut in the heart of defence. Without doubt, man for man Emmanuel can match any opposition they face and it is up to players to rise to the occasion every match. The toughest of these matches comes next weekend when Emmanuel travel to Field Lane, the current league leaders. Having narrowly lost 2-3 at home to Field Lane in the first match of the season, in a game that Emmanuel dominated and should have won, the team can travel with confidence and the distinct possibility of proving themselves to be the superior team this time around. It will require, focus, determination and belief but nothing is beyond Emmanuel anymore.

Video Highlights to follow

Goals: Timson 2, Tourki, Bucknor 3.

Man of the Match: Alex Bucknor for a superb hat-trick and tireless running. Well Done mate!

Squad: Back Row: Trebski, Timson (Capt), Richardson, Paisley, Bucknor, Parton, Cooling, Carter, Jabed, Front Row: Telfer, Callan, Tourki, Brown, Rachman, Conneally, Postance.

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