UNDER 18 MATCH REPORT: Sherwin 1 - 0 LEFC

Emmanuel have never played so well, had so many shots on goal, so dominated a game, and yet lose. But that was the story on Saturday as Emmanuel somehow lost a game that the Sherwin coach was kind enough to say Emmanuel deserved to win 4-1. Emmanuel's dominance began early with Large excellent in midfield and full-backs Sharp and Tyrer lively on the flanks. Soon a whole series of shots flashed just past the Sherwin goal with Etherington coming closest through a superb volley. However, Emmanuel then had a quiet five minutes when Sherwin scored a good goal. This jolted Emmanuel back into life and soon they were again playing some terrific passing football. As the game entered the second half Emmanuel's dominance became almost complete and it seemed just a matter of time before the church club would score. However Sherwin defended for their lives, their keeper held onto everything, and the ball just would not go in. Ironically, it looked like it was about to go into the Emmanuel goal when Sherwin were awarded a penalty but Day saved excellently and Emmanuel were soon in control again as twice Aning headed goal-ward from fine crosses, first from Pownall and then from Walker, then Sweet's overhead volley flashed over the bar, before Arme's brilliant header hit the post. With 15 mins to go and with Schad in fine form as sweeper Emmanuel went to three at the back putting on the tricky Frutuoso as an extra forward, but somehow the goal did not come. It was, though, a thrilling game and congratulations to Sherwin.