MATCH REPORT  26/04/08

 Chadderton JFC U14’s 3    Mossley  Juniors    2

 Team:                              Sam L 

 Gary M           Adam H          Sam C         Nathan M 

 Louis D             Jack B          Michael. C      Chris. K 

                          Tom S          Mike.T

 Subs: Pauly R,  Ryan G,  Jack S., Jack V, Joe F.

This was our final game of the season and it was against the only team that has consistently been chasing the league title with our selves and what a game. We had to avoid defeat to out and out win the league on points rather than goal difference along with the added motivation of going the whole season in the league undefeated. 

The pitch was in great nick, the weather windy but dry and the biggest attendance of the season….I reckon about 20 away supporters and 50 home were there to cheer us on.

 We started the game a little nervous playing against the wind and found it hard to find our rhythm. Credit to Mossley who played their 4 5 1 (defend) 4 3 3 (attack) formation very well and they took a fortunate lead when their left winger beat Gaz to the bye line to swing in a cross that Chetty got a head to but couldn’t stop the wind assist cross going into the far top corner of our goal. Bad start and more was to come. The goal seemed to unsettle us even more and we wasn’t being first to the ball and allowing the ball to bounce in our penalty area caused us problems. Mossley scored a second through a long throw into  our box where we allowed the ball to bounce over everyone and Mossley’s forward had the simple task of heading the ball over the line. 2-0 down….nightmare. The real Chaddy was not on the pitch and as a management we hoped we could keep it at 0-2 till half time….we did. 

Half time team talk was to ask the players when losing a game do we fold and give up or do we dust our selves down and show that we are a great team. We were allowing Mossley to make us look ordinary….and Chadderton FC Juniors U14s are not an ordinary team….they are an extra ordinary team…a great team and we had 35 minutes to prove it. 

WOW! What was to follow was the best 35 minutes I’ve seen and proved that on our day and this season no team has been able to live with us.

Defensively we were solid and creative, the midfield led by captain marvel Jack Beasley pressed Mossley back and our forwards were hungry to punish our opponents.

The comeback started mid way through the second half after a number of chances went begging, Taylor picked the ball up about 25 yards from the Mossley goal he turned his defender and hit a right foot beauty into the top right hand corner of the goal. 1-2 game on.

With about 10 minutes to go Jack Beasley found some space on the far right of the Mossley half and he floated a lovely cross to the far post where Michael Clune headed the ball home..2-2

Chaddy now had nothing other than victory on their mind and with 5 minutes to go Nathan Mayall put the Mossley defence under pressure on the right wing and then played a high ball again to the far post where goal machine Taylor hit a glorious right foot volley into the back of the net to seal the win, a fantastic performance, an undefeated season and with it the CHAMPIONSHIP.

Mossley were gracious in defeat and have the consolation of a cup final next week…we wish them all the best.

As far as Chadderton FC Juniors U14s….a well deserved title. Played 22, W 19, D 3, L 0……party and celebration time where the managers got soaked with water, orange juice and champagne.

A massive well done to all this season, players, parents and management…..this team has and can achieve great things.

CHAMPIONS!  CHAMPIONS!