U16's Match Reports

Minor County Youth League – Div 2

28th Sept – Cheadle United 4 . 0 Stafford Rangers Youth U16

Stafford came under pressure early on from an older, more experienced Cheadle U18 team, but looked to be coping comfortably and defending solidly. When Stafford did get the ball on the ground they passed neatly to feet looking technically the better side. Cheadle on the other hand relied on physique to lend weight to a one-dimensional long-ball game. In fact, it was Stafford on 20 minutes that made the first real chance with Mike Tinkler blasting over the bar after a cross from the right by Taylor Ellis had caused chaos in the Cheadle box. On 40 minutes there were bookings for two Cheadle players. This was a sign that their frustration was starting to get the better of them. Half time came with the score at 0-0 and a growing belief that Stafford might take points from this game.

Cheadle came out for the second half determined to press their strength advantage and were allowed to play a very physical game. A fine save with feet by Josh Elmore in the Stafford goal after 50 minutes - the first in a string of important saves he made in the second half before going off with a knee injury after 75 minutes - was the first sign that Stafford were beginning to tire. The dogged Stafford defense was finally breached on 55 minutes by a good strike from the edge of the box. There was an immediate and heartening response by Stafford, Tinkler and the inventive MOM Jaimie Evans combining down the left to good effect. However, as can often happen after a goal, Cheadle suddenly looked a different team and grew in confidence by the minute. They made it 2-0 on 65 minutes yet still Stafford refused to lie down, the industrious Tinkler hitting the bar after another short period of promising Stafford pressure. Ultimately the Stafford passing game was stifled by brute force, Cheadle taking full advantage and emerging as winners by 4 goals to nil.

21st Sept – Cheadle Town Juniors 3 . 5 Rangers Youth U16

Rangers started brightly and were playing good football when, against the run of play, Cheadle crossed and a fine finish saw them go one up on 10 mins. A good battle developed in midfield between the sides.. Isaac Clarke and Joe Williams were commanding at the back and on 20 mins Rangers growing confidence saw a fine switch ball Ollie Westray and Jamie Evans crossed for Westray to finish. Jake Pryzslak won the ball and fed Westray a min later and again Evans Beat his man and crossed for Taylor Ellis to finish the first of his hat-trick. Failure to clear second ball then saw a dubious penalty decision go Cheadle way, they converted a good penalty to square the game. Poor defending and a mistake led to Cheadle going in 3.2 up.

The second half began as the first ended with Rangers going close early. After 5 mins the influential Evans crossed from the left with and Ellis got on the end to square the game. Rangers were now controlling all aspects of the game and Mike Tinkler was having more influence with his midfield partners Ben Mattinson and Captain Gaius Hobson. On 70 mins Jamie Evans 4th assist was put away by MOM Tinkler. Rangers fitness was now beginning to tell and Cheadle were missing vital tackles and were giving away cheap free kicks. One such kick saw Debutant Wes Carter flick on a Tinkler cross for Ellis to complete his Hat-trick. An entertaining game from both teams played in good spirit in excellent autumn weather. Rangers are away to Cheadle United next week.

Minor County Youth League – Div 2

7th Sept – County Minor Sunday Youth League - Rangers U16 2 . 3 Market Drayton Tigers U16

The start of the match was overshadowed by an early injury to Rangers’ Sam Barnes which turned out to be a broken wrist. Hopefully his recovery will be speedy. When the match resumed Rangers continued their bright start looking sharp in attack and solid at the back. Drayton survived a goalmouth scramble, followed soon after by a fine effort from Taylor Ellis that was tipped over the bar by the Tigers keeper at full stretch. However, it was Tigers that struck first with a goal out of nothing after 20 minutes against the run of play. Now tigers took full advantage of their good fortune, doubling their lead with a fine strike on 35 minutes. Things might have been worse for Rangers but for the quick thinking of Jaimie Evans who, when Tigers looked certain to score a third, somehow managed to clear off the line.

Rangers’ work-rate stepped up in the second half but they were unlucky to find themselves 3 down after 55 minutes to another great strike. Yet still they stuck to the gameplan, fighting hard to win back possession when they lost the ball and playing neat, efficient, attacking football on the break. A flexible 3-5-2 formation allowed them to both frustrate the Tigers in midfield, and also to quickly turn defense into attack which, as the half progressed, they did more and more. On 65 minutes they got their reward with a fine goal from Josh Saunders, latching on to a long diagonal ball just inside the box after some tidy build up play. Now it was all Rangers; another goalmouth scramble, another shot from Saunders agonisingly tipped wide by the Tigers keeper, but then on 85 minutes a brilliant individual goal by MOM Jack Hall dribbling in from the left and rounding off with a cool finish. Another 5 minutes might have seen an equaliser, but on this occasion it wasn’t to be. There were a lot of positives for Rangers to take away from this game including a seemingly indomitable team spirit, high fitness levels, and a growing understanding between the new and established players that promises much this season.