Saturday the 20^th Feb was the day most of the team and parents had been building up to since the season began. A true test awaited and so it proved.

After last weeks demolition of Summerseat 10-2, Unsworth went in to the game knowing a sterner challenge was waiting. Unsworth were the only team in the whole of the four divisions of the under 12s league to have a 100% record. Would this remain at final whistle as the only two undefeated teams of the C division met in Blackley? Unsworth so far had played 8 league games and won all by a comfortable margin. Higher Blackley Rebels have played three more and last week saw their 100% record fall with an surprising 5-5 draw with Ramsbottom United.

A title decider with 12 games left? It looks like at this point in the season both Unsworth and Higher Blackley are likely to win promotion but would this game play a big part in who finally takes top spot and goes up Champions?

On Friday night is looked like Jack Frost may chuck a spanner in the works but surprisingly on Saturday morning there was less ice than expected and it looked like the game would be on, if the pitch was playable. A phone call from the opposition confirmed it was “game on” and we took the short trip up Victoria Avenue.

Plant Hill park was the venue and the pitch initially looked quite small, John then put on his specs and it suddenly became rather large. This would hopefully suit Unsworth’s expansive passing game, but in recent weeks we seemed to have played less football and more boot it up the pitch and chase it, so only time would tell who the pitch would suit.

As the two teams warmed up is was obvious both sets of lads (and parents) were eyeing each other up and there was definitely tension in the air. Blackley looked like a big set of lads, but I suppose when they looked at Alex, Jake and Rob to name a few they probably thought the same.

One disappointment was that the league had not appointed a ref for the game, which was strange for a top fixture, and therefore the ref was appointed by the home team to officiate. Not a great one especially as the ref asked John how long he wanted to play before kick off. The answer John could have given was “until we win” but 30 minutes each way would have to do.

Unsworth lined up a little different at the back with Dec slotting in at left back to offer some extra pace meaning Kain started in midfield alongside Mason, Jake and Dom. Up front Charlie and Tom got the nod. The game was only minutes old and an early sub for the visitors as Kain had to come off as he was struggling with a blister.

The game was a battle with both sets of lads looking both a little nervous as well as apprehensive. Neither side were playing great football and on too many occasions the ball was given away cheaply meaning the game flowed from one end to the other. It looked like mistakes would be the difference and with both sides giving it a go, some slack play meant the home team to the lead. Could Unsworth re group and get back in the game or had this knocked the stuffing out of the visitors.

With John aiming to give everyone a run out changes were made on a regular basis and Unsworth went about giving it a good go. We were soon equal with the front two linking up to provide the much needed Unsworth goal. Unsworth were giving as good as they got and Tom and co up front had a number of chances to put Unsworth well ahead but the home goalie was proving difficult to beat.

The home team were proving to be made of stern stuff and a strong midfield were proving a match for Jake and Mason. Liam came on for Mason who seemed t be struggling with a sore stomach. This change gave the midfield a bit more energy as Liam was buzzing all over the place. Further subs were made but again a lack of communication in the Unsworth back line was punished and the homeside went 2-1 up.

Joe and Khol had replaced Tom and Charlie and these two sets of forwards seemed to be working well in pairs and before long the game was again all square. Unsworth played the best move of the half with some lovely football the ball was played out of the middle to the left. Dec sprinted down the line to play a well weighted ball into the middle to be finished off to bring the game level. 2-2 at half time but in reality Unsworth could well have gone into the break 2 or 3 up but a combination of great goal keeping from the Blackley keeper and a few missed chances from the Unsworth front line meant the scores were level

Halftime and the lads didn’t really need much talking to. They knew they were in a fight but in all reality Blackley were only in the game due to a lack of concentration in the Unsworth team and a lack of clinical finishing.

Unsworth had fought back twice but could they go on to victory. To be honest it was much of the same. With the second half moving on with the scores remaining equal Blackley managed to get the ball out to their right winger who had being giving Kain and Alex a tough time. He managed to beat the defence and it was 3-2 to the home team.

As the game moved into the final 15 minutes it looked like Unsworth were sure to suffer their first loss of the season as Blackley made it 4-2. Most teams at this level would now crumble but this test proved what a good bunch of footballers we have.

Rob seemed to be moving more into midfield and Unsworth now took the game to Balckley. Pressure was being applied and it looked like Unsworth might get back in the game, but would they leave too many gaps at the back?

The ball was moved around and ended with Liam who managed to wriggle free and with a shot that looked more like he was using a pitching wedge the ball nestled in the top corner making it 4-3.

Unsworth went for the equaliser and a fine run down the right from Tom was stopped with him being upended and it looked like it must be a penalty. Free kick said the ref as it was ajudged outside the box!!!!

Never mind, justice was just around the corner with another dazzling run from Tom who was again upended. The ref got this one right and penalty.

Dec,s Dad Jonny said who’s taking it to John. The reply “I don’t know” “Why not Rob” said Jonny, but the decision was made on the pitch. The pressure was on Elliot who as calm as you like strode up and dispatched the ball into the top right hand corner. 4-4 and there was still time for either side to grab a late winner. Was this going to be a famous victory or a massive kick in the dangly bits? Neither as it happens as the ref blew up for full time a few minutes later.

The 100% record has come to an end but every credit to all 16 lads. You played like a team and battled for everything. Today showed that not only can you win the easier games but when the going gets tough, the tough get going (if you don’t know this line ask your Mum and Dad as this was out a song when they were young)

Saturday sees us take on Elton and Walshaw Lynx. Kick off is 9.30am at St Peter’s School Redvales. Turn Left at the Swan and Cemetery, down the hill and the school in there. Meet 9.00am and anyone who can’t make it let me know