Report by Mark Harrison

Unsworth JFC 3 – 5 Springhead

Unsworth JFC paid the price for a slow start as they crashed out of the cup 5-3 against Springhead. The visitors raced in to a 2-0 lead in the opening minutes of the game as slack defending gifted them two goals. Unsworth were second to the ball and silent as it seemed that the away team wanted the win and started to play some good football. The boys rarely looked like they were going to get the goals they needed to drag themselves into the match. Shortly before half time Springhead extended their lead after slicing through the Unsworth defence once more.

Half-time: 0-3

The second half started disastrously for Unsworth as an early attack saw Adam dragged out of position and unfortunately knocking the ball past Lewis into his own net as he attempted to stop the ball reaching an attacker. Springhead kept on attacking and only a fine save from Lewis prevented them scoring a fifth goal. Finally Unsworth started to wake up and began applying some pressure. Ben and Jack H managed to create a chance that was blocked by the defence. The ball was only cleared as far as Sean who hit a diagonal shot from the edge against the post, Ben followed the ball in and stabbed the ball past the goalkeeper to start the fightback for Unsworth. The crowd went wild and suddenly Unsworth believed they could get back into the game. Ben would have been happy to get on the score sheet after having been barracked by a female member of the crowd throughout the game.

From the restart Springhead mounted another attack but were kept at bay by another great save from Lewis, Unsworth replied with two long range shots from Jasper which both went narrowly wide. Jasper wasn’t to be denied though, hitting a great shot past the Springhead keeper from the edge of the box. The crowd went crazy again, with Julie firing up the boys with her trademark ‘grrrr.’ Max seemed inspired and broke up some attacks with some crunching tackles. When Springhead managed to get through another save from Lewis kept the comeback on track.

At the other end the chances were coming more regularly for Unsworth, the boys were working hard for each other and good pressing by Jack A-H, Reece and Adam was keeping the ball in the Springhead half. Jack H robbed the full back but saw his shot deflected wide and Jasper had another shot saved by the keeper. The boys got a deserved third goal when Reece broke down the right and crossed the ball. Jack H’s mis-hit shot was slotted past the keeper by Jasper who had followed in well. The crowd erupted and in the mayhem Zack managed to get himself tangled in the respect barrier before attempting to scale the fence. Unsworth kept searching for the equaliser but were leaving themselves short at the back. Eventually Springhead punished the boys with a goal on the break to make it 5-3 and seal the victory.

Another defeat but the second half showed some promising signs for next week. If the boys could start matches the way they finish they would be getting better results. Alan’s man of the match: Jasper.