A brilliant team performance saw Unsworth JFC finally record the first win that their constantly improving performances had suggested was coming. The match was played on top of a hill in freezing conditions with the wind whipping across from the Pennines – the only ground I’ve been to that made me think Boundary Park is tropical in comparison.

Unsworth kicked off with the wind to their backs and the slope in their favour and made a strong start to the game keeping possession well. The spell of Unsworth pressing was interrupted by a Wardle raid, which ended with Ethan making a smart save from a long shot. Shortly after Max made a fine block to concede a corner as the Wardle forward looked to get a shot away. Unsworth were playing well with Reece, Adam, Sean and Jack linking well to stretch the Wardle defence. Jack had the first chance for Unsworth latching on to a defensive mistake before lobbing the keeper but the ball dropped just over the bar. 

It was crucial that the boys took advantage of the slope and wind advantage and Ben showed the way with a wonder goal from the halfway line. Seizing the ball in midfield Ben launched one shot which pole axed a Wardle defender before launching the rebound high and past the keeper from the centre circle. The boys went crazy and chased Ben around the pitch and you could see the confidence flowing.

Unsworth burst forward again and a great move down the left ended with a brilliant cross from Sean that Joe was millimetres from converting at the far post. Wardle were restricted to pot-shots from distance that Ethan was confidently dealing with. The Unsworth lead was soon doubled as a corner from Reece led to panic in the Wardle defence and Sean reacted quickest to force the ball into the net. Unsworth were protecting their lead well and Max was defending responsibly, mopping up the danger well at the back when attacking moves from Unsworth broke down. A rare lapse on the stroke of halftime saw 3 Wardle attackers burst through but Ethan positioned himself well and smothered the ball at the attackers feet, a crucial save to send the boys in at half time with a 2-goal advantage.  

Half-time 0-2

The boys set out to defend their lead in the second half against a strengthening wind and kicking up hill. Any hopes that Wardle may have had of the boys crumbling did not materialise and shortly after the re-start it was the home team who started cracking under pressure. The game was delayed by a petty argument started by the Wardle manager who suddenly objected to Alan being on the ‘wrong’ side of the pitch. The Unsworth support initially embarrassed for him then showed their irritation by booing the manager off the pitch. Wardle were still unable to break down a strong Unsworth defence and continued to fire long shots, attempting to take advantage of the wind. Unsworth were still looking most likely to score and were unlucky when a 50-50 challenge between Jack and the Wardle keeper saw the ball break to the home defence. Joe played a clever

ball in behind the defence to set Jack clear and his shot from just inside the box flew inches past the post with the keeper beaten. The next to threaten was Reece who took a long clearance by Ben, beat his man before running into the area and firing a shot which appeared to clip the post as it went wide.

Finally Wardle began to press and the boys had to be at their best to keep them at bay. Good covering by Sean, Max, Ben and Adam restricted the chances for the home and when the home team finally managed to beat Ethan, Jack was well placed to hook a ball off the line and prevent Wardle halving the deficit. This appeared to be a wake up call and Unsworth pressed forward again. The team were not afraid to get in where it hurts, typified by Sean’s brave header at the feet of a Wardle defender. Unsworth were again ripping the home defence apart, first Jack played a great ball to Sean who was just unable to get his shot away. Ben then sent Reece away down the right who fired in a low shot which Adam smacked in off the post to increase the lead to 3-0. This was all too much for the home manager who now decided that although Alan was on the ‘right’ side, he was ‘too near’ the pitch. Again the game was held up as he whined at the referee, and again the Unsworth support jeered and booed to show their disapproval.

The Wardle team responded more maturely and scored a goal quickly after with a long shot from the left hand side of the area into the far corner of the net. This sparked a period of pressure, which the boys managed with a combination of luck and determination to ride out. Wardle almost scored a carbon copy of their first goal but Ethan made a brilliant save to tip it round the post. You could sense this was a defining moment in the game, at 3-2 it would have been game on, but the save deflated Wardle. Unsworth finished the stronger, and had two chances to increase their lead, Adam sending Jack away who forced a save from the Wardle keeper, and a last gasp shot from Sean hitting the bar.

The referee blew for full time to a roar of delight from the boys and the parents, such a relief for the boys to be rewarded for a really impressive performance. The boys have played with a smile on their face all season and have refused to let bad results get them down; it was great to see them enjoying the winning feeling and reward Alan’s hard work. Everyone left with a huge smile on their face, same again next week!

Man of the match: Every player for Unsworth JFC!

Ethan – a solid confident performance, dealt well with a lot of long shots in difficult conditions, and a two brilliant saves at crucial stages of the match.

Max – dependable and responsible defending all afternoon, concentrated well and flew into tackles against a big Wardle side. No nonsense!

Ben – ran his heart out, tackled hard to break up Wardle attacks and was the starting point for Unsworth attacks. Passed well and relieved pressure when needed. Not a bad tap in either!

Sean – dominated the left had side of the pitch, defending well and getting stuck in and getting forward well to support the attack. Some great balls into the box and a sharp finish for his goal.

Adam – a mirror image of Sean on the right, determined in the tackle and clever in possession. Gave his full-back a hard time and took his goal brilliantly.

Reece – dominated the midfield, quick in the tackle and spread play well with some good passing. Kept the attacks coming and protected his defenders. Unlucky not to score.

Jack – worked hard and starting to show some bite in the tackle. Never wasted a ball and created some chances with some clever passing. Unlucky not to score with some sharp chances and an important goal-saving clearance.

Joe – gave the Wardle defenders a tough time with his determination and strength, defended from the front and was a good attacking outlet. Very unlucky not to connect with Sean’s cross.

Managers comments : Almost speechless, Finally we have got the result our performances have deserved. A very solid look to the side, everyone worked for each other, both on and off the ball. The  boys listened well to my directions and were well rewarded, the 3rd goal came straight off the training pitch which was nice to see at last.

I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it would have been harsh on the lads if they had gone a whole season not winning a game. A big thank-you to them for staying with the team you have made my season today well done.