The Year 10 boys football team have exited the National Cup. An unfortunate combination of a missed penalty and an own goal set the tone for a disappointing game against a strong Trinity side.
After top class recent performances, the Year 10 boys football team have exited the National Cup. An unfortunate combination of a missed penalty and an own goal set the tone for a disappointing game against a strong Trinity side.
A full strength squad lined up, with the exception of star striker Ste Walker, who was rested for the home side, ahead of a key Middlesbrough Academy fixture against Merseyside club Liverpool. Macmillan remained with the 3-5-2 formation, which had proved successful in the last round against Richmond.
Trinity pressed in the opening minutes of the match, Sol Brynn forced into a save, and the ball was cleared, but with 6 or 7 quick passes the ball was in the back of the net. A quick move, finished off with a low strike.
Macmillan had a chance to claw back level minutes later. Tom Donald scythed down in the box; he stepped up, put his penalty down the middle of the goal, which was saved.
Macmillan did draw level, ten minutes into the match. Jacub Thompson took a deep, out swinging corner, which deflected and fell on a plate for George Crawford, who was ready to drill the ball high into the goal.
George Wilson then give the home side a 2-1 lead. Connor Bezanz picked him out with a low, through ball and George made no mistake, slotting the ball beyond the keeper.
Two goals in two minutes gave Trinity a 3-2 lead at the break. Both goals came from similar sources, low crosses zipped into the box. Sol Bryn got a hand to the first, but the rebound was headed in. The second come about as Saif Rahman lost his footing against a Trinity talisman Dom Harrison. He fired the ball across the box, which was deflected in.
At half time there were some changes as Saif and Tom Donald made way for Johnny Yacub and Ste Walker, brought on earlier than anticipated to try to save the game.
Keane Grantham came close to closing the deficit with a thirty yard thunderbolt skimming the top of the cross bar on its way over.
Match Stats:
Match Stats |
Macmillan |
St Aidans |
Goals |
3 |
5 |
Shots |
10 |
12 |
On Target |
8 |
9 |
Corners |
2 |
2 |
Fouls |
3 |
1 |
By Tom Carmichael, Sports Correspondent