Burley Trojans U-7’s ‘A’ 1 Shipley Lions 4

Trojans continue to find life tough in the Keybury League as they slipped to a second home defeat, this time at the hands of the unbeaten Shipley Lions. It was, however, a much improved showing from Trojans and the scoreline does not really do them justice.Showing no after effects from the previous week Trojans quickly established a good rhythm and the visitors found it difficult to cope with their passing and movement. Daniel Twigg looking more comfortable in a striking role found Noah Boardman ands his well struck shot was excellently saved by the Lions keeper. It was not the only time that he was to thwart Trojans and he also saved smartly from both Twigg and Boardman again in the first half as the home side enjoyed the lions share of possession and chances.The visitors took the lead against the run of play just before the break when Trojans failed to clear their lines and a well struck shot from the edge of the area found the net.The Lions caught Trojans cold at the start of the second half to double their lead before the home side bounced back when Matthew Revis ran the length of the pitch and kept his composure to slip an assured finish past the keeper. Revis then shot wide again but, as Trojans poured forward in search of an equaliser, the Lions restored their two goals cushion on the break. A speculative shot from wide on the left somehow found its way into the corner for a fourth to leave Trojans on the ropes. A defensive reshuffle saw Twigg take over in goal and he produced a fine double save to deny the Lions a fifth whilst at the other end the hard working Cameron Hawdon came close despite appearing to be held back in the area as he shot. The game ended with Trojans on top as Revis came close to adding a second when he got on the end of an excellent Freddie Smart free kick. Revis was named man of the match for his all action performance which posed a constant threat to the visitors.     

                                                               Burley Trojans U-7’s ‘B’ 0 Shipley Tigers 5

Only the second outing for the B-Team but there were real signs of improvement. Against an attack minded Tigers squad who, due to a shortage of players included a number of their first team, Trojans B were always on the back foot. Bradley Hardesty put in another brave performance in goal with Ryan Stockley battling well, marshalling the defence. Benjamin White, Thomas Schofield and James Barker all had chances but the Tigers’ keeper stood tall and prevailed throughout. White looked frustrated at the lack of space to show his speed and Barker missed from close range mid-way through the second half. Trojans were pressed back for most of the match and the scoreline would surely have been greater but for the cover tackling by player of the match Ella Shouler-Harris. Often called on to chase down attack after attack the impressive Shouler-Harris showed courage and speed in sweeping up at the back and demonstrated her versatility with a full length of the field run only to be foiled by a last ditch Tiger tackle. Other notable performances came from, Benjamin Kelly who took an early knock but tackled his way through the match. Tom Williams put in a display providing real competition for places and Alfie White made telling contributions when called upon. Trojans almost chalked up their first goal late in the second half when Thomas Schofield won a penalty following a strong run from midfield. He picked himself up to take the kick but his low shot was well saved.