The Strength of Unity

Jahin Shamsuddin reports a well-contested U-11/12 youth football match at Hackney Marshes.

It was a crucial match between Leyton United and Unity Youth FC as both teams had much at stake at place. A win would have put Leyton United eight points clear at the top of the table but it was a win by Unity Youth FC that took them third in the table.

A late free kick scored by Unity’s number 5 with five minutes left secured the team an important victory after a dominating performance against Leyton.

Unity Youth had started off the match impressively as they were containing Leyton United and ensuring they kept possession. They had outplayed Leyton in each position and looked the better team in the early stages of the game. Unity’s attack applied heavy pressure to Leyton’s defence causing them to lose possession easily.

The first shot on goal came from Unity Youth, the effort going just wide to the goalkeepers left. Unity kept on attacking Leyton’s defence and it nearly paid off when the number 12 had a shot on target. Leyton were feeling the pressure and were struggling to establish a rhythm.

Spark

However, the home side had managed to spark into action with a superb solo effort from the left winger who took on three players before taking a shot which was deflected just wide. Indeed, much of Leyton’s best football had come from the left flank in the first half and it seemed as if they were finally getting on track.

Ultimately, it was Unity Youth who had ended the half on the brighter note with a spectacular volley that went just over the bar. Unity’s number 11 also had a shot that went inches past the post which would have given them a well-deserved lead.

The start of the second half saw Unity dominating possession. The score line remained 0-0 with both defences playing a key part. The breakthrough finally came when Unity Youth won a free kick. Their number 5 had put the ball past the wall and into the right hand corner to finally reward the good work the team had put in. Unity’s goal seemed to have revived Leyton as they were attacking a lot more in the final third but it wasn’t enough. The game ended 1-0 to Unity Youth and it was a well-deserved victory.

Blow

After the game, Leyton’s manager said “our number 8 who had scored 46 goals in 17 games was missing from today’s game which is a huge blow, we will have to win our next seven games to win the league but it will be difficult.”

The defeat leaves Leyton top of the table with their unbeaten run come to an end whilst Unity Youth move up to third place.

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