It’s been a busy and exciting period for junior teams in Hackney. Rising East reporters round up the action.
Athletico DFZ Oranges Defiant in Mid-Table Clash With SP Leytonstone
It was a typically cold, windy morning at the Hackney Marshes on Saturday, as two mid-table clubs met in a game that would have boosted the winning side up the U13/14s Grey League table, writes Robson Friend.
The Oranges kicked-off looking the brighter team, with a flurry of attacks down the right flank. Little time had passed when Leytonstone’s keeper was forced into the action, making some key saves early on.
Leytonstone fought back, probing the right wing which seemed pivotal to their attacking success as they found themselves through on goal, missing the target early on.
Early indications signalled that the wind would play an integral part, tossing the ball off target as the midfielders looked to find their attackers, and creating issues for the defenders.
Half way through the first half, and Leytonstone found their way through on goal with their robust midfielder number 27 slotting through his striker down the centre with only the keeper to beat, and then scoring only to be found questionably offside.
But Leytonstone continued, attacking through the centre once again and leaving the Oranges exposed at the back. The heavily involved number 27 proceeded to lob the keeper in a beautifully crafted goal to break the deadlock and put Leytonstone 1-0 ahead.
However, Oranges struck back, as their keeper lifted the ball towards his midfielder who in turn found his controversially onside striker, who finished the play with a composed finish to tie the game at 1-1.
Half-time arrived after an exhilarating 30 minutes, with Leytonstone arguably in control of the match up, but that was all about to change.
Second-half arrived, and the Oranges came out resurgent and ready to turn around the game, attacking down the left-side, finding the striker clean through before rolling the ball slowly past the exposed keeper to take the lead.
Moments later, a corner-kick arrived with the taker steering the ball towards the keeper who mishandled the ball into his own net, taking the Oranges 3-1 ahead.
Shell-shocked and bewildered, the initial leaders crumbled, as the keeper became involved in a back-pass that led to a free-kick.
This was quickly taken by the Oranges who placed the ball into the net, making it 4-1.
But the Yellows had fight: number 27 lead the attack with an inspirational solo run which led to the defender bringing him down in the box. His teammate dispatched the ball into the net from the spot.
Back again down the other end, Oranges found themselves through on goal, striking at the keeper from close range with a shot that comically ricocheted off the keeper back to the striker and ultimately into the net, 5-2 Oranges.
Full time, and the Oranges left with the three points in a game that was centred on taking chances, and that’s exactly what they did, with an emphatic victory.
Unity Youth FC Join The Title Race!
It was an important game between Unity FC and Leyton United as both teams were looking for a crucial win, writes Jahin Mohammed Shamsuddin.
A win for Leyton would have put them eight points clear of second-place East London Soccer Blues whereas a win for Unity would have put them third.
Unity Youth started off the match brilliantly, they were dominating possession and outplaying Leyton United. Whenever Leyton had gained possession, Unity were high on pressure to ensure that they had recovered the ball back. The team were intricate with their passes with some lovely one touch passing between the players. Both defences were performing really well keeping each other’s attack at bay.
The game’s first shot came from Unity Youth which went wide of the goal keeper’s left. Unity’s first shot on target came from the number 12 which was calmly saved by the goalkeeper. Leyton slowly got back into the game with some brilliant footwork coming from the left flank. Some of their best football came from the left side with their first shot on goal just wide of the post.
However, it was Unity who ended the half on a positive note with a brilliant volley that went over the goalkeeper. Their number 11 also had a shot that was narrowly wide which would have given them a well-deserved lead into the break.
The second half started with Unity dominating possession as they did in the first half. Both teams were defending well and keeping the game 0-0 but it was Unity Youth who got the breakthrough late in the second half with an amazing free kick.
The ball had curled past the wall and into the right hand corner. Unity deserved the goal as they were on the attacking front throughout the whole game. With that goal, life was sparked into Leyton side with them going more aggressive in the final third. Ultimately they fell short and it was a much deserved win from Unity Youth.
With the defeat to Unity Youth FC, Leyton’s unbeaten run came to an end. After the game, Leyton manager had a few words regarding the defeat. He said: “our number 8 had scored 46 goals in 17 games and he was missing from today’s game which was a huge blow.” He added: “They have to win their next seven games to win the league but it will be difficult.”
Leyton United remain in first place despite the defeat whilst Unity Youth FC move up to 3rd place with the win.
Leyton United FC title charge!
Leyton United U11/12s continued their unbeaten run and extended their lead at the top of the Saturday Youth Football League table with a slender 1-0 win over Pedro FC U11/12s. A fine individual goal just before half-time was all that separated the two sides on Saturday afternoon at Hackney Marshes, writes Dean Ammi.
Despite having recently released four players, Pedro FC started brightly and exploited the wings well in the opening exchanges. Joseph nearly put them ahead after Leyton conceded an indirect free-kick after 25 minutes, but his shot was blocked after some brave defending by the opposition.
However, the Reds took the lead just before the end of the first half after a fantastic solo run from their number 10. He danced past a couple of defenders just outside the penalty area before squeezing a strike into the bottom left corner and put the top-of-the-table side ahead.
The encounter grew increasingly open in the second period as the rain began to fall. Pedro FC should have equalised after 42 minutes but they had a shot cleared off the line and were unlucky not to level things moments later after McKenzie nutmegged his man and shot wide.
It could have been 2-0 soon after, as a swift counter-attack by Leyton put them through on goal, but the Blues goalkeeper did well to tip over a curling effort for a corner kick. The ball in was a good delivery, but was cleared well.
Pedro FC’s wingers showed good pace and trickery down the left and right hand-side as they tried to help their team get back into the game, and one of them nearly made things level as McKenzie did well to bend a near post effort on target.
Unfortunately for them, the Leyton goalkeeper was in fine form and held well from close range. The other winger also put in a good performance ahead of his trial at Brentford next week.
Centre-back Josh, who was only making his second appearance for Pedro, made some terrific tackles to deny Leyton from doubling their lead as he commanded the backline with his towering presence on the playing field.
In the end, Pedro FC just could not break Leyton down, with the latter going eight points clear prior to their rivals’ results being accounted for.
Meanwhile, Pedro FC remain in tenth position and their manager Chris was adamant about what his team need to improve on.
“What we need to improve on is team discipline and formation, and keeping our shape. Young boys always have a tendency to chase the ball. At this age it’s all about disciplining them in the fact that it’s a team game. It’s more about instilling that in them.”
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