Dynamo Rangers 1 vs 3 Bootle U15 Blue

The lads returned to action today, with the the first game played in Skem in awful conditions of non stop heavy rain. Some new faces of Connor up front, Azzer on the wing and Joel in midfield.

The rain wasn't the only issue for both teams to contend with, as the pitch wasn't the best, but the first 20mins it was our opponents who settled better, perhaps their more combative style and more direct play suiting the conditions. But Joe, Sean, Callum and Ell at the back dealt with this well and Josh was great in goal, being sharp and brave to come out and deal with any threat. As the first half wore on, we grew into the game with Kieran battling well end Ell Hay starting to pull the stringers we created the better chances with some good football. Azzer was unlucky to see his shot clip the post, and Jack and Connor were causing more problems with only some marginal off side calls saving Dynamo.

HT 0-0

Second half was much better, we started on the front foot and fresh legs of the subs seemed to help. A great move saw us take the lead, Connor holding ball up great then playing Tom in to slot home. This goal gave the lads more confidence, and we starting causing more problems. The second goal was a classic counter attack, with Joel cutting out a Dynamo free kick, setting up Jack on the run who ran free to cooly pass the ball into the net. 2-0 soon became 3-0, with more sharp play, Ell hay playing some neat football for Jack to use his pace on the right to square for Tom to make it 3. We controlled the game great from this point, only a late consolation from a tremendous volley from their attacker meant we lost our clean sheet. Final score 3-1.

So off and running in awful conditions, with the rain actually becoming worse and match went on, but the 3 points being vital in this league.

Some strong man of the match performers, but for me the whole squad played it's part for this well earned win.

Well done boys.

Thanks to James for a fantastic report

This was our fourth game against Dynamo in a year so we knew it would be a tough test with them being well organised, hard workers snd having some good players but like i told the lads compete from the first minute to the last and we'll be in it.
The lads were all up for the opening game of a strong competitive season in which we will need commitment throughout.
Thr game really pleased me todat as we were resolute when needed, organised and committed all over the park and seemed to be back to our sold selves defensively, long may this continue.
We can and will play better but getting off the mark will do us good, good debuts for Azzer, Joel & Connor today, onwards to next week and up the bucks

Goals Marlowe x 2 & Jack x 1
MOM Some strong contenders, Josh in goal, Joe at CB but it goes to Tom who was class, kept pushing us all day, looking for openings and scored two