In what turned out to be one of the best games at U9 level you are likely to see, Cadley edged out a competitive Longridge to record back to back victories. 

Cadley started the first half playing against a strong wind and were expecting to have to do their fair share of defending.  As it was they got off to a flyer when Williams and Rowland combined and after the keeper had saved Rowland’s first shot he was the first to react and knocked in the rebound (1-0).   Rowland was proving a real handful with his pace and power and was unlucky not to double his account when his understanding with Williams opened up the Longridge defence but his shot went just wide of the post.  Williams then had a long range effort of his own that just cleared the bar.  At this point Cadley were well on top and nobody would have predicted what was to come.  Longridge had been forced to defend for most of the game but suddenly started to create chances of their own and were in control for the remainder of the half.  This pressure finally told when a long range shot was brilliantly saved by Smith only for the rebound to fall to the Longridge striker who slotted home (1-1).  Nugent and Nelson were having their busiest afternoon of the season but they withstood all that Longridge could throw at them and the teams went in level at half time. (1-1)

With the wind at their backs the boys were looking to turn the tide and a move involving Ormsby, Culshaw and Houghton deserved a goal but Pitt’s shot was well saved by the keeper.  Longridge were still dangerous on the break however, and after Smith had done well to push a powerfully shot round the post Longridge took the lead when the centre half met the corner with a powerful header to give Smith no chance (1-2).  This is when the real fun started.  Longridge, determined to hang on to their lead were quick and strong in the tackle and denied Cadley time and space.  This however only inspired the boys to try even harder and with Grant a driving force and Ormsby showing great skill and vision they started to wear the Longridge boys down and create chances.  A long range shot from Ormsby was well saved by the keeper and then a one two between Culshaw and Rowland saw Culshaw shave the outside of the post.  Cadley drew level when Grant picked the ball up in his own half and after beating a couple of players put the ball through to Rowland who calmly side footed it into the corner of the goal (2-2).  Almost immediately Rowland came close to getting his hat trick but his shot was well saved.  Cadley did eventually get the their third when Nugent’s persistence won the ball in midfield and released Grant to fire left footed low to the keeper’s left (3-2). Both teams continued to give their all right to the final whistle but neither was able to add to the scoring and Cadley ran out narrow but deserved winners.

The boys were brilliant today and gave everything they had against a tough and determined opposition.  This was a real team effort with every boy contributing and it shows their character that they were able to withstand the Longridge pressure and still play brilliant football and secure the three points. MAN OF MATCH - GRANT