U11's 3 v Hawkley 6
Rangers started off well and quickly had the opposition on the defensive. A series of chances followed but early season nerves got the better of the players and these were squandered. However it was not long before Rangers got the break through with a well taken goal from Reece.
Rangers continued to build on this goal with continued pressure, however they could not apply the finishing touch. Any threat that Hawkley offered in this opening period was quickly cut out by strong performances by the defense, with an impressive start from Adam at centre back. Continued pressure paid off with Reece collecting his second goal from a well taken corner.
Half time 2-0 to Billinge.
The second half got under way in similar fashion to the first with rangers missing a series of opportunities, but after five minutes Ben finished off a well worked move to score our third goal. This seamed to motivate Hawkley who scored their first goal ten minutes after the re-start.
What then followed was a combination of fatigue, this was a full sized pitched covered by nine eleven year olds; and panic, as Hawkley scored shortly after their first goal. Rangers continued to press and were denied two clear cut penalty claims when the Hawkley defence clearly handled the ball in their own box, whilst the whole of the Rangers attack and midfield protested in the opposition’s penalty box Hawkley took the opportunity to break away and with overwhelming odds against the three man defence they slotted in the equaliser. From then on Hawkley continued to attack and despite some excellent saves from Jack, poor team work led to a further three late goals.
This was a harsh introduction into the Wigan league but Rangers can take heart from the good start that they made in the first half and a man of the match performance from Ben.
Final Score Billinge Rangers 3 – Hawkley 6.