SUB-zero temperatures did nothing to deter the hardy players of Buckden U10 Whites and their U11 Merlins counterparts, who rolled their sleeves up in a friendly at the all-weather playing surface at Hinchingbrooke.

Colts Football

BUCKDEN

SUB-zero temperatures did nothing to deter the hardy players of Buckden U10 Whites and their U11 Merlins counterparts, who rolled their sleeves up in a friendly at the all-weather playing surface at Hinchingbrooke.

The Whites had emerged 5-0 winners by the final whistle, but the match was well-contested throughout by their older opponents.

The Merlins looked stronger early on and produced a period of sustained pressure, capably defended by the strong Whites backline of Laurence Palmer, Ben Reed, Max Saunders and Ashley Brewer.

The Whites got back into the game, and smart interplay with Adam Brown released Joe Brooks down the left wing who crossed for Louis Spicer to score the opening goal on the run.

Merlins fell into disarray and the defence allowed a long clearance to bounce over their heads for Spicer to notch a second before the break, and he quickly added two more to secure the man of the match award.

Josh Jarvis was denied by the crossbar and Merlins keeper James Gould had to be at his best to keep out a series of further efforts, but he could not stop Callum Spicer adding Whites’ fifth.

GODMANCHESTER ROVERS

GODDY’S U9 A and B teams played out an engrossing game at Hinchingbrooke.

There was plenty of action in the first half with the B team producing slick moves through Ben Algood and Lawrence Hammond. Goddy A goalkeeper Josh Allen made some fantastic saves to keep the score at 0-0.

Casey Stonnell-Fitzgerald also had a chance, but good defence from Josh Nye and James Mould kept the scores level.

Man of the match Jacob Emmett proved the catalyst for the A team’s victory in the second half, linking up with Charlie Stewart and Marciel Echenique.

Emmett cross was not cleared, and he followed up to slot home for the first goal.

Another move started by Emmett led to the second goal, as three quick passes found Stewart, who scored his 27th of the season. There were other chances in the match, but last-ditch tackling from Dylan Hough and Ella Burnley kept the score at 2-0.