1st April 2001

Team: Ryan, Dean, Declan, Joshua, Lenie, Robert, Ashley, 

   Score: 3-1       Scorers: Robert, Dean, Ashley

For the second time in 2 weeks the Ravens came up against Leafield and this week were without influential forwards Jonathan and Jordan.

At last the weather was warmer and the pitch a little harder so all was set for a good fame of football.

The Ravens couldn't have made a better start and were 1-0 up after only the first minute. The ball fell to Robert who's high shot looped over the Leafield keepers head and into the net.

Olton continued to work hard especially in defence as Declan and Dean kept the opposition forwards at bay. They both were timing their tackles well making sure Leafield were frustrated in their attempts on goal. Good industrious work was also coming from Midfield with Joshua, Robert and Lenie working well together, covering the park well.

It was, however, Leafield that made the next decisive move and equalised after 5 minutes. Ryan came out to meet a through ball but hesitancy from the defence let in the Leafield player who's shot tricked over the line, despite good efforts from Ryan to keep it out.#

Both sides began to exert pressure on each other and the game was end-to-end. Robert came close again with another looping long range effort but this time the ball went inches over the bar. At the other end keeper Ryan did well to save an effort on the line when it looked like the ball may go in. After 12 minutes Leafield were unlucky not to take the lead when a superbly hit shot from outside the box thumped the corner angle of the crossbar. Just before half-time  Ryan had to be alert again making 2 good saves, the second was superbly saved, again just on the line after a deflection from Declan. Half time score 1-1.

Olton Ravens went in front straight from the kick off. Dean took the kick-off and his well aimed shot went straight into the back of the Leafield net to make it 2-1.

The Ravens began to get a better grip of the game with the hard working Robert and Lenie moving forwards at every opportunity. Robert was unlucky after 5 minutes of the second half when his mazy run from midfield almost resulted in a goal, unfortunately his shot went wide of the post. Lenie's one-two with Robert almost paid off as well but Lenie's shot was high and wide. Lenie almost made it 3-1 after 8 minutes and saw his shot smack the post after good work by Ashley.

The Ravens became increasingly confident as the game went on. Hard work by Joshua who didn't give up what seemed to be a lost cause almost resulted in a further goal after he chased a loose ball and did well to get the ball across into the box, unfortunately the ball was cleared.

Leafield again came close half way through the second half after hittting the post for a second time. A well placed shot went passed Ryan but hit the inside of the post and luckily landed back into Ryan's hands.

With 2 minutes to go Ravens scored their 3rd after a corner from Lenie found the head of Ashley who's header was well directed passed the Leafield keeper.

The game ended minutes later with a well earnt 3 points to add to the Ravens tally.

 

Man of the Match: Lenie