Under 12's v Cleator Moor Celtic 19/09/11 - CUP

This game was played on a very windy and wet Monday evening, by the end of the match it was almost dark and yet Cockermouth now don't have another Saturday fixture until October 15th.

Cockermouth started slowly and Cleator scored a deserved opener following some clever passing and movement. This seemed to spur Cockermouth into action and got an equaliser when Cameron Pickering picked up the ball about 25 metres from goal moved forward and smashed a great goal into the bottom left corner of the Cleator net.

So at he break it was one all - but Cleator would start the second half with the advantage of a significant wind behind them.

Almost immediately from the re-start Cleator moved forward and scored a second goal to re-take the lead. This again seemed to spur Cockermouth into action. Who began to exert pressure on the Cleator midfield and defence. This resulted in a Cockermouth equaliser form the right boot of Joe McCartney a thunderbolt from outside the area into the top corner of the net. The pressure was now in Cleator and some good work from Brad Martin on the left and a good cross into the penalty area saw the ball cannon off a Cleator defender and into the net - game on - we were now 3 -2 up and facing the prospect of knocking Cleator out of the cup.

But....anyone who has played sport against any Cleator team football, cricket or rugby knows the game is never over and sure enough Cleator came back to score 3 late goals and run out winners 5 -3.

But now a special mention for Jordan Winthorp in the Cockermouth goal.....as an Under 12 the full-size goals used at this level offer a big challenge to any keeper but for an Under 12 the goal must seem huge. Together with this Cleator had players who could strike the ball from distance and the advantage of a very strong wind behind them. Time and again Jordan was tested, balls being fired toward goal from every angle and every time Jordan was in the right place and right time to either claim the ball or ensure it was put out of play. Cleator were facing an immovable object. When the break through came Jordan simply couldnt reach a high ball and it landed in the net - nothing he could do but simply pick the ball out of the net. It was quite simply a great display of gaolkeeping, positioning, catching and concentration - and just as important as scoring goals.

So another defeat and out of the cup but no disgrace and for a few short minutes the Cleator management team were worried, very worried.....and that will give them and others in the league food for thought later in the season.

What we have to do is ensure we concentrate, play and battle for a full 60 minutes and not just for spells in a match - we will then not just worry the opposition but positively frighten the life out of them!

Final Score:

Under 12's 3 - Cleator 5

Goals:

Cameron Pickering

Joe McCartney

Cleator o.g.

Man of the Match - Jordan Winthrop