U18s White Vs Wollaton Hall Yellow

Another home game this weekend, but with a change of venue for the first time to Manor Park.

After a 2-2 and 3-3 draw in the previous matches, Tornados were looking to go one better and take their first victory of the season, but from the kick off it was apparent that this was not going to be an easy task against a quality Wollaton team.

After an even opening ten, Wollaton had the opportunity to break the deadlock from the penalty spot after a tangle of legs in the penalty area resulted in the Wollaton forward being brought down inside the box. The striker stepped up confidently, but, Makai stood his ground and pushed away the shot to keep the scores level. This motivated Tornados and within a few minutes they had taken the lead, a through ball from midfield saw Oliver bearing down on goal with a defender and the keeper to beat. Keeping his nerve Oliver struck the ball sweetly past the goalkeeper to make it one-nil. The half continued and it looked like this might remain the score until half time with Makai pulling off a string of fantastic saves that impressed all the watching supporters and Coaches from both teams. Unfortunately, though, 5 minutes before half time, Wollaton managed to find an equaliser and the teams went in all square.

At the start of the second half Tornados took their time to get going, with Makai’s heroics in between the sticks continuing, again keeping Wollaton at bay. Eventually though Tornados sparked into life and almost immediately were ahead again. Jack picked up the ball midway inside the Wollaton half and, after evading a couple of tackles struck an unstoppable effort into the back of the net, to ensure that his name was on the score sheet for the third match running. As with the first half however, Tornados were unable to put the match result beyond doubt by extending their lead further, and with only a few minutes remaining Wollaton again equalised with a well taken breakaway goal. In the little time that remained, both teams had chances to score, but as the final whistle went, the match ended in a third straight score draw for Tornados.

There was little doubt in the Man of the Match award this week which went to Makai for, not only his penalty save, but also for the string of saves which ensured Tornados extended their unbeaten run to 3 matches.