February: Our first game of 2013 saw us compete ‘away’ at local rivals St. Paul's Pilgrims. With a lack of match practise a couple of uncharacteristic errors crept into our game, and despite being 1-0 up at half-time we found ourselves on the losing side for the first time in the league this season. It was a humbling result where we were ultimately undone by a team who showed greater commitment and drive.
A week later the team had the opportunity to start clawing back the ground we had lost the previous week, and we did it in some style, winning 11-1 away to Opportunity Soccer. Another 4 goals for Alex Young went a long way to not only securing the 3 points; it also pushed him well up the table in his aim to get top goal scorer for the league. The match also saw a brace from Nick, Scott & Jonny, as well as another goal and man of the match performance from Ant.
A draw that day as well between Sowerby Bridge & Huddersfield Elim also meant that the gap to the top was closed.
The following week we embarked on a tough trip away to Sowerby Bridge, looking to get the 3 points that we deserved from the first match against them earlier in the season that finished in a 1 all draw. Despite an early goal from Rob Yates, we were outplayed for the majority of the first half. In the second half another early goal set us on our way, and we came away with a much deserved, if slightly flattering, 5-1 victory. Notable highlights from the match were a great goal from captain Jamie and another excellent performance in the midfield from Ivan.
The last Saturday in February saw us host New North Road, in the first meeting between the two teams. This was by no means a classic, but nonetheless we came away from a nervy game with a 1-0 victory, thanks to another Rob Yates goal early in the second half.
March: The month started with YCFL Cup action, competing in the round of 16, the stage we got knocked out of last season. The draw was slightly kinder to us this year, playing away to LRBC FC. It was a tight contest, but an early goal from Nick separated the teams and saw us advance to the quarter-final stages of the cup for the first time.
The following week we were again away, this time to Four FC. In a match that was made very difficult with the condition of the pitch, we went down early on, but came away with a 3-1 victory thanks to 2 first half goals from Nick, and a goal in the second half from Scott. Along with a victory by Unity in Mission against Huddersfield Elim, the victory saw us move top of Division 2 on goal difference and with a game in hand over Huddersfield.
With the top of YCFL Division 2 tightening up, our game a week later against Unity in Mission in Leeds became all the more important. Going into the game 3 points separated the top 4 teams. UiM went into the game 3 points behind us but with a game in hand so it was very clear this match could have a huge bearing on the title. We got off to a brilliant start with a goal from Jonny. 5 minutes later we were undone by the worst referring decision this season, when a ball that hit the crossbar and then bounced near the line was awarded as a goal for UiM despite the ref simply guessing. Despite the injustice we claimed 2 more goals in the first half, thanks to Rob and a sublime finish from Jonny to have a 2 goal advantage at the break. UiM battled exceptionally well in the 2nd half to bring the game back to 3-3, only for Alex Young to claim a very well taken goal from an exceptional pass from Rob to give us all 3 points.
As we look ahead to the coming of spring, we'll hopefully have good enough weather to actually finish the season. The next few weeks have been made difficult with loss of our captain to injury (although there is hope he will make a return before the season finishes), and one of our star performers of the season so far, Ant Glass, disappearing to Australia. We currently sit 3 points clear as things stand in Division 2 and with a great chance of not only promotion but the Division 2 title as well. With 5 league games left we are in a great position, but there is still all to play for, especially with the home and away double header against Huddersfield to come over the Easter holidays.
With the top of YCFL Division 2 tightening up, our game a week later against Unity in Mission in Leeds became all the more important. Going into the game 3 points separated the top 4 teams. UiM went into the game 3 points behind us but with a game in hand so it was very clear this match could have a huge bearing on the title. We got off to a brilliant start with a goal from Jonny. 5 minutes later we were undone by the worst referring decision this season, when a ball that hit the crossbar and then bounced near the line was awarded as a goal for UiM despite the ref simply guessing. Despite the injustice we claimed 2 more goals in the first half, thanks to Rob and a sublime finish from Jonny to have a 2 goal advantage at the break. UiM battled exceptionally well in the 2nd half to bring the game back to 3-3, only for Alex Young to claim a very well taken goal from an exceptional pass from Rob to give us all 3 points.
As we look ahead to the coming of spring, we'll hopefully have good enough weather to actually finish the season. The next few weeks have been made difficult with loss of our captain to injury (although there is hope he will make a return before the season finishes), and one of our star performers of the season so far, Ant Glass, disappearing to Australia. We currently sit 3 points clear as things stand in Division 2 and with a great chance of not only promotion but the Division 2 title as well. With 5 league games left we are in a great position, but there is still all to play for, especially with the home and away double header against Huddersfield to come over the Easter holidays.
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