U13 UFCA 25/26 - Halifax

After an excellent victory against table topping Guisley in the previous round, UFCA were strong right from the kick off and made a dream start. After a few half chances, we took an early lead as Milo’s shot from outside of the box hit Owen’s backside leaving the keeper wrong footed 1-0!

1-0 was nearly 1-1 moments later when the referee awarded a free kick to Halifax with the UFCA players certain it should be their ball. They switched off momentarily as Halifax took the free kick quickly leaving their striker one and one with Taylen. Looking certain to level the game, Taylen stayed on his feet which allowed some excellent defending and UFCA able to clear the ball. This was to be Halifax’s biggest and only real chance of the game as UFCA went up another gear and were clinical with their finishing.

AJ carried the ball quickly from the half way line after winning a challenge, fed Owen who finished emphatically into corner. The Halifax players who had not been beaten this season tried to get themselves back into game through some more direct play and a lot of quite cynical fouls. Despite this, the entire team showed that whist they can play football, they are more than capable of mixing it up and able to stand up against teams who play in this way.

Two became three as Milo fed travs who smashed it past their keeper from outside of the box into the top corner. A bouncing ball was won by Milo who calmly slotted to make it 4-0 half time which was thoroughly deserved.

A number of changes were made at half time with all the lads who came on making a positive contribution to the game which although dominated by UFCA, became increasingly scrappy and devoid of any really big chances in the second half for either team.

Travs broke well from a Halifax corner and fed Dylan who was pulled and then hacked down when through clean on goal. At one point the referee looked like he might have decided it was a drop ball, but then decided it was a UFCA free kick and kept his cards in his pocket. Xander stepped up from the resulting set piece and crashed the ball off the bar almost making it five.

.After an excellent cup run to the semi finals last year, we now have Preston City at home at the end of January with the winner of that progressing to the quarter finals.

Goals

Owen x 2

Milo

Travs