A roundup of the games played by Ross Juniors this weekend (10th and 11th April).
Ross Juniors Men’s Team
The men’s teams returned to football after the latest lockdown in the Herefordshire County League.
The 1sts entertained Pegasus Reserves at home and had an entertaining 3-3 draw. The game started in bright sunshine, but by the end the game finished in atrocious freezing conditions following rain and a hail storm.
After the long lay off both teams played some good football, although at times it was a feisty affair, and it was Peggy who took the lead just before half time.
Peggy made it 2-0 on the hour and possibly game over. But Ross hit back with 3 goals from Geraint Williams, an one goal and debutant Luke Firkin. However with 2 minutes remaining Peggy scored an equalizer to make the final score 3-3.
Ross Juniors U11 Colts
Ross Juniors U11 Colts hosted Tenbury for their first home game of 2021 on Saturday. Games between the two teams have often been exciting to watch and this game proved to be no different.
Ross started the quicker of the two sides with Tom, Oliver C and Aidan getting on the scoresheet following some good passing play. Tenbury worked hard, growing into the game and were unfortunate not to see some early goals themselves, stopped resolutely by Ross’s sweeper keeper, Jack F. Tenbury’s young goal keeper also made some exceptional saves dealing with much of what came his way.
The second half saw Tenbury make a few changes and they found themselves starting to really dominate the play. It was only for some resilient defending from Ross that kept the Tenbury strikers at bay. Then only minutes before the end of the game Reagan managed to get on the scoresheet and Aidan completed his hat-trick.
Overall this was a terrific game to watch and for both teams continues our run of exciting game. A big shout out must go to Adrian and Oliver C who were were brilliant throughout, deservedly picking up players of the day.
Ross Colts now look forward to the long trip to Shobdon in their first game in the cup next Saturday morning.
Ross Juniors U8 Colts
The U8 colts made a trip to Belmont on Saturday morning to play Toros U8’s.
The game was played with high intensity from both teams. Jasper was solid at the back stopping attacks, and at the other end Rui and James were stretching Toros and constantly pressurising the defence and testing the keeper.
Ross had multiple chances early on through James, Rui and Alfie, but it took a while for Ross to finally find the back of the net through Rui.
Rui ended up getting a brace along with James and Freddie also getting their names on the scoresheet.
The game was exciting throughout with both teams scoring some good goals and all the boys putting a good shift in and giving 100%.
Ross Juniors U9’s
Ross Juniors U9’s made the long trip to Leominster on Saturday, and certainly made the trip worthwhile with some excellent play from all of the team.
Ross had bags of energy that carried on throughout the game. Max soon got on the score sheet, followed by a confident penalty finish from Ellis. Lucas has made a fantastic return from months out due to injury and smashed the ball into the back of the net earning himself a hat trick.
Leominster challenged Ethan numerous times in goal but he was quick to save anything coming his way. Leominster put pressure on the defence, however, Ioan, David, Max, Riley and William worked tirelessly to keep the goals away.
Ross came out strong for the second half and Nicki showed great skills and passing in the centre, with Louis, Kane and Alex using their speed on the wing to create more chances for Ross. Ioan and Nicki also got on the score sheet with confident goals.
Whilst it was difficult, due to all agreeing all players played excellent, parents’ man of the match goes to Lucas for his phenomenal goals!
Leominster were great hosts and gave Ross an exciting game and the team look forward to playing them again next season.
Ross travel to Toros next week for the second round in the cup.
Ross Juniors U10’s
There was a great match between Ross Juniors U10’s and Pegasus Saturday morning. Over the years the matches between these two teams have been close and this was no different.
The first half saw good team play but with both defences doing well. Leighton was untroubled in the Ross goal thanks to great defending from Zak, Ben and Morgan. The best chances of the first half fell to Tyron who was unlucky to see one effort well saved and another go agonisingly wide.
Pegasus had the better of the opening stages of the 2nd half and went ahead through a penalty. Ross almost equalised straight away as Riley’s goal-bound effort was deflected wide before Morgan flashed a shot just wide. Annabelle and Zak made vital clearances in defence before Pegasus doubled their lead. Ben made a number of great saves in the Ross goal whilst Pegasus enjoyed their best spell of the game but Ross responded well with Timmy denied when through on goal before he followed up Riley’s shot to pull a goal back. Ross were now in the ascendancy and a great cross from from Riley was headed narrowly over from Leighton before Tyron set up a shot for Timmy which was blocked. Ben made another good save in the Ross goal before Pegasus scored again.
Ross had worked hard all game and never stopped, and almost grabbed a late goal as Owen made a great tackle before hitting a long range strike which just missed the top corner.
Both Ross Juniors U10 teams are recruiting new players for next season. If interested, please contact info@rossjuniorsfc.com
Ross Juniors U10 Boys Colts
Ross Juniors U10 Boys Colts put on an impressive display against Hinton.
Despite missing some key players, Ross played with confidence and scored some good team goals. Harry opened the scoring early but a tight spell followed. Further goals from Bobby, Zachary and Harry gave Ross confidence for the remainder if the game. Some good defending from Corey and Ethan kept Hinton out before Charlie and debutant Riley got on the scoresheet.
Late in the game some excellent skill from another debutant Harper created a chance which Mario finished off. A very enjoyable game played in good spirits. The team wish Hinton well for the remainder of the season.
Ross Juniors U8 Juniors
The under 8 juniors got finally back to matchday football after the last lockdown against FC Phoenix on Saturday morning.
The boys were straight out of the blocks and into action with some quick play and the goals soon came through Harry and Luke. Some physical football was now taking place with some great defending then Ross came out with a counter and Harry scored another. Phoenix came back into the game scoring a well worked goal. The game was a well fought battle with some great goals scored by Harry, Luke, Rhys, Chase and George.
MOM went to Rhys for his goals and all round performance.
Ross Juniors U13’s Boys
Ross Juniors U13’s boys played their first match back since lockdown when they entertained Bartestree on Sunday morning.
It was clear from the beginning that the boys were rusty with the game very scrappy. Bartestree played with more energy and took a deserved 1-0 lead. This seemed to kick start Ross and after some good build up play, Niall fired home to make it 1-1 at half time.
The 2nd half was more open with chances created by both sides. Again Bartestree to the lead after sloppy Ross defending, but again Ross bounced back with Luca scoring a great solo goal. Both sides had opportunities to win it late, but the game finished in a draw 2-2.
Ross Juniors U10 Girls
The U10 girls played their quarter final cup game against Bromyard on Sunday morning. They put in a fantastic effort against a tough opposition for their first game back after lockdown.
The first half was tense with many attempts at goal from Ross. With Ross being dominant and keeping possession. However, due to Bromyards goalie being outstanding Ross struggled to find the back of the net. In the second half Ross ran out of steam and conceded some early goals but Ross didnt give up and created some opportunities.
The U10 Ross Juniors wish Bromyard luck in the next round of the cup.
Ross Juniors U11 Girls
The sun was out, the pitches looked superb and football restarted for the U11 girls team on Sunday morning. The team is made up of last year’s U10 girls and 4 new players to the club.
The girls were delighted to play together in their first ever game as a team, hosting Lydney Lionesses U12’s at the Sports Centre.
Wearing their brand new away shirts generously sponsored by Vanstone Construction the girls looked the part as they lined up Pre game. The club would like to thank Neil and Nicole Vanstone for their continual support.
Ruby was superb in goal and distribution was tremendous. The defence of Paige and Annalise was formidable and they quickly formed a great partnership. Lydney were great opponents and made these girls work hard. In midfield Anna worked tirelessly down the wing with great speed, Lily’s passing was superb and showed so much natural ability and Esme on the other flank showed great close control and turns throughout the game. Neve was the teams main outlet up front and caused the Lydney defence worries. After first 15 minutes the hard working and quick Gracey came on alongside the creative Cara who also had great close control and skills and Keisha who was committed, determined and worked hard for the team.
Lydney scored some good goals despite the best efforts of our goalies and defenders. Up the other end the Lydney keeper had an inspired game making a dozen saves. The Ross goals came from a great shot and finish from Anna and a well taken penalty from the deadly Neve.
Annalise was voted girl of the game. Following the match there was a penalty shootout with Ruby making an impressive 7 saves.
It was so great to see all of the girls enjoying their football and playing again.
Ross Juniors U15’s
Ross Juniors u15’s played Lads Club Galaxy at home on Sunday afternoon.
They didn’t have a great start to the match with a mix up at the back leading to a goal conceded in the first 2 minutes. Tye quickly got Ross level bursting through using his pace just a couple of minutes later. Ross then went behind again from a well taken free kick and were struggling with lads club having the best of the play and kept putting Ross under pressure. Just before half time Ross equalised from Harry who won the ball back after a corner with a shot from the edge of the box to finish the half 2-2.
Ross started better in the second half with Roo putting Ross in front after some great play from Harvey down the left. A long range free kick for lads club put them back level. But Ross were still having the best of the play and had a goal disallowed after a great free kick. In the last minute of the game Ross had a free kick, Olly put the ball in and Tye scored the winner with the last kick of the game as Ross won 4-3.
Great performance from the boys to keep going to the last minute and got the well deserved win.
Ross Juniors U10’s Colts
Ross Juniors U10 colts were back in action with a quarter final against Ledbury on Sunday morning.
Ross started brightly and passed the ball about like they’ve not had a break. The Defence of Fiona and Lacey soon put pay to Ledbury’s counter attacks. Ross wingers, Mercedes and Izzie, kept their width and eventually Ross had the break through they deserved. Ledbury kept battling and came back into the match with a long range effort the goalkeeper Josie thought she had saved but VAR said goal!
Ross made some changes and Abi, Freya, Maggie and Thea were looking sharp. Abi managed to sneak a shot in to give Ross the lead again! Second half Mia and Lacey then took control and produced some excellent moves, Ledbury keeper made some saves that were certain goals. Ledbury then started to tire and Ross surprisingly didn’t and took advantage with Mercedes and the excellent Lacey helping themselves to multiple goals.
Ross march on to the Semi finals.
Ross Juniors U12s
Ross u12’s were away to Hereford Lads Club on Sunday.
Ross took to the pitch for the first time since December and looked impressively sharp. Playing 11v11 for the first time. Ross took a early lead after pressure on the Goalkeeper by Naylan resulted in him slotting in and making 1-0 to Ross.
Ross dominated the first half with Jay and Joseph controlling the midfield and some excellent wing play by Jack and Finn. This pressure quickly resulted in their second goal.
After some neat footwork by Adam on the left. Sam switched it to the right with a fantastic diagonal ball into Jessie’s path. Jessie then took it passed the lads defence to finish again in the bottom corner of the net making it 2-0 to Ross.
Lads club then found some momentum but the defensive line of Sam, Romleigh, Charlie and Finn stood firm. Ross had a potential 3rd Goal ruled out off side. A beautifully delivered free kick by Jessie found a leaping Naylan but unfortunately it was ruled as offside and seeing the half time score remain 2-0 to Ross.
In the second half Ross made changes to give everyone some decent game time. Lads Club had chances but Peter and his defence stood firm. Ross extended there lead after some Ill discipline by the opposition resulting in a free kick for Ross. A superb ball over the top by Sam found Naylan who again slotted it low into the Lads Club net making it 3-0 Ross.
This spurred Lads Club on to go for it. Lads Club hit the bar and the post but eventually found their break through with goal from a free kick 3-1. The game then turned into a real battle with some tasty challenges being displayed by both sides. After some good work from Bert, Ollie and Adam on the right resulted in a free kick for Ross. Jessie took the free kick outside the box. A solid strike flicked off the wall and looped into the net making it 4-1 to Ross.
It was a great win for the team. A superb attitude and hunger to be back out there by all of the team.
