Football - Stratton U9s (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Football - Stratton U9s

Purton A 0-1 Stratton Tigers

Both sides had to cope with a difficult swirling wind yet it was the Tigers who seemed more at home in the conditions.

Their ability to pass crisply to feet paid dividends with James Bayliss making several early strikes on the Purton goal.

Purton then broke from defence only to be stopped by some brave goal-keeping from Daniel Skinley. This was rapidly followed by two further attempts on the Purton goal as Matty Snook hit the side netting and Adam Mansell saw a well aimed strike brilliantly stopped by the outstretched Purton keeper.

The second half began with a long spell of Purton pressure leading to a number of corners.

Each corner was well defended by the Tigers as Josh Hacker and George Peare made excellent headed clearances.

Confidence seemed to growing amongst the Tigers, as Josh went on a run up the left wing only two have two shots on goal blocked by the Purton defence.

George began to take command in mid-field, first creating a chance for Matty Jenkins and then providing a throw to Jenkins replacement, Adam Mansell, whose firmly struck shot squirmed under the body of the Purton keeper for a goal. Bouyed by this George, James, Matty Snook, Josh and Alex Bowman all had attempts on goal but they were unable to convert their chances.

The Tigers can be very proud of their stylish performance.

Purton B 0-0 Stratton Pumas

By the time this second fixture was played the wind had worsened and the ball became difficult to control. Yet the Pumas worked the ball well with Daniel Skinley and Callum Carruthers making some excellent defensive challenges.

The mid-field of Jack Smith and Matty Jenkins linked up well with the forward pairing of James Freeman and Brandon Nail. It was Brandon who came closest to scoring from a corner taken by James. A well struck goal-kick from Josh Hacker, in the Pumas goal, found Matty Jenkins who knocked the ball into the path of James. He twisted on the edge of the Purton box to release Brandon who saw his shot go wide.

The Pumas defence came under increased pressure in the second half with Callum, Daniel and Josh working hard to keep Purton at bay.

Breaking from defence, Daniel made an excellent run the length of the field only to find his shot deflected cruelly into the side-netting.

The Pumas continued to work hard with Matty and Jack tracking back to add support to their defence. Josh was called on several times to make goal mouth clearances and the game ended as a speculative shot from Matty just cleared the bar.

Despite the scoreline the Pumas can feel very proud of their performance.