Grace’s Guardians travelled to Warrior Park for their latest MAI League game against West Hull OGs. After several weeks without league action, the travelling squad was light on numbers, with just 12 players making the trip.
The game kicked off at 12, and the Guardians started brightly, moving the ball around well and creating early chances – though they failed to properly test the home keeper.
The first goal of the game came from Grace’s fourth corner. The ball was cleared wide, then played back to the edge of the box, where Paul Blackmore nodded a header through to striker Woody, who calmly slotted it home.
West Hull had a few half-chances, but it was the away team who should have added a second – and maybe a third – before the break. Nath McBride had two good efforts, one going just wide and the other saved. Another big chance fell to Woody, who looked to have scored a classy lob with the outside of his foot, only for it to be ruled offside – a very tight call.
Just as the half was closing out, West Hull won a corner. One of their defenders peeled off unmarked to the back post and nodded it into the far corner – 1-1 right on the whistle.
In the second half, West Hull made several changes, while the Guardians continued to battle on with their 12, making just one switch at the break.
Five minutes in, West Hull started seeing more of the ball. Max, in goal, made some good saves to keep it level, but on the hour, Dean Sharp peeled off the centre backs and latched onto a great pass, finishing first-time to make it 2-1.
It got worse for the Guardians as some hesitant defending allowed West Hull to add a third. Rich Priest failed to close down a one-on-one, and the striker slotted into the far corner to make it 3-1.
The Guardians stayed positive. Straight from the restart, they worked the ball forward and carved out a chance that went wide. But from the resulting goal kick, high pressing by Jakey – now up front – paid off, as he intercepted a pass and tapped home for 3-2 in the 70th minute.
Back in the game, the Guardians piled on the pressure. Excellent work on the left from James Clarke and Ethan Farren led to two great chances, and the equaliser began to feel inevitable.
Then it came. A fantastic ball freed Jakey, who beat the offside trap, rounded the keeper – his touch taking him wide – but he recovered superbly and rifled the ball into the top-right corner. 3-3 and game on.
In the final ten minutes, both teams had chances. Max made a stunning reflex save with his left hand to keep the Guardians level. Steve Carruthers, dominant in midfield, drove forward and sent in a dangerous cross which was blocked but kept alive by Ethan. He found Paul, who passed to Nivs, who then slipped in Nath McBride. Feinting with his right, Nath cut back onto his left and curled it into the back of the net – 4-3 to the Guardians with just minutes left.
West Hull had one last opportunity but missed the target. Calm midfield control from Champ, Nath, Paul and Nivs helped see the game out – a fantastic win and a brilliant contest for the supporters.
Final score: West Hull OGs 3–4 Grace’s Guardians
Goalscorers: Woody x1, Jakey x2, Nath McBride x1
Player of the match: Shared – James Clarke and Max (well deserved!)
Team on the day:
Max, Ben Pipes, James Clarke, Richard Priest, John “Champ” Blades (c), Paul Blackmore, Steve Carruthers, Nath McBride, Joe Woodhouse, Ethan Farren, Jakey Bowen, Woody
Special mention to Paul Blackmore – pictured – “without him, we wouldn’t be doing as well as we are. Such a superstar.”
Next up:
The biggest date in the calendar – Grace’s Day Football Tournament on Thursday, May 30 at Withernsea Playing Fields.
A full day of football for all ages, with food, stalls, raffles, kids’ attractions and more. It’s always a great family day out – we can’t wait, and we hope to see many friendly faces there!