Macc FA boys do the district proud
THE Macclesfield & District Schools FA U11 team sponsored by Chrome Motors of Macclesfield travelled to Everton FC’s Finch Farm to compete with over 100 of the most talented players in the North West in the U11 ESFA Premier League District Tournament.
Macclesfield manager Jack Albanese was delighted with his teams performance after reaching the knockout stages of this prestigious event as Group Winners setting up an intriguing semi final showdown with pre tournament favorites Liverpool.
After a slow start against fellow county giants Chester, Macclesfield soon moved through the gears defeating Pendle 3-0 with sublime goals from Mossley pupils Adam Clulow (2) and Bradley Barnes.
Adam’s cool finish in front of goal to make it 1-0 found the net again as Bradley delivered the per- fect corner for Adam to rise up and head home his and Macclesfield’s second before Bradley unleashed a wonder strike from 25 yards to complete a great team performance all round to make it 3-0.
Against Kirkby there was Excellent midfield play from Jake Leech (King’s) linking well with defense and attack enabling Bradley the space for his second goal of the morning to give Macclesfield the lead. Goalkeeper Lewis Sheehy (Wilmslow Grange) was unlucky to prevent the equaliser after the ball took a wicked deflection.
At 1-1 Jake’s skill and drive into space created the winner sliding the ball across the face of goal for Adam to slot home his third and the winning goal that would give Macclesfield top spot in Group B and a place in the last four.
Liverpool were on the back foot early on in the Semi Final. Their usual domination had been disrupted as macclesfield hassled them all over the pitch. Adam consistently threatened Liverpool with his strength and speed and was unlucky to not to have broke away only to be hacked down twice from the desperate Liverpool last man. The Mac- clesfield threat was ever present as both teams played good possession football.
With only a few minutes remaining the deadlock was broken when Liverpool took their only chance of the game beating GK Seb Jenson (Havannah) with a close range effort.
At 1-0 up Liverpool hung on to their lead to progress to the final.
Macclesfield had done themselves proud wearing the district shirt. A technically good side with passion and a fine physical presence this team will be a real handful over the coming months and a joy to watch.