Rastrick Ibrox U13’s 2 – 4 Brighouse U13’s

This local derby lived up to expectations. Both Rastrick and Brighouse egar to get the three points which already could prove vital towards deciding the league title. The match was very even in the early stages Rastrick broke the deadlock first after only a couple of minutes on the clock Matthew Richardson volleying home after some superb work by his strike partner Elliott Stoutt. The game was end to end stuff and both keepers were tested. Brighouse then had their spell of pressure and almost equalized from a set piece only to be denied yet again by William Pitcher in the Rastrick goal. Brighouse equalized which then gave Rastrick a much needed lift. Rastrick attacked well and should have re taken the lead but were unable to convert from the penalty spot. The Ibrox did take the lead when Richardson turned to goal provider and Stoutt became scorer after the pair again worked together to put the Ibrox in front. With the score 2-1 at half time it was still very close both teams living up to their reputations as good footballing teams. Rastrick started the second half as they had left of the first and again should have extended their lead from yet another penalty, this time the Brighouse keeper making a good save. Brighouse seemed lifted by this and forced back into the match, always looking dangerous from set pieces it was no shock when Brighouse equalized a good cross hitting the cross bar and falling to the feet of the Brighouse striker to score. Brighouse went further in the lead again from a set piece a super deep cross from Jamie Lee-Smith looked over the line but again the Brighouse striker made sure. Sam Coop was outstanding for Rastrick, James Hampton was playing well on the left and the front two of Stoutt and Richardson always looked dangerous for Rastrick. Brighouse came out on top of this closely fought match and deservedly just edged it. Both teams competed in a very sporting manor and should both be competing for honours at the end of the season. Best for Rastrick were the Superb Coop, Hampton and Stoutt. For Brighouse Lee-Smith stood out.