Ruckleigh v Tidbury Green Under 11 Football

The last football match of the 2024/25 season at Ruckleigh ended in a narrow defeat to Tidbury Green. 

In glorious spring sunshine our Under 11s gave a very mature, competitive performance against a good Tidbury Green team. After a shaky start, where we conceded 2 goals in the first 10 minutes, both of which came from right wing crosses, we dusted ourselves down and Areev in midfield started to take control. Ibrahim, from our right and Marley, up front,  came close with a couple of good efforts and Mahdi at the back was snuffing out any Tidbury Green attacks with a dominant display. Marley then scored for Ruckleigh with a well taken volley from a corner: 2-1 at halftime.

We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the second half as Areev smashed home a very deserved equaliser. The game was then back and forth with both teams having chances to take the lead. Neil in goal pulled off a couple of great saves and Fuaad and Ibrahim started to find each other in dangerous areas to create opportunities. After Neil had to go off with an injury, Mahdi volunteered to take the gloves and seemed unbeatable in goal. But, with about 5 minutes to go, their right winger escaped Asad, who’d kept him quiet all half, and smashed the ball across our box again for a tap in at the back post for their striker. The game finished 3-2 to Tidbury Green but both teams should be proud of the football they played.

Star player: Mahdi - dominant and calm in defence. 

Mr Whichello