This is the Shots second season at this level, and the second year of operating a Centre of Excellence. Last season the youth team was mainly comprised of first-year players (and younger). This season we have 9 first-years and 9 second-years.
On a windswept, very small and firm pitch (that would not look out of place hosting the final Ashes test) the Shots started well after winning the toss and choosing to play into the strong wind. Shots got straight into moving the ball around the floor and going on the offensive. The initial pressure told with a good opportunity on 14 mins when Worsfold won a 50/50 ball against Orient's left-back Nelson, and crossed the ball to Mekki, but his shot was into wind from outside the goal area.
The Shots were very well set up defensively and would not allow the O's the space to penetrate, keep the ball outside their goal area, frustrating the home side into long distance strikes, often ending up in 'row Z'.
The break came on 25 mins, following a good passage of play from the Shots moving the ball quickly through all units to the left flank. Connolly took the ball just inside the Orient goal area down to the touchline, displaying good skill he pulled the ball back to a free Adam Mekki, who placed the ball beyond the stretching hand of Bygrave. The young Shots kept up the pressure with more shots from Connolly and Mekki going just wide of the mark.
For the full report, click on the link below:
http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=31503&type=m