On a very hot day at Ben Rhydding on Astro our Rangers Under 16’s played Ilkley in a friendly. Luckily both teams had large squads so could make plenty of changes to help cope with the heat.

We decided to play each 20 minutes changing the formation of the team to see how we balanced out and it was a good opportunity to play players in different positions.

In the first 20 mins we played a 4-4-2 and had most of the possession but a bit of rustiness in the final 3rd kept the game even. Henry kept Ilkly at bay and Joe T defended very well when under pressure and also linked well with the midfield. Musa battled well chasing down the Ilkley defence and putting them under pressure. Jarod looked in control of the middle of the park winning numerous challenges in the hot conditions.

The next 20 mins saw Menston switch to a 5-3-2 and we struggled to make too many chances but looked very solid at the back. Best chance of the quarter fell to Josh who saw his left footed effort bounce off the bar. Ciaran also went close after a mazy run from full back saw him on the edge of the Ilkley box. Oliver looked solid at the back.

The next 20 minutes Menston switched to a 3-5-2 and saw us overun the midfield. The chances continued and we finally broke the deadlock when new signing Patrick struck home from inside the box. Jacob pulled off a great save from a one on one chance when the Ilkley centre forward powered in the area. We scored again when Joe S controlled the keepers clearance and then struck it first time in to the roof of the net. Soon a third came when Elliot got behind the Ilkley defence and struck the ball past the out coming keeper. Oscar went close twice but saw his efforts go over the bar.

The final 20 saw a lot of tired players, but Menston kept up the pressure with some very impressive football. Josh hit the bar again before a lovely move meant a 4th goal for Menston. Theo won the ball just inside the opposition half and played a ball down the line for Elliot to run on to. Elliot then provided a great cross for Lorcan who controlled the ball before slotting in to the corner. Scott communicated throughout and defended very well when needed and linked in with Connor.

Many thanks to Ilkley for hosting the game which was played in a fantastic spirit and to Andrew for refereeing. Both sets of parents enjoyed some great football and I would like to wish Ilkley all the best for the upcoming season.

Menston JFC

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