The Saints and Oswaldtwistle go again!

The Junior Hoops u7 Saints were edged out in a tense affair against local rivals Oswaldtwistle Juniors this Saturday despite playing some eye-catching football.

Hot on the heels of three titanic battles between the two teams in as many months, this time it was Oswaldtwistle’s turn to celebrate.

Oswaldtwistle opened the scoring after a cagey opening from both teams with a counter attacking strike just as the Saints began to find their groove. It wasn’t long before the equaliser though with Teddy causing threat after threat down the right hand side of the pitch. Leighton started off a flowing move with an early ball to Seb who brought the ball out of defence and freed Oakley in the centre of the park. His played in Teddy who came in off the right to finish first time as the Saints went back to front in under 15 seconds.

Oswaldtwistle weren’t to be outdone though. Despite being under pressure with strikes from Matthew and Oakley being saved by a man of the match performance from the Ossy keeper, they cut through the Saints defence to slot home a one on one and retake the lead.

Back came the Saints though with Teddy being played down the right by Matthew with an incisive pass. After beating crossed The ball into the corridor of uncertainty and it was turned in by the last player to send the teams in level at half time.

The Saints started the second half the stronger but assured handling again from the Oswaldtwistle keeper kept Alfie and Matthew at bay before the Juniors retook the lead five minutes in. Rather than let it deflate them the Saints battled back. Matthew was causing a constant threat in a free role but it was Alfie who triggered the press alongside Huey That saw Leighton win the ball 15 yards from goal. With just the keeper to beat he calmly slotted home in the bottom right hand corner. Game on!

Both teams pushed for the win but with less than 5 mins remaining it was Oswaldtwistle who retook the lead. A foul on halfway gave the opportunity for a long range free kick and the Ossy centre half didn’t need a second invite. His powerful strike went straight into the top corner from fully 20 yards. He repeated the trick in the final minute to settle a pulsating game.

A rivalry continues!

C’mon the Hoops!