It was an early morning start, as United made the long trip to Derby for a fixture against Mickleover Lions. The two teams closely matched in the league table with similar results up to this point in the season.

Both teams started the game brightly, the midfield a real battleground with both teams opting to play 3 across the centre of the pitch, Mickleover were putting together some nice passing moves, but United always looked dangerous on transition.

The boys started to get a control of the game after 10 minutes, and Will who never gave his marker a minutes peace scored a wonderful goal to United a lead. Receiving the ball on the left of the penalty he beat a man with a clever flick, cut inside and curled a brilliant effort beyond the keepers reach into the top corner. 0-1.

The boys were working hard on what was a hot morning, quickly closing Mickleover down when in possession and not allowing them space to work the position to have an effort at goal. Tom released Finlay away down the right wing, he beat his man for pace, but his effort was comfortably taken by the keeper.

On 23 minutes and completely out of the blue Mickleover were level. In truth it was a poor goal to concede. The main danger for Mickleover (number 11) picked up the ball on the edge of the box, he ran into the box with both Tom and Ollie C for company, but worked his way through the tackles, Aidan couldnt get across in time to put a challenge in and the ball was arrowed into the corner of the net with Myron having no chance. 1-1.

There followed a spell of dominance for Mickleover who had plenty of the ball, without really creating anything dangerous. A couple of free kicks and long range efforts were comfortably fielded by Myron. Our passing had become a little sloppy, and we were inviting the pressure by failing to do the simple things.

Just before the half hour the 3 subs came onto the pitch, and we started to gain control of the game again. Toby replacing Fin on the right wing, Lex coming on for Ollie C and Jack Kimber coming on to make his debut for the club in place of Will.

The subs made a positive impact and Jack K made an immediate impression on his debut. Ollie Edmunds received the ball in the middle of the pitch. He played the ball wide towards Jake, who had the beating of his marker almost every time. Jake done really well to get to the through ball before the keeper who had raced to the edge of the box. The ball deflected to Jack K who with his first touch for the club lifted a lovely finish over the defenders and into the roof of the net 1-2.

Half time and the lads deservedly held the lead, we talked about controlling the game, keeping the ball and playing it simple. Waiting for the right time to play the ball forward and having the confidence to call for the ball and take hold of the game.

Fin came on for Lennon in midfield, with the instruction to offer support to Jack upfront. The lads started the second half in really positive fashion. The passing was excellent, and interplay between midfield and the forward 3 was causing problems for Mickleover. Jack dropped slighlty deeper allowing Fin to run past him, as he raced onto the throughball the keeper was there just in time to clear the danger.

A couple of really dangerous corner deliveries from Toby caused panic in the Mickleover defence. On one of these corners the ball was played to the back post where Jake looked to turn the ball into the net, but a coming together between him and a defender led to Jake landing awkwardly on his ankle, and needing to be replaced by Wills.

United's third goal came in the 42nd minute, and it was a really well worked goal. Some lovely football between Fin, Toby and Jack on the edge of the box. Jack eventually receiving the ball surrounded by two defenders, he quickly got the ball out of his feet, made half a yard and arrowed a low drive across the keeper and into the far corner 1-3.

The lads were really enjoying themselves now and playing some of the best football they had played all season. It wasnt long before they had their fourth. This goal wasn't quite as pretty as the first 3, but they all count. A long ball was played into the box, the ball bouncing high on the hard ground and over the keepers head. Jack was quickest to react to tap the lose ball in from a yard or so out. His hat trick on a debut appearance 1-4.

On 52 minutes we were on the scoresheet again, Toby playing a sliderule pass through for Jack to chase, he got to the byline just keeping it in in play. His cutback was met by Will coming in from the left. The keeper made a smart save but the ball broke lose to Lennon who showed good composure to turn his man and fire into the bottom corner 1-5.

58 minutes played and it was six! The ball found its way to Ollie E on the edge of the box, his low drive was well hit the keeper could of done better, but the power beat him into the bottom corner. 1-6.

The lads switched off a little in the last 10 minutes, Mickleover scoring a late consolation, heading home from close range from a corner kick for 2-6. This didnt take the gloss of what was a really good performance.

This moved the team into the top ten of the MJPL, in their first season together, albeit having played a couple games more than most.
A really impressive achievement, and one that everyone involved should be very proud of.

As we visited the home of the iconic motor car, this really was a 'Rolls-Royce' performance from the lads.

Mickelover Lions U14s 2 Banbury United U14s 6