Pennine Black enter knockout rounds of Walshaw World Cup

Pennine Black enter knockout rounds of Walshaw World Cup

Pennine Black continued in their quest to score 50 goals in May in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust taking their goal challenge total to 32 as they played in the group stages of the 2014 Walshaw World Cup in Bury.

On a glorious summer morning, Pennine found themselves drawn against Moston Tigers, Striker FC and Pendle Juniors outfits.

The first match paired Pennine up with Moston Tigers in what many observers believed would be the game of the day. In an enthralling encounter Pennine came close to triumph but lost 1-0 .

Pennine adapted well to the change of formation and matched Moston throughout the game. Brad pulled off one truly outstanding save but Pennine had their chances as well. Only beaten by a lucky goal, Pennine knew they could compete at the highest level and carried that confidence into the next game.

Up next was a very competitive looking Strikers FC. After a cagey opening, Pennine started to stamp their authority on the game with crisp passing and movement.  Strikers were reduced to only sporadic breaks as Pennine set up camp in the opposition half.

With nothing getting past Brodie and Alfie at the back and Thomas, Lucas and Logan pulling all the strings up front, it was only a matter of time before Striker’s resistance was broken.

The ball was played out from the back to Logan on the wing who put in a lovely little ball to Thomas who rounded the keeper to score.

Qualification was now in Pennine’s own hands; a victory against Pendel Juniors in the final match would guarantee Pennine a place in next week’s knockout stage.

Pennine controlled the game from start to finish and Brodie was pure class in marshalling the defence which allowed forwards to apply the pressure.

With Lucas and Logan keeping their markers occupied down wing, Pendle were stretched. This allowed Alfie to go on a surging run down the middle where he was fouled and a direct free-kick well within his range was awarded. He planted the ball in the top corner to give Pennine a deserved lead.

Pennine were now within touching distance and just needed to finish it off. However, Pendle gave it their all and nearly equalised when one-on-one with Brad in the Pennine goal. However, an amazing reflex stop led to the ball breaking to Alfie whose raking pass forward to Thomas who produced a sublime bit of skill to beat two men, before planting the ball into the bottom corner.

Pennine Black gained entry into the knockout stages and moved on to 32 goals so far in May.

http://www.justgiving.com/gary-chant