The Y8 boys football team travelled to Rochdale in their third round tie against Whitworth.
Starting in their favoured 4-4-2 formation XP made a bright start and had control of possession but looked vulnerable on the counter attack. The first chances came to a quick Whitworth side, Gurney standing tall in the XP goal, producing a string of smart saves. XP began to grab a foothold in the game, and the deadlock was broken on the stroke of half time. Bond and Butler with some smart play down the left, feeding it to Moore who finished calmly in the bottom corner. The first half finishing with XP leading 1-0 at the break.
Into the second half and the boys had really hit their stride. Playing some excellent, free flowing football. 8 minutes into the second half and XP were awarded a free kick around 25 yards out. Butler crossing the ball into Moore who was found unmarked, volleying in from close range with a tidy finish.
Momentum started to swing with Whitworth, who put some nice moves together, the XP defence showing heart and disicpline.
10 minutes to go and Butler found himself in some space, hit it from 25 yards over the keepers head, fantastic finish!
5 minutes to go and Whitworth pulled a goal back, resulting in a nervous few minutes for the XP team.
They managed to hold on!! An absolutely brilliant game of football, played in the right spirit by both sides.
An away day to Liverpool awaits XP in the 4th round.
Whitworth 1-3 XP
Man of the match: Moore
Woohoo!! Superstars… go team XP Doncaster!!