The Courier

The under 9s and 11s played their first friendlies of the year this week.

The under 11 A and B teams played against St. Marie's and performed tremendously well. For the A team; Matthew Browne was a handful up front, Oliver Bell, Dylan Hopkins and Ethan Capelett were energetic in the midfield and Daniel Pinks, Connor Smith and goalkeepers Chris Gibson and Samuel Lau were rock solid at the back. Browne powered Crescent into a two goal lead before a superb team goal was finished by Bell. Browne completed a hat-trick to give Crescent a 4-1 win.

The B team ran riot and epitomised the energetic approach that is being encouraged. They finished out 9-0 winners with goals from Fin Calder (5), Gabriel White (3) and Anton Tran.

The under 9s produced a very promising display for their first match. Travelling to Provost Williams, they took an early lead thanks to the impressive George Crowfoot. Provost Williams equalised early in the second half from a corner. Crescent retook the lead thanks to the back of Matthew Thomas' head, also from a corner, not long after. Then, the visitors pulled away and the football started flowing. A lovely run and cross from George Bell was finished by George Rule before Crowfoot picked up a brace, 4-1. Josh Gorbutt and Marco Rodriguez Hernandez had been dominant in defence but when Gorbutt was substituted, the defence became creakier. Provost Williams scored two late goals to set up an exciting finish. Whilst pushing for an equaliser, the hosts left gaps at the back and Tom Ferguson deservedly scored a debut goal for the work rate he put in during the match.

Mr Phillips