L&BBFC SPURS u9s 1, WELLAND JUNIORS u9s 0.

(George Goode Memorial Shield semi-final).

LEIGH & Bransford Badgers advanced to the final despite a close encounter, but it took a decisive first-half home team strike to settle matters. Throughout the opening period Welland put up a resolute defence against a concerted Badgers’ attack. The hosts had a lot of quality possession but failed to create many clear-cut chances. Wingers Dan Medakovic and Jaz Byers made penetrating runs and were ably assisted by central midfielder Sam Hawthorn along with striker Will Smith. Towards the end of the first-half, continued home pressure resulted in a number of corners, which eventually led to the only goal of the match. Wide midfielder Dan Medakovic floated the ball into the box and under pressure from striker Will Smith and defender Sami Rone.

Welland could only manage to half- clear the ball back out to an in-rushing Dan Medakovic, who had followed up on his cross.

The Spurs player then fired the ball back into the box, which rebounded to the feet of Jaz Byers, who in turn slotted it home from close in, through the crowded Welland defence.

At the start of the second period, the Badgers remained unchanged and Welland came at them with more resolve.

However, a tireless Hawthorn together with his solid defensive team- mates, continually broke up their play. Soon after, defender Rone was substituted for Ryan Davies and Smith was replaced by Ben Meredith, as Welland began having a good spell of attacking play.

Only some well-timed tackles from Jack Wild and Ryan Davies, together with goalkeeper Ross Grimshaw’s quick reactions off his line, prevented the visitors from getting back into the game.

Meanwhile, the Badgers still looked threatening on the break as Byers was having an increasingly menacing amount of penetrating runs down the right which caused the Welland defence much concern.

The Badgers maintained their passing game throughout the remaining moments of this tie, which further led to the creation of a couple of breaks for the home side.

The ever-menacing Byers made a run down the right wing and struck a powerful goal-bound shot, which was only just steered wide of the upright by the outstretched leg of retreating visiting defender.

Meanwhile, striker, Ben Meredith kept the Welland defence occupied and showed deft skill on the ball when his midfield team-mates managed to find him.

Leigh and Bransford Badgers Celtic u11s played out a goalless draw at home to Newtown Sports Juniors in Mercian League Division Two.