Report:   

The Orange U10s 100% record was undone by a determined table topping West Bridgford Cougars side at Ley Street who provided their first league encounter since 13 November.

 In a pulsating and often dramatic encounter it was West Bridgford who started the stronger and had shots on goal that were tipped over the bar by an in-form Dan who had had very little to do in recent weeks. Orange managed to hold on due to some fine defensive work and took the lead when Macauley put Luke through and his shot was saved only for Brad to finish off at close range from the rebound. 

Ben made it 2 - 0 with a blistering free kick from just outside the box mid way through the second half. Luke added to his goal tally when he finished off from six yards from Brad's shot cum cross. 

West Bridgford, though, always looked dangerous and when they worked their way down the left wing saw their striker fire an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net to make the half time score 3 - 1. 

This fired up the cougars and continued pressing with attack after attack on the Orange goal. Again Dan pulled off fine saves, one after diving outstretched to his right to push the ball round the post to prevent a certain goal. 

Early on in the second half Harry came off to make way for Ryan, operating as a lone striker. West Bridgford continued pressing and made it 3 - 2 with a lucky back header which lobbed Dan in goal. The drama increased when Dan was injured when bravely diving at the feet of a striker to claim the ball. Dan came off and Ben put on the goalies shirt. Hayniey was introduced for Dan. 

The game continued at pace and Macauley went close when his free kick went just wide of the post. Brad could have wrapped the game up when he shot just wide after an amazing run which saw him dribble past 4 opponents. 

West Bridgford continued to probe and their persistence paid off when they equalised with 10 minutes to go. Ben showed his class as a goalkeeper as well as defender when he tipped a shot over the bar to prevent west Bridgford taking the lead.

The final ten minutes were were tense and probably for the first time this season there were a few nibbled finger nails on the touchline. 

A fair result at the end of the day for two good quality teams and Orange remain in a comfortable position, still unbeaten in the league, (we didn't lose-we drew) one point behind the leaders, and with four games in hand.

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