06/09/2026
Today saw Ibis Youth U16 kick off their final grassroots season with an “away” match down on Jubilee, with a derby match against newly promoted Ibis Utd, looking smart in the new centenary kit, kindly sponsored by Medlock Electrical Distributors
KO saw the two teams compete for the ball, giving little time for either team to settle but it was Ibis Youth who started to dust off the pre season rustiness and create some pressure which saw Jake pick the ball up on the edge of the penalty area and curl a left foot strike into the bottom corner. This settled the team down and they began to find their stride, working hard to limit Utds time with the ball they continued to press and won a free kick out out on the left.
George whipped in a dangerous low cross that eluded everyone and found the back of the net for the second of the match
Utd tried to up their game and started to threaten but couldnt quite find the final ball. A quick long clearance from Theo in goal then sent Luis racing clear of the Utd defence and a smart finish saw us into half time with a 3-0 lead.
The talk centred around keeping things tight and to manage the game properly but in true spirit they went out to do the complete opposite!
With a change in tactics, Utd started hitting us on the counter with quick balls and in a flash they were back in the game, a ball over the top caught out the defense and was finished well for 3-1.
A minute later and a carbon copy move drew a desperate last ditch challenge and the penalty was awarded and duely dispatched for 3-2.
With their tails up Utd continued to look for the quick ball but Youth started to manage the game, competing well, both teams probed but struggled to create clear cut chances. Youth then started to look dangerous again, forcing a flurry of corners and a couple of good saves, followed by a goal line clearance.
Finally the pressure told and good work through the middle of pitch by Oli, saw Thomas break free in the box, his first effort smashed against the post but the rebound was confidently tucked away for the fourth.
The lads then saw out the remaining minutes confidently
A tough opener to the season, highlighting the lack of match prep over the last month but a good base to move onto next week
MOTM had a few contenders, a confident all round display from Seb on his debut being bettered by the ever improving Oli, a huge effort in the centre if midfield with and without the ball ⚽️🏆
