Driffield Under 11s 1

After a wonderful campaign, Driffield’s season boiled down to needing a win to secure the title against existing champions and league leaders Bridlington Eagles, in this top of the table clash.

Despite a superb performance, however, the day was to end in heartbreak for the Driffield lads when a late Eagles equaliser denied them a deserved victory, leaving the trophy once again in Bridlington’s hands.

Entering the game only a point behind the seasiders, thus knowing their fate lay in their own hands, Driffield showed no sign of nerves with an outstanding first half display which left a talented Bridlington team chasing shadows for long periods.

With Tom McDougall in commanding form in the middle and Danny Lomas playing his best game yet for the club, the Woldsman piled on the pressure from the off. Chris Hogg Woodmansey was equally effective down the right as his surging runs and clever interplay with Harvey Thompson and striker Luke Wilson wrought havoc in a dominant opening spell.

At the back, defenders Mathew Atkin and Aaron Young, supported by skipper Max Gibart, were similarly outstanding – all of which left goalkeeper Reuben Kelly inactive for long periods.

Despite the superiority, Driffield were struggling to make clear cut chances as the home keeper looked in good form and it took a desperate save from Kelly at the other end to keep the game scoreless as he palmed onto the post following an Eagles’ corner.

With half time approaching, Driffield finally got reward for their endeavours with a goal worthy of the occasion. A crude upending of Danny Lomas presented the visitors with a free kick out wide. As the ball was repositioned by the referee it seemed well out of range, but McDougall connected superbly to launch it into the top corner, sending the Driffield contingent into raptures.

Shortly afterwards, McDougal headed over from a Lomas corner, then Wilson just failed to connect with a delicious cross from Hogg Woodmansey before Thompson saw his shot saved as Driffield closed the half well on top.

The second half started more evenly as the Eagles at last came to life. Playing against a slight slope Driffield struggled to find outlets as the homeside pinned them down with a series of corners, all beautifully delivered. And in the dying minutes it was yet another Bridlington corner that was to bring about Driffield’s downfall. Another well flighted ball caused problems and as Driffield frantically sought to clear, the ball fell at the far post for a lurking striker to lash home the all important equaliser.

The Driffield players were left devastated. After a season of progress, they’d saved their best performance til last, but were left to rue the fact that their first half dominance only delivered a single goal – something that was always liable to leave them open to a sucker punch.