A cold and windy Saturday morning saw Knowsley ST Helens (KSH) travel down the East Lancs to M7 and take part in a high-level game of schoolboy District football. Salford chose to play into the wind for the 1st half and were immediately under pressure as KSH knocked the ball around well. The gusty conditions made it very difficult for Salford to get out of their own half but after 20 minutes Salford won a freekick in the KSH half. The Salford left sided centre back whipped in a left footed cross, that caused confusion in the KSH defence and the Salford striker reacted quickly to sweep the ball into the goal at the back post. Buoyed by the goal Salford were able to apply some pressure and within a few minutes had won a corner. The corner was drifted in on the wind but cleared by KSH to the halfway line, confusion in the Salford defence gifted an opportunity for the KSH striker to have a run on goal. Great pace allowed him to carry the ball from halfway into the Salford penalty area and slot past the on rushing keeper to make it 1-1. KSH continued to push for a second, but the Salford midfield gave everything they had and with the help of the defence repelled attack after attack. Two outstanding saves from the Salford keeper kept Salford in it and the sides went off for half time at 1-1. The teams came out for the second half, Salford now with the wind behind them. Roles were reversed and KSH found it difficult to get out of their own half. After 10 minutes Salford peppered the goal with 3 shots bravely blocked by KSH players, the ball then broke to the Salford player playing the number 10 role and he calmly slotted the ball into the KSH goal. 2-1. Within minutes the Salford left winger jinked into the KSH box where he was felled by a strong tackle that the referee deemed to be a foul, after protestations by KSH the Salford striker calmly strode up and despatched the spot kick into the right of the KSH goal. 3-1. Salfords tails were up and they made use of the conditions pinning KSH back. More Salford pressure meant that after a save by the KSH keeper the Salford left winger was again involved and picked up the rebound to increase the lead to 4-1. KSH tried to push back against the wind but the Salford midfield picked every attempted clearance up and the Salford defence covered every through ball and held strong. KSH broke down their left and a shout for a KSH penalty was refused by the referee. Salford regrouped and applied more pressure, a measured through ball down the channel and into the box gave the Salford striker another chance and he slotted the ball into the far corner for his hattrick. 5.1. With seconds to go the Salford striker kicked the ball away and was sent off after receiving his second yellow. A great team effort from Salford that showcased the high standard at representative Schools District football. Salford now progress into the National Final where they’ll meet the winner of Canterbury Augustines versus Southampton. Come on Salford !!!!
