Chalgrove 2 - 6 Kidlington Youth. Under 9s Red League (From Oxford Mail)

Chalgrove 2 - 6 Kidlington Youth. Under 9s Red League

9:32pm Sunday 7th February 2010 in Sport By Dale Tranter

Merrill spells peril for Chalgrove

Kidlington regained second position in the U9s red league with a hard-fought victory over Chalgrove, two late goals in the second game from hat-trick hero Ben Merrill giving the visitors a slightly flattering margin of victory

In a fairly even first game, Kidlington went ahead with a fine solo goal from skipper Ben Stewart. Chalgrove levelled through Harry Bond. A half-time tactical switch saw Callum Rolfe move up-front for the visitors and he scored the second half winner, heading in a Stewart corner to give a final score of 1-2.

Kidlington created most of the chances in the second game, taking the lead through a long range effort from Ethan Couling. They doubled their advantage just before half time, Ben Merrill keeping his head well to convert the rebound in a one-on-one after the Chalgrove keeper had blocked his first attempt.

The home team pulled one back through Harry Rees and then hit the post shortly afterwards. However, two opportunist strikes from close range, the second after a great run to the byline and cross from Luca Sykes, saw Merrill complete his hat-trick and ensure a 4-1 victory in the second game and a 6-2 overall victory to Kidlington Youth.