Desert Rangers faced DG Pro in the Jebel Ali Youth League Under 10’s Division on Saturday morning knowing that a win at the Centre of Excellence would ensure they were crowned champions.
Desert Rangers had the majority of the ball in the opening minutes of the match and if not for some strong defending from DG Pro’s Talal and Daniel they may well have taken the lead after five minutes when a Rangers cross was cut out inside the box.
DG Pro came close to taking the lead a few minutes later after the ball was worked from the goalkeeper out to left back Talal. His run and measured pass down the line gave Samir the chance to open the scoring, but his shot was well saved by the Desert Rangers goalkeeper.
As the first half progressed Desert Rangers began to dominate possession with some great interchanges between Yannick, Hassan and Lucca in the DG Pro half. To their credit DG Pro defended very well with a couple of fine stops from goalkeeper Manuel.
Despite the great efforts of the DG Pro defenders, Desert Rangers opened the scoring before half time when a cross from the left wing was finished coolly by Yannick from close range.
Half time: Desert Rangers 1-0 DG Pro
The second half started in much the same way as the first, with Desert Rangers enjoying a lot of the ball. DG Pro continued to offer a lot in midfield as they tried to push for an equaliser.
Some impressive play on the right-hand side between Lucca and Jude resulted in a shot just wide of the DG post as Rangers looked to extend their lead.
It was soon 2-0 to Desert Rangers. A bouncing ball on the edge of the DG Pro box was pounced on by goalscorer Yannick who stuck cleanly on the half-turn and found the top corner with a brilliant finish which gave the goalkeeper no time to think.
Desert Rangers – resplendent in their bright orange kits – were moving closer to being crowned champions of the JAYL U10’s division.
The result was sealed with ten minutes to play as the impressive Lucca, wearing number 99 on his shirt, slipped past an oncoming DG Pro defender and unleashed a bullet of a strike into the top left hand corner of the net.
That was how the match was to end, a battling performance from DG Pro who defended well throughout the game and could’ve added a couple of goals on another day.
It was three goals and three points for Desert Rangers who are crowned champions of the Jebel Ali Youth League U10’s Division this season.
Full time: Desert Rangers 3-0 DG Pro
Photos courtesy of Dalia Sleiman