Duddon managed to raise 12 players for this friendly against Holker Under 11’s (+ Ryan Everrett) following late cry offs due to the flu virus that swept through Dowdales late in the week. Duddon started well playing a 4-4-2, which gave them plenty of attacking options. Jack Kavanagh worked the goalkeeper on numerous occasions through the inside left channel, following good work from Luke Reid, Jake Whillance and Liam Casson. Duddon were creating most of the chances but couldn’t convert the pressure into goals, the back four looked solid and steady with Max Covey very comfortable at centre back. Both Jake Whillance and Jordon Edmondson were stopping any threats down the wings and Jake in particular was the pick of the defence with his fearless tackling and anticipation for the ball. Tom Askew broke the deadlock midway through the half with a delicate lob from a tight angle (1-0), Devon Mulholland then came close with a long range shot just passing the post. Duddon continue to dominate with Joe Satterthwaite & Luke threading balls through the Holker back four, but unfortunately Duddon could not add to their lead.
Second half started as the first had ended with Duddon again creating the majority of the chances, but as the half wore on Duddon seemed to tire and allowed Holker back into the game, the defence still held though and the back four were working well together. However, after a poor clearance, which went straight to the Holker centre forward, he sped forward and finished well one on one with the keeper (1-1).
Duddon heads dropped slightly but the introduction of Robert Rawlinson proved a major factor with his no nonsense tackling and aggression in midfield lifting the rest of the team. Tom Askew came more into the game and caused mayhem with his pace and made several runs into the box. He should have scored soon after the equaliser but blasted his thunderbolt straight at the keeper. Kyle Mclean supplied some telling crosses from the right, Jack Kavanagh went close following a long range effort straight from the Calum McElroy’s big clearance. Duddon again upped the tempo and following pressure down the left, Duddon gained a free kick 40 meters out from a handball. Devon Mulholland yet again put a quality ball into the penalty area for Luke Reid to deflect a neat header into the bottom left hand corner (2-1). Holker created a few chances late on as the Duddon nerves started to jangle and they failed to clear on numerous occasions. One shot went just wide but that was Holker’s last real chance, Calum McElroy had been solid all game and made some crucial saves late on to deny Holker their equaliser. Duddon ended the game strong and should of made it 3 in the last seconds when Tom Askew went passed 4 defenders wide on the right, he cut in along the bye line and pulled the ball back, but Duddon failed to burst the net. The final whistle went and Duddon celebrated following this deserved win. Man of the match was Jake Whillance, his opposite right winger was fed up with his continued harassment and tackling, Jake had stopped everything down that side – he was closely followed by Luke, Jordon and Robert.