AVON YOUTH LEAGUE CUP U’15

SUN 22 OCT 06

FRY CLUB COLTS        2

THORNBURY ‘A’          7

 

Round 2 of the cup drew us against Div 1 opponents at home. A one off game which would give us a good test against a stronger team.

The opening 15 mins were very even although Thornbury were very strong in attack. However, our central defensive duo James Boulton and Michael Payne dealt with most of the pressure. Unfortunately having given away a free kick on the edge of our box we found ourselves 1-0 down which soon became 2-0 from a shot from the right. In our attacks, Mo Bouaziz forced a great save around the post from the Thornbury Keeper and Brad Monelle was unlucky with his effort. Just before half time we went 3-0 down from an unlucky deflection into the path of a Thornbury forward who took his chance well.

It seemed the game was over for our players so a positive half time talk was needed to bring some hope for us for the second half.

Thornbury seemed content with their lead but we had different ideas. A great ball from James Boulton in defence found its way through to Brad Monelle whose strike from 20 yards was good enough to beat the keeper into the bottom corner. This gave us a great stage to force the play and now on top in the game a penalty was awarded to us for hand ball which was coolly slotted home by Jordan Knight to put in touching distance of our opponents. They were now under pressure but we just couldn’t find an equalizer. A lucky break then gave Thornbury the chance to go ahead 4-2 from a disputed free kick and similarly an indirect free kick was awarded in our box which we failed to defend to put the game beyond us at 5-2. 2 further late goals put an unfair slant on the scoreline as we continued to play far better football for most of the second half. We most certainly matched them but just couldn’t make up the generous lead they established in the first half.

A real team effort this from every member who thoroughly enjoyed their experience. It was all kept together by good spirit and this was due to in no small way to our Man of the Match today team captain Oli Randall.

  

SQUAD: Craig Francis, Michael Payne, James Boulton, Mo Bouaziz, Dean Lapham, Oli Randall (Capt), Bradley Monelle, Kyle Curtis, Craig Andrews, Nathan Dawson, Jordan Knight