Guthlaxton College 3 - Ashby School 1
| Team: | U16 Football |
| Competition: | First Round County Cup |
| Date: | 23rd September |
| Result: | Won 3-1 |
Man of the Match: Chad Bradshaw
A tough away game at The Ashby School was in the line for the first round of the county cup. After eventually finding the right building in the school the U16’s only had around fifteen mins before kick off to prepare themselves for this vital game.
This was however going to be a classic game of two halves. Playing up hill and into the wind first half, Guthlaxton had to remain patient and keep the ball as the do so well. This was not that easy though. Ashby were not going to let Guthlaxton have any time on the ball and would break down play whenever possible. Guthlaxton kept to the game plan though and Reed and Burden worked hard up front to close down the long ball from the Ashby defence. It was Ashby who had the first chance, a well worked move saw the striker beat Ridley in goal and slot the ball towards and empty net, only for Luke Reed to slide in from nowhere and clear the ball to safety.
Guthlaxton then created an opportunity with Liam Reed striking a well placed shot past the keeper only for it to strike the post and rebound to safety. Unfortunately it was Ashby who created the next opportunity and after rounding Ridley the centre- forward made no mistake this time and slotted home the opener. Guthlaxton continued to battle and were forced into a change with an injury to Callum Earls but the half time came with the no change to the score.
More tempo was needed second and the players responded to this, as within two mins of the restart Mantalios beat the keeper with his precision chip but the ball slipped past the post. Guthlaxton fed of this and continued to press forward. A great free kick from Kirby forced a corner and Ryan Purple delivered a pin point cross to the back post. Luke Reed ghosted in around the back of all the players to head, chest and knee the ball into the back of the net. One all and the game was now on.
Guthlaxton began to really control the game and move the ball well and with another great build up down the Gutho left and switch of play found Purple who crossed into the box. The defending header fell straight to Chad Bradshaw who smashed a half volley through the keepers legs and gave Guthlaxton the advantage.
A change of formation followed by Baldwin to steady the middle of the park saw the introduction of Chris Weston for his second run out this year. Liam Reed worked tirelessly throughout the whole game, especially playing out of position, and pushed hard at the Ashby right back. His cross found Weston who bagged Guthlaxton’s third and sealed the game. A hard fought victory, but one with more positives to carry forward as this team remain unbeaten and push forward into the next round of the county cup.
Well played boys!!
Mr Baldwin.
Head of PE
Published on Tuesday 23rd September 2008 at 09:00