Guthlaxton College 3 – Netherthorpe School 0

On a warm September evening, Guthlaxton Colleges newest footballing talents, the Year 10 boys, took their first steps in the National Cup with a convincing win over travellers Netherthorpe School. With this game being the first outing for the new look team Mr Baldwin and Mr Quail were quietly confident of a result after what they had witnessed in training over the past few weeks.

Guthlaxton got of to a shaky start as nerves appeared to get the better of the Guthlaxton boys in the opening 10 minutes, which allowed Netherthorpe the opportunity to press forwards. This was short lived, as after some flowing passes and interchanges between James Orton and Jordan Small to Max Anderson who produced a low sliding pass beyond the diving keeper to put Guthlaxton one up.

This goal turned the momentum further towards the Guthlaxton boys, who now found themselves pushing further forwards and creating more attacking opportunities throughout the first half. Netherthorpe, still pushing forwards, broke towards the end and produced their only clear cut chance of the half that was foiled by a fantastic diving save from Sam Dunkley.

The second half started in the same fashion, with Guthlaxton pushing forwards and now looking like they were dominating the play. After many attacks, Guthlaxton started to increase the pressure which brought about the decisive blow to Netherthorpe with a well taken finish by Jordan Small. Later on Mr Baldwin and Mr Quail rung in the changes, this brought about good performance from Jake Crisp onto the right wing.

With Captain Ryan Parry leading by example and pushing further forwards a third goal was inevitable and this happened 20 minutes from the end with another goal from Jordan Small to seal of the win in fine style for Guthlaxton College. With Robert Smythe in the next round in two weeks on the 13th October, Guthlaxton will be hoping that it’s unlucky for them in the next round.

Published on Monday 29th September 2008 at 09:00