Guthlaxton 4 - Bosworth 2: Guthlaxton leap into the County Cup Final.

Team:	U16 Football
Competition:	Semi Final
Date:	20th November
Result:	Won 4-2

Man of the Match: Callum Earls

Guthlaxton started well and controlled the early stages of the game, moving the ball well and switching play with ease. However, it was Bosworth who struck first. With their first advance into the Guthlaxton penalty area, a mistake by Woolley fell straight to the Bosworth centre forward who accepted this early Christmas present and slide his shot past Ridley. This seemed to knock Guthlaxton a little and they started to move away from the smooth following football they have become accustomed to. Eventually Gutho started to play again and a well worked free kick saw Burden come close, with the keeper making a great save. Gutho continued to press and great play from Kirby, Bradshaw and Read saw Earls in behind the defence, his square ball found Burden who did well to miss from two yards.

Just as it looked like to was going to be one of those days Earls was played in by Webster, his shot was well saved by the keeper but fell straight to Kirby, his shot was blocked by the defender but Earls pounced to smash home a right foot half volley for Guthlaxtons equaliser. Gutho pushed on trying to take the lead and again set the tempo of the game. As they looked like they were in totally control a through ball by Bosworth got a freaky bounce that beat Ridley, fell to the centre forward, who calmly slotted home. 2-1 down at the break with a big job ahead.

Baldwin demanded a response from his team and that is exactly what he got. Within the first five minutes of the second half a well delivered free kick was met by Earls who headed home the equaliser and signalled a Guthlaxton onslaught. Webster and Woolley offered their usual width from the back, with Hill and Read looking very comfortable. Purple looked in great touch and Earls created space on the left. Bradshaw and Kirby battled hard in the middle of the pitch and were the link to most of the play. The front two of Burden and Read worked tirelessly with their back to goal, allowing others to run past. Weston replaced Purple on the right and he added more pace to the game.

From a Bosworth corner Gutho broke and Earls’s well placed pass put Read in, he was brought down just outside the area and Gutho set up for their usual corner routine. A great delivery from Kirby was met by Read, whose header fell to his brother to stab home from two yards. A well deserved lead and control of the game.

Mantalios replaced Read up top and immediately made an impact causing the opposition defence hassles with his pace and strength. Gutho now looked in full control moving the ball well, showing confidence and believe in their own ability. Some excellent play by Ryan Woolley to not only holt the oncoming player, but also set up the next attacker proved the ability of this team. His pass found Kirby, whose 70 yard diagonal ball found an advancing Earls. Two drops of the shoulder later and he had beaten the right back and delivered across the six yard box. Weston had made a great run to meet and slot home for Guthlaxton’s fourth.

Vegh then replaced Earls and Alexander replaced Woolley with nither substitution affecting the flow of the game. Vegh looked a handful up top and Alexander showed his battling qualities at right back.

When the final whistle went, with the score at 4-2 Guthlaxton had fought their way bravely into the final. Credit must be given to the opposition for putting up a excellent display in a great advert from Leicestershire football.

Final day is 6th December with Guthlaxton now having both the boys and girls U16 teams in action.

Mr Baldwin

Published on Thursday 20th November 2008 at 09:00