Hardwicke Rangers 4 Abbeymead Rovers 'A' 0
Gloucester Youth League
Sunday 25th November
This match started very evenly - both teams had chances early on but neither keeper was troubled. Abbeymead defended very well with Jack Boyce, Sam Ashmead, Josh Cannon and Sam Benzie all looking very assured. Mid way through the half Abbeymead failed to clear a bouncing ball which let the Hardwicke stricker in for the opening goal. Abbeymead in midfield and attack were strangely lethargic - they were missing four of their regular players, but they created few chances and the pace and strength of Clayton Dee and Alex Vye were handled very well. A Dan Lutman long shot was well saved and when the same player?s shot was parried no-one was there to follow up. Hardwicke?s keeper grew in confidence and made some good saves as Abbeymead started to press towards the end of the first half.
In the second half Abbeymead contributed to their own downfall. Hardwicke pressed and for five minutes were camped in Abbeymead?s box and this eventually led to the second goal. Then, good defending from Sam Ashmead was followed by a loose pass in midfield which set Hardwicke up for their third. At the other end Abbeymead fought back - Ben Langworthy had two shots well saved as did Clayton Dee, and Joe Wilton fired wide with only the keeper to beat. Jack Boyce was unlucky when he fired just over the bar from the edge of the area. Once again, a mis-placed pass put Hardwicke through for their fourth. Hardwicke defended well and many no-nonsense clearances constantly made Abbeymead turn and defend when they wanted to attack and chase the game. Hardwicke were first to too may balls and stronger in the tackle and Abbeymead?s usual fluent passing game was not working.
Abbeymead player of the match: Jack Boyce
Abbeymead: Matthew Sutton, George Hall, Jack Boyce, Sam Ashmead, Jack Ashmead, Sam Benzie, Ben Langworthy, Jack Ashmead, Clayton Dee, Alex Vye, Adam Reade, Joe Wilton, Josh Cannon
Sunday 25th November
This match started very evenly - both teams had chances early on but neither keeper was troubled. Abbeymead defended very well with Jack Boyce, Sam Ashmead, Josh Cannon and Sam Benzie all looking very assured. Mid way through the half Abbeymead failed to clear a bouncing ball which let the Hardwicke stricker in for the opening goal. Abbeymead in midfield and attack were strangely lethargic - they were missing four of their regular players, but they created few chances and the pace and strength of Clayton Dee and Alex Vye were handled very well. A Dan Lutman long shot was well saved and when the same player?s shot was parried no-one was there to follow up. Hardwicke?s keeper grew in confidence and made some good saves as Abbeymead started to press towards the end of the first half.
In the second half Abbeymead contributed to their own downfall. Hardwicke pressed and for five minutes were camped in Abbeymead?s box and this eventually led to the second goal. Then, good defending from Sam Ashmead was followed by a loose pass in midfield which set Hardwicke up for their third. At the other end Abbeymead fought back - Ben Langworthy had two shots well saved as did Clayton Dee, and Joe Wilton fired wide with only the keeper to beat. Jack Boyce was unlucky when he fired just over the bar from the edge of the area. Once again, a mis-placed pass put Hardwicke through for their fourth. Hardwicke defended well and many no-nonsense clearances constantly made Abbeymead turn and defend when they wanted to attack and chase the game. Hardwicke were first to too may balls and stronger in the tackle and Abbeymead?s usual fluent passing game was not working.
Abbeymead player of the match: Jack Boyce
Abbeymead: Matthew Sutton, George Hall, Jack Boyce, Sam Ashmead, Jack Ashmead, Sam Benzie, Ben Langworthy, Jack Ashmead, Clayton Dee, Alex Vye, Adam Reade, Joe Wilton, Josh Cannon