Sunday, December 28, 2008 20:26
Faversham Town U18's 2 Bearsted U18's 1
Scorers: Stefan Wall; Aaron West
Faversham Town Under 18's progressed into the last 8 of the Kent County Cup with a 2-1 win, far from at their best particularly in the first half Town were off the pace for periods of the game but produced a much improved second half performance to book a second consecutive quater-final place in the last couple of Sunday's.
Town welcomed back into their starting line-up Kris Richardson, but were without Richard Pennell due to illness, Jamie Sparks took his place on the bench after playing for the first team the day before.
Town certainly struggled in the early stages allowing the opposition plenty of space to play, indeed Bearsted were much the sharper all over the pitch playing some good football as well. Town have developed a resilience over the Season and even when not at their best they kept Bearsted at bay and only allowed them long range efforts that Carl Hodgson in goal dealt with comfortably.
Town's best moments came through the pace of Stef Wall up front and the forward running of Chris Axford from midfield. Good possession was hard to come by for Town but they always had the threat of Wall and West up front. With Town not at their fluid best once again it was Brad Doyle at the back who lead the team superbly and was a calming influence at the back all game. Bearsted produced some dangerous moves particularly down the left where they kept their width very well, however crosses were dealt with and Town were able to go in at half-time 0-0.
The second half was a completely different game, it was played at a far higher pace by Town in particular, it was also marred by another incident resulting in a sending off for a Bearsted player. Town were a much improved outfit in the second half and they scored within minutes of the re-start.
A lovely ball from deep from Dave Miles set Wall off, his pace took him clear of the defender, his finish was exceptional lifting the ball over the keeper and into the bottom corner of the goal. It was a great start for Town to the half, Bearsted tried to hit straight back but were once again frustrated by Town's back line, with Cansick and Wilson continuing their good form with Doyle and Richardson. Town were pushing much higher up the pitch with Taylor Johanson really starting to dominate physically, allowing the likes of Danny Smith to get the ball down and play.
The game however turned sour mid-way through the half, a good challenge on the touch-line by Richardson suddenly lead to a Bearsted playing lashing out and kicking Richardson as he lie on the floor. The Bearsted player was sent off deservedly so, unfortunately due to Richardson's injuries he was unable to carry on. Ryan Pioli replaced him, and the game for a spell swung in Bearsted's favour, the incident had a negative effect on Town as they backed off Bearsted, from the right hand side they were to capitilise, their player cut in towards the edge of the box before hitting a great shot into the top corner.
It was now Bearsted that had their tails up, however Town did settle regained their composure and slowly started dominating possession in good attacking areas. West and Wall both had good opportunities to put Town back in front but Bearsted's keeper excelled a couple of times.
Town kept pushing and the goal came with about 15 minutes to go, the ball was worked to the left hand side of the box and was passed inside to West, once the worked the ball onto his right foot 12 yards out he dispatched the ball into the bottom corner for his well deserved goal .
Miles was repaced by Ellett towards the end and Town played out the remaining minutes relatively comfortably, a couple of Bearsted efforts travelling wide of Hodgson's goal, and got their win and duly took their place in the quarter-finals.
Town: Carl Hodgson, Daniel Cansick, Kris Richardson, Taylor Johanson, Brad Doyle , Matt Wilson, Dave Miles, Chris Axford, Aaron West, Danny Smith, Stefan Wall.
Subs: Ryan Pioli (Richardson 60), Dan Ellett (Miles 80).
Not Used: Jamie Sparks, Joe Dart.