Sunday, January 18, 2009 19:23
Faversham Town U18's 2 Canterbury City U18's 0
Scorer: Aaron West (2)
After 3 weeks without a game Faversham Town Under 18's came up against top of the league Canterbury City, Town needed a top performance and the boys delivered in a very entertaining game in which both sides demonstrated great committment and skill in difficult conditions.
Two first half goals from now top scorer Aaron West proved to be enough to secure vital points as Town try to play catch up in the League. Chances came thick and fast throughout the game in a match played at a great pace with honest endeavour from all players and both teams deserve credit for their performance level.
The only change from Town's last fixture saw the return to the starting line-up of Jamie Sparks. The game began with the pitch although very wet playing extremely well, only one goal mouth showed the signs of the heavy overnight rain fall.
It was Canterbury who probably settled a little better for the first 15 minutes, much of the opening was closely contested but Canterbury looked dangerous from wide areas, they were close to going ahead from equally dangerous balls played in from the right and from the left, firstly down the right they threatened but the final ball just missed its target, then a good run down the left ended with a fine block from skipper Brad Doyle and sharp work from keeper Carl Hodgson. Although looking to threaten there were no clear chances in the opening exchanges.
Suddenly Town burst into life and really dominated up until half time, comfortable at the back and picking up second balls in midfield they started to drive at Canterbury with Aaron West and Richard Pennell leading the line. Much of their good work came down the right through David Miles, sharp to everthing twice he got in round the back of the Canterbury's defence and twice with the goal at his mercy Pennell saw his shots stick in the muddy goal mouth and then cleared.
With Chris Axford's driving runs and Danny Smith's probing Town were beginning to find the right balance and took the lead mid-way through the half, this time a move down the left starting with the impressive Kris Richardson saw a ball delivered to the near post, first to react was West stretching and prodding the ball past the Canterbury keeper.
Town were not about to sit back and although Canterbury always looked a threat on the break the rest of the half was dominated in terms of chances by Town, Axford saw a volley from the edge of the box fly wide and then it was West's turn to strike again, a kick from Hodgson was flicked on by Pennell and in one movement West shrugged off his marker and headed for goal, his low shot under the keeper hit the back of the net to put Town 2 up. Town continued to look impressive going forward whilst being disciplined at the back and came in 2-0 up.
Town came out for the second half expecting a serious test from Canterbury and they certainly got one in which turned out to be a very entertaining second half and an intriguing battle with Canterbury pressing creating chances and having more possession but with Town looking very dangerous on the break.
Towns back line of Cansick, Doyle, Sparks and Richardson deserve great credit for their defending, as does Taylor Johanson for his unselfish and disciplined typical display, but it was probably Keeper Hodgson who deserves the most credit, he made some difficult saves look comfortable and always looked in control in everthing he did.
After about 20 minutes of the half gone Town were not exactly hanging on but a goal for Canterbury would of certainly changed the complexion of the game. Town suddenly looked threatening again a move down the right saw West free but he couldn't quite find his striking partner Pennell, then a great run down the left by Richardson after being put in by Smith saw another cross flash across the six Yard box.
Then a real opportunity to put the game beyond doubt as West raced clear of the defence he bore down on the Canterbury keeper only to see his effort tipped wide. Corners were also working well for Town one in particular was played to the far post, Axford rose brilliantly to beat the keeper but his effort went agonisingly wide.
Town freshened thigs up with about 15 minutes remaining, Stefan Wall brought his pace to the game replacing the hard working Pennell, and he almost scored straight away he raced onto the ball and managed to force an error from the Canterbury keeper his shot hitting the side netting. Canterbury at no point threw in the towel and continued to press with 15 to go, but a combination of Town bodies and Hodgson ensured there was no way through.
Two more changes were made as Miles and Axford got a well deserved rest, both players performed well, the former having his best game of the Season. On came the capable Ellett and Wilson to shore things up for the final 10 minutes, they did this and Town finished 2-0 winners,no individual deserved special praise it was a fantastic effort by all in the squad.
Town travel to play Tonbridge Angels next week attempting to get into the semi-finals of the Kent County Cup.
Town: Carl Hodgson, Daniel Cansick, Kris Richardson, Taylor Johanson, Brad Doyle, Jamie Sparks, Dave Miles, Chris Axford, Aaron West, Richard Pennell, Danny Smith.
Subs: Stefan Wall (Pennell 75), Daniel Ellett (Miles 80), Matt Wilson (Axford 80).
Not used: Joe Dart, Liam Gould.