Monday, December 22, 2008 14:12
Croydon Athletic Under18's 0 Faversham Town Under18's 1
Scorer: Chris Axford
Faversham Town Under 18's produced a great away day result against previously unbeaten Croydon with a second half winner from Chris Axford after a bit of magic from Richard Pennell, the result puts Town through to the quarter-finals of the One 2 Twenty Cup.
Town faced the long trip to Croydon with both Jamie Sparks and Kris Richardson missing from the squad due to injury and illness. In came Ryan Pioli for his first start of the Season and Matt Wilson retained his place alongside skipper Brad Doyle after impressing against Ebbsfleet.
Town took the field after little preparation due to waiting for a changing room, and the Salters Lane pitch was certainly a long way away with Town having to re-adjust to a much smaller playing surface. With Croydon's formidable record over the last few Season's it was paramount that Town started well, and although early possession went to the home side Town settled in to a pattern of play with skipper Doyle leading and organising at the back.
It was becoming obvious that Town would have to soak up some pressure, Croydon looked sharp moved the ball wide and looked good particularly down their left where they were producing some good crosses. Town kept them at bay and although they were finding it difficult to get some good and regular possession it was clear that Aaron West up front supported by Richard Pennell were good enough to keep asking questions of the Croydon back line.
It was tough for Town's midfield to get in to the game but Taylor Johanson and Chris Axford relished the physical battle. Town's back line started well importantly and Ryan Pioli coming into the side had a good start and a solid game throughout.
Town had to wait until mid-way through the half for their first real chance with West breaking free of his marker on the left and cutting across the box and hitting a right foot shot too close to the keeper. Then Town forced a corner after good work from Dave Miles down the right, his subsequent corner found Doyle free at the back post who's header was forced wide by the Croydon keeper.
Croydon continued to threaten down the left, a couple of moves required Carl Hodgson in goal to be sharp off his line diving at the feet of the Croydon players. It was from the left that Croydon had their best chance of the half a free-kick was well delivered and met at the far post with a good header only to see the effort fly off the post. The game was a real battle all over with Town refusing to buckle and looking to hit Croydon on the break, Stefan Wall got some good crosses in towards the end of the half, but although Town created few clear opportunities they held their shape very well and ended a difficult half at 0-0.
The second half began with Town once again absorbing some pressure, much off it was dealt with by the back-line, Matt Wilson alongside Doyle having another strong game. Croydon probably had their best spell for the first 15 minutes of the half, however all the time with a following wind Town looked like they may get that one real chance they needed, Axford was now looking to get on the end of flick-ons from West and Pennell.
Town made a change at this point Danny Smith came onto the laft hand side replacing Wall. With Croydon having thrown everything at Town it was Town that started to grow in the game, getting more possession in midfield, and it was now up to the likes of Miles and Smith to try and find that all important final pass. With Croydon now dropping deeper they were the ones playing on the break with Town getting into better attacking areas. The break through was to come for Town with about 15 minutes remaining, Pennell seemingly running into a dead end on the left hand side, dropped a shoulder and got a bit of space and his brilliant ball to the far post was met by the late running Axford who headed the goal.
With Town 1-0 up Pioli had to replaced after suffering cramp and was replaced by Dan Ellett. Town with this boost now chased down everything and unfortunately this lead to a confrontation with about 8 minutes remaining, West who deserved a goal for his efforts chased a ball into the corner, after a bit of a tussle the Croydon centre back decided to punch West which lead to an unfortunate coming together of the two sides.
It was not a pleasant episode and won't be made into a big thing, but without a doubt all the Town players deserve huge credit for keeping their discipline when their opponents had clearly lost theirs.It left a bit of a sour taste the Croydon player was sent off, and Town probably played their best football thereafter and were unfortunate not to add to their lead. The game finished with a 1-0 win for Town, not their best performance in pure footballing terms but certainly their best result so far, and once again all players were a credit to the club.
Town: Carl Hodgson, Dan Cansick, Ryan Pioli, Taylor Johanson, Brad Doyle, Matt Wilson, Dave Miles, Chris Axford, Aaron West, Richard Pennell, Stefan Wall.
Subs: Danny Smith (Wall 60), Dan Ellett (Piloi 75)
Not Used: Rafael Lanczi-Wilson, Joe Dart.