Sunday, February 22, 2009 20:06
Faversham Town U 18's 4 Whitstable U 18's 0
Scorers: Aaron West (2)
Stef Wall
Dave Miles
Faversham Town Under 18's got back to League action after another enforced weather break, and it was Aaron West's two goals that proved the springboard for a comfortable win in the end, although it was far from Faversham's finest performance, Faversham sprung into life with about 20 minutes to go in this match keeping them in touch with the League leaders........
After going out of a couple of Cup competitions in their last two outings, unluckily on penalties last time out, Faversham's team took on a familiar look as they looked to get back to winning ways in their quest for League points. Jamie Sparks could not take his place in the squad due to injury, Carl Hodgson was away and Kris Richardson was an unused sub after impressing for the first team the Day before. Danny Smith also missed out due to injury.
The game began with the opposition flooding the midfield area and only playing one up front, this caused some problems for Faversham as they struggled to get width and just did not keep the ball well enough, many times Faversham played the ball too direct and into the hands of Whitstable who battled well and were well motivated. Faversham certainly showed some signs of rustiness and lack of real sharpness due to a lack of games in recent Weeks, it would take time for them to settle in this match.
The first half lacked real excitement and quality as the opposition did not show too much ambition going forward and Faversham failed to test the Whitstable keeper enough, Chris Axford was the only one to go close , first from a free-kick wide right he stabbed the ball home from close range only to be denied by the linesman's flag, then a shot from the edge of the box almost squeezed under the keeper, with Joe Dart in the Faversham goal having little to do other than come off his line sharpish a couple of times the half finished 0-0. It was a far from a fluid display form Faversham with only Ryan Pioli at left back having an influential game, changes were needed, particularly in light of the first half and how Whitstable had set-up, two changes were made by Faversham, Dan Cansick and Taylor Johanson made way for Dan Ellett and Stef Wall. There was a slight change positionally with Liam Gould coming in alongside Chris Axford in the centre of midfield.
Faversham looked to start the second half much sharper and looking to create a lot more opportunities, it was a slow process, but slowly Faversham started to look more threatening although it wasn't an immediate transformation. Possession was better for Faversham and they ever so gradually were tiring the opposition who continued to work hard, and it was actually a great shot from distance from Whitstable that needed a good tip over from Dart that seemed to eventually spark Faversham into life. Stefan Wall added width and pace down the left, his work lead to a free-kick just outside the penalty area, a delivery from Miles was met by Doyle at the far post but his effort went over.
It was the start of a dominant spell from Faversham though, Gould was getting on the ball and Miles was becoming an influence, getting past his marker and delivering quality balls into the box. Finally with Faversham seemingly looking for inspiration with about 20 minutes to go, West decided to take things into his own hands scoring twice within minutes. Good work form Miles supported well by Ellett created a good crossing opportunity, from the by-line Miles found West in the box, he dummied his marker coming onto his right foot and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Within minutes the goal of the match, a delivery from the right again, in one movement West brought the ball under control swivelled and hit a left foot shot into the bottom corner. This obviously allowed Faversham to relax, and chances were coming thick and fast, Wall had a couple of chances to score before He did so, taking his marker on down the left he got to the by-line before cutting back on his right foot and from a tight angle hit a great shot into the bottom corner. On came Elliot Ling to further stretch a tiring opposition, he replaced Gould who had a good second half.
With real width both sides of the pitch now ,and Faversham on top, attacks kept coming, adding a fourth goal with 5 minutes to go through Miles who had come onto a strong game by then, he got himself into the box on the end of a flick on by Axford and finshed from close range. In the end a good result and an important 3 points were earned even though the team were far from their fluid best.
Team: Joe Dart, Dan Cansick, Ryan Pioli, Taylor Johanson, Brad Doyle, Matt Wilson, Dave Miles, Chris Axford, Aaron West, Richard Penell, Liam Gould.
Subs: Dan Ellett (Cansick 45), Stefan Wall (Johanson 45), Elliot Ling (Gould 75).
Unused: Kris Richardson.