Sunday, November 23, 2008 23:32
Ramsgate Under 18's 0 Faversham Town Under 18's 3
Scorers: Brad Doyle (2)
Aaron West (1)
Skipper Brad Doyle leads by example by scoring two headed goals to inspire Faversham to victory in this hard fought cup encounter that had to be settled after extra time.
Faversham travelled down to Ramsgate anticipating a tough match and that's exactly what they got, eventually Town edged passed determined opposition. Town began the game with just one change from the last game Liam Gould came in for David Miles. Ramsgate began the game very well getting first to the ball and dominating territory without really testing Carl Hodgson in goal, Town certainly struggled to get hold of the midfield early on, but a back 4 of Cansick, Sparks, Doyle and Richardson were in no mood to let Ramsgate convert their possession into goals, all four players were outstanding throughout. Town also had to make an early change with Danny Smith coming on for the unlucky Liam Gould who was suffering with a groin injury. Slowly Town started to find their feet, Aaron West who lead the line superbly all game started to protect the ball and allow Town to push up the pitch. Town were the first to get a clear sight of goal, Chris Axford burst into the box and his cross shot was parried, Stefan Wall following up saw his shot fly off the cross bar. Town also looked dangerous from corners, but chances at both ends were few and far between, in a half that was edged by Ramsgate the teams came in 0-0.
At the beginning of the second half Dan Ellett replaced Wall, and Town with the conditions now in their favour begun much stronger winning more ball in midfield and exerting more pressure, there was much more flow to the game with Ramsgate always looking a threat when they got it out wide, again Town's defence had to be fully focused. Mid-way through the half a great break down the left by Richardson, saw an exchange of passes with Ellett, Richardson from the edge of the box hit a right foot shot which came off the post. Town had to battle for every chance with Ramsgate's captain in the centre of the field a constant threat, however it was West and forward partner Richard Pennell who started turning this game Town's way, Pennell's strength and hold up play were excellent in the second half and West's running power was causing Ramsgate problems. Danny Smith was also having an effective game feeding intelligent balls through, the question was would the deadlock get broken Ramsgate had a couple of good moments with shots that went over and a move down the left which left Hodgson with a shot to deal with down at his near post. All the time though Faversham looked stronger and more threatening and a couple of corners close to the 90 minute mark almost won the tie. It was not to be the game went into extra time with the teams locked at 0-0.
Faversham had to deal with an early spell of pressure in extra time, but continued to break well, one of these breaks resulted in a corner for Town and the opening goal, a Richardson delivery was met emphatically by Doyle to give Town the lead. With Town now in front they were quick to press home the advantage adding a second goal within a couple of minutes, Taylor Johanson did well in midfield the ball was fed through to West who went round the keeper but was forced wide, he cut back on himself and with two players on the line smashed the ball into the top corner to put Town two up.In the second half of extra time it was a case of Town players keeping their discipline,on came Elliot Ling to replace Pennell for some fresh legs down the right, Ramsgate did have a good opportunity to pull one back as they pushed forward, Hodgson came out to narrow the angle well and the placed shot went just wide. After that Town were fairly comfortable and had time to add to their lead, another Richardson corner found Doyle charging in at the far post to cap a fine individual performance and a 3-0 win for Town. Every player once again contributed in this hard fought win.
Town: Carl Hodgson, Dan Cansick, Kris Richardson, Taylor Johanson, Brad Doyle, Jamie Sparks, Liam Gould, Chris Axford, Aaron West, Richard Pennell, Stefan Wall.
Subs: Danny Smith (Gould 20), Dan Ellett (Wall 45), Elliot Ling (Pennell 105 )
Not Used: Matt Wilson, Joe Dart.