Wednesday, April 8, 2009 21:10
Ashford Town U18s 0 Faversham Town U18s 2
Chris Axford won the game for Town with 2 exceptional goals, but that doesn't tell the whole story as once again Faversham put in a massive team effort to beat a very talented Ashford side. Faversham produced an exceptional second half performance culminating in a second goal for the team that was the best team goal they have scored this Season.
With the first team also producing an excellent result at Holmesdale it meant a small re-shuffle for Faversham at Ashford, in came Joe Dart in goal, and Ryan Pioli replaced Richardson at left back.
Faversham were very respectful of Ashford's ability to keep good possession and they set up to be very difficult to break down and tried to win the ball as high up the pitch as possible. The opening stages went to script with Ashford keeping the ball well at the back and into midfield but as soon as they reached the Faversham back four of Ellett, Doyle, Sparks and Pioli they came to an abrupt halt, a few crosses and longe range efforts was all that Dart had to deal with, he did so competently.
Faversham's offensive play was a bit sporadic in the first half, they were perhaps in a bit of a rush to get it forward, however they did look dangerous when getting the ball wide to Miles and Ling. Ling in particular had a couple of good runs in the first half. Once again Pennell up front was challenging for every ball as he looked to set his partner Wall free, crucially Johanson in midfield was marshalling the area superbly, this was releasing Axford to get forward which would be vital to Faversham's eventual win.
Faversham had a couple of half chances and one effort cleared off the line in the first half, firstly a great run by Miles lead to a shot from the edge of the box, which ended up deflecting to safety off Pennell. The closest Faversham came was from a corner from Ellett, a half clearance fell to Johanson who's shot was cleared off the line. THe pace of the game was fantastic, both defences were on top in this tight game, the half ended at 0-0.
Faversham knew that had to make use of thier game in hand with a win but it was going to take a huge second half effort, that is exactly what Faversham produced with an impressive display throughout the side. However before they could edge ahead in the game Ashford had their most dangerous spell, and crucially Dart in goal had to produce a great save, a move down Faversham's left lead to a deep cross into the box, Dart started to come but realised he couldn't get there, the Ashford player seemingly headed the ball over Dart into the goal, but Dart repositioned brilliantly and flicked the ball over for a corner.
This was a big moment in the game as it was Ashford's one and only clear chance. From that moment Faversham stepped up a gear all over the pitch, the front two of Pennell and Wall started it with some great work-rate and closing down, and ever so slowly Faversham got a stranglehold in midfield, Miles, Axford and Ling were now getting good possession and they were looking dangerous. Faversham took the lead with about 15 minutes gone, it was created down the right, Ling with very little room to work skipped past his marker, got to the by-line and crossed, Axford had burst into the box and rose brilliantly to head down and into the goal. Faversham seemed to up their work rate further still, all the time Doyle and Sparks at the back were keeping things tight, Ellett was once again having a great game at right back.
A change was made soon after the goal, a tiring Ling made way for Connor Young, Ling having played a crucial part in the opening goal. With about 25 minutes gone in the half Faversham produced a goal worthy of winning any game, Miles and Pennell were not only having a huge influence in the second half they were about to make the second goal. Johanson fed the ball wide to Miles on the left hand side about on the half way line, suddenly he was surrounded by 4 Ashford players pressing the ball, he twisted and turned and somehow found Pennell down the line, Pennell flicked the ball back to Miles who put Pennell clear down the left, he reached the by-line before putting the ball in the box, Wall was close to making contact, but right behind him was Axford who slammed the ball in to make it 2-0.
Faversham just never stopped working, Ashford were unable to hurt Faversham and the score could of perhaps been more although that would of been unjust on the home team, Wall beat his marker to go one -on - one but put his effort over. With time running out Faversham brought on Liam Gould and James Polley, for the outstanding Axford and Wall. Faversham played out the last 10 minutes untroubled to get a crucial win against a side that is probably the best footballing side in the League, their league position certainly does not represent the sides ability.
Faversham play their 3rd away game in a Week when they travel to play Ramsgate on Sunday and anticipate another very tough game, Town are now a point off top spot with a game in hand.
Town: Joe Dart, Dan Ellett, Ryan Pioli, Taylor Johanson, Brad Doyle, Jamie Sparks, Chris Axford, Stefan Wall, Richard Pennell, Elliot Ling.
Subs: Connor Young (Ling 60), Liam Gould (Axford 80), James Polley (Wall 80).
Not used: Matt Wilson, Rafael Lanczi-Wilson.