Sunday, April 5, 2009 21:43
Faversham Town U18's 4 AFC Sheppey U18's 0
Scorers: Stefan Wall (2)
David Miles
Liam Gould
Stefan Wall took his Season's goal tally to 16, 8 of those in his last 6 games, in this comfortable home win for Town, the score line could of easily been worse for the visitors but a combination of determined defending and good goalkeeping kept the score down, Sheppey in fact deserve credit for the way all their players stuck to the task right till the final whistle. It was however another important and vital win for Town which maintained the pressure on leaders Canterbury City.
Back into the starting line-up for Town were Jamie Sparks and Kris Richardson, and into the squad for the first time was James Polley a recent transfer from neighbours Whitstable. Brad Doyle was an unused substitute as he was too unwell to start the game, Sparks took over as Captain.
It was Town's first meeting with Sheppey this Season, it was clear that they were going to make Town work hard throughout the game, but it was also imperative that Town won the fixture. Town began with a nice balance in midfield and good width courtesy of Miles and Richardson, this indeed became the route where most of Town's chances were created, many crosses came in particularly from the left through Richardson, only the post,the Sheppey keeper and some desperate goalmouth scrambles prevented Town from taking a very early lead. It wasn't however too long coming as after about 15 minutes Wall struck his first goal, the move starting down the left ended up at the feet of Axford who's through ball found Wall, with just the keeper to beat he neatly lifted the ball over him and into the net. It wasn't all perfect for Town as Taylor Johanson had to make way early in the game with knee trouble, Liam Gould came on in his place as a direct replacement. Town were certainly trying to play in all areas of the pitch, but at times they were careless in possession and tried forcing the ball forward too early. Ellett and Pioli were the full backs and they continued to get forward at every opportunity, particularly as the centre back partnership of Wilson and Sparks were in control of most things at the back. Town did add a second before half time, again it was Wall who was sharpest in the box following a shot off the post and a block from the keeper. Although Town had a couple off the line and struck the post a couple of times they went in fairly comfortable in a 2 nil lead.
The second half was probably even more emphatic for Town as they pinned Sheppey back for much of the half, once again the Sheppey keeper pulled off save after save, Town did not panic and continued to use every inch off the pitch in order to open up their opponents. Town made a further two changes early in the half, off came an out of sorts Pennell and Pioli who produced another solid display. James Polley came on for his debut and Elliot Ling joined him, although there was a quick re-shuffle it didn't halt Towns flow as they continued to create chances. A third goal was added mid-way through the half, a move down the right saw Ling beat his marker his cross was converted by Miles. Town had a lot of territory and corners but were unable to extend the lead until around the 80th minute mark, once again the Sheppey keeper pulled off a good save this time however the rebound was just far enough away from him to enable Gould to smash the ball home. The game ended with a well deserved 4 nil win for Town.
Town starting next Sunday have a vital week of fixtures in their quest to stay in touch with the leaders, firstly they travel to 4th placed Lordswood, then on the Tuesday they visit a very talented Ashford side and then they have a tough fixture at Ramsgate.
Town line-up: Carl Hodgson, Dan Ellett, Ryan Pioli, Taylor Johanson, Matt Wilson, Jamie Sparks, David Miles, Chris Axford, Stefan Wall, Richard Pennell, Kris Richardson.
Subs: Liam Gould (Johanson 15), James Polley (Pioli 60), Elliot Ling (Pennell 60)
Not Used: Brad Doyle, Joe Dart.