Avon Youth League Under 16s, Division 2, 09/04/17
KTJFC 2 Oldland Abbots 0 (HT 0-0)
Keynsham scorers: Toby & Will.
KEYNSHAM’S EXCELLENT DISPLAY KEEPS ABBOTS CHAMPAGNE ON ICE.
Keynsham, playing at home on the 3G pitch on a beautiful sunny day, were looking to avenge the heavy defeat at the hands of Oldland of two weeks ago whilst the Abbots were looking for the win that would secure the league title.
Unfortunately Reegan was injured in the warm up and had to be replaced in goal by Charlie, credit to him for stepping up!
Manager Dave had nearly the whole squad available with only Ozzie missing, upfront was Miles, supported by Will, Luke & Sam.
The game was a tough midfield battle from the start with Keynsham having an equal share of possession and despite the great closing down work from Oldland Abbots the passing game of Keynsham was much better today than the first encounter, the smooth surface no doubt helping the boys to play their usual game.
Harrison made a brave block on 8 minutes protecting Charlie from a powerful shot on goal.
The Keynsham goal was not overly troubled early on by Oldland Abbots as the new defensive line of Adam, Max, captain Tommy & Owen worked hard to frustrate any attack.
Charlie’s goal kicking and interception of long balls was first class and surprisingly Oldland Abbots failed to test our replacement goalkeeper with any dangerous shots.
Yet again the quality midfield line up of Will, Ben & Harrison showed great tenacity with Ben in particular again being on the end of more strong challenges!
On 16 minutes, Max launched a long free kick into the box that was touched on by Luke forcing a fingertip save from the Oldland Abbots Keeper.
Ten minutes later, Tommy had a low shot on goal just saved following a well delivered corner form Luke.
There was some good running from Miles chasing lost causes and he was working hard putting pressure on the Oldland Abbots defence.
Towards the end of the half Keynsham were slightly more on the back foot and there was a crucial defensive block from Dan, who had come on for Harrison and went on to have an excellent game in the middle of the park.
The half ended 0-0 with Keynsham managing to defend against the pressure of Oldland Abbots with very few scares.
At the start of the 2nd half Toby was introduced in place of Miles and more subs would soon be made with the very hot day and big pitch taking it’s toll, not to mention the high work rate of the home side. Brendon and Alfie both came on in the second period and seamlessly fitted into the team, doing their jobs very well indeed.
Keynsham had more of the ball and showed better passing and movement with Toby and Luke looking to run through on goal.
On 62 minutes, Toby shaved the side of the post with a free kick from outside the Oldland Abbots box following a controversial hand ball by the goalkeeper when the Town striker was through on goal.
Minutes later, with the game opening up, a measured pass from Will put Toby through on goal who outpaced the defenders and struck the ball high into the roof of the net for a deserved 1-0 lead to Keynsham.
With 10 minutes to go there followed a sustained period of pressure from Oldland Abbots throwing men forward but Keynsham defence were well disciplined and managed to safely play out from the back with skill and pace.
In the final minute of the game this paid off as an intelligent ball from Chaz in goal saw Adam and Toby bear down on the Oldland Abbots box and Toby crossed for a tap in at close range for Will to end the match 2-0 to Keynsham Town. A fully deserved goal for Will for his tireless display full of strong defending and numerous forward runs to support the attack.
Mike Cooke.
