Match Report Keynsham V Ashton Boys
“A fitting end for a Top Coach”
Keynsham played their last game at youth level against Ashton Boys opposite the theatre of dreams that is Ashton Gate. There was a strong squad to ensure a strong finish albeit that Ashton tactically decided to let the grass grow to the maximum height permitted (3ft 4 inches) to make life difficult. Peppa the dog could be seen bounding through the penalty area before kick-off, her head occasionally seen above the dandelions.
The conditions didn’t put off the Keynsham lads who were determined to show Dave what 5 years of hard work and dedication could provide….. total football.
There was a good crowd to support that lads, Gary ‘Dune-Buggy’ Baker cancelled his annual appearance at the Dune Buggy Festival in Scarborough. He’d been working hard on polishing his bug ‘Electric Avenue’ named after his hero Eddy Grant but was prepared to forgo the opportunity of being Best Bug in class to watch the mighty Keynsham.
The game started well with some lovely ‘Glenn Hoddle’ like balls from Mad Max playing at sweeper, Cool Hand Luke Banfield always looking a threat in attack but Ashton didn’t read the script. Adam Smale’s early enthusiasm got the better of him when he tried a Carlton Palmer step over and was caught on the edge of our box, he had his pocket pinched and a smart finish from the Ashton centre forward left us a goal down after 10 mins.
Keynsham continued to push and on 16 minutes a long ball from Charlie Chaz found Ben ‘Caveman’ Harding who controlled it brilliantly and set up Alfred the Great for a one on one but a good save from the keeper stopped an early goal from the young lad on this occasion. The Keynsham pressure continued but without success not that Disco Dave the Keynsham Mourinho was worried, his boys had been in this position before and come back
I aint worried, said Dave, what they really needs is a couple a they Fatchers Hayze that’ll sort they out.
Shortly after Dave’s explanation of his new motivational technique Keynsham delivered, a ball dinked into the box from Harrison Peaky Peacock found Cool Hand who took it beautifully on his chest and an excellent finish levelled the score.
Keynsham continued to push and after 36 minutes Caveman Ben picked the ball up in the Ashton half, beat a couple of players and drilled a low shot into the back of the net, 2-1 Keynsham.
Dan the Dribbler was the stand out performer early on breaking up play and delivering some great balls and he so nearly got his first ever Keynsham goal but the keeper made a fine save from his well-struck effort. Dave was still over the moon as he’s been trying for years to get Dan to finally set foot in the opposing penalty area, just a pity the goal didn’t come.
Half time arrived and Gaffer Sainsbury brought on his 4 subs. Keynsham continued to press and Brendon took up his new position as centre forward, an early corner saw the boxing champ rise like a tired Salmon to direct a header (actually off his shoulder) into the corner only to see the keeper to make a brilliant save to keep the score 2-1.
A bigger crowd joined in what was a thrilling game, and on 60 minutes Keynsham didn’t disappoint, a great through ball from Miles sent Cool Hand clear and he didn’t need a second invitation to make it 3-1 and 2 goals for him.
Straight after kick off, Keynsham were caught napping (Ozzie & Chaz had set up a tent, airbed and camping stove and were waiting for Red Ed) while the Ashton boys nipped in to make it 3-2.
This was the incentive that the Sham needed and Max took it upon himself to make an impact from his Beckenbauer-like role in the centre of defence and his forward runs caused Ashton problems particularly with his long range efforts. Whilst the football team were nervous when the big centre back came forward the local Ashton schools boys were happy, they collected 47 conkers from his efforts as another shot hit the 80 feet Horse Chestnut trees behind the goal.
The pressure of Max’s runs led to a free kick about 25 years out, Max was keen to take the free kick and the schoolboys wanted some more conkers for their mates but Cool Hand was adamant that this was his, he took control and the free kick burst the back of the net. 4-2 and a hat trick for Luke.
Keynsham controlled the rest of the game well and were victors 4-2.
The way the Keynsham lads played throughout the game was great, pass and move, never giving up, constant quality and testament to the way Dave has coached them over the last 5 years. We are all very proud of our lads and our Coach.
Dave and the Keynsham team…. We salute you!!
Neil Peacock
