Avon Youth League Under 16s, Division 2, 19/03/17
Whitchurch Juniors 1 KTJFC 0 (HT 0-0)
KEYNSHAM’S LEAGUE TITLE HOPES IN TATTERS AFTER LACKLUSTRE DISPLAY.
An ominous grey sky at the South Bristol Sports ground saw Whitchurch Juniors play host to Keynsham Town, with wet and windy conditions making play difficult for both sides.
Keynsham started slower than usual with Whitchurch enjoying an equal amout of the midfield possession.
The back line of Harrison, Tommy & Alf used the space well and were not overly pressed early on, with Whitchurch only having the occasional break away threat.
Owen again showed good pace and strength down the wings, supported by Ben and Sam in the middle.
Whitchurch made it difficult for Keynsham to create too many clear cut chances as they defended in numbers and closed the ball down well showing good levels of communication.
There were a host of corner and free kick opportunities for Keynsham but with a crowded box shots on goal were easily blocked.
On 24 minutes, Alf had a shot go narrowly wide following a well delivered corner from Luke.
Max had a couple of half chances in the box but was unlucky with the final strike and Miles was up against some very physical defenders.
At the end of the half Toby came on for Max and had a shot from outside the box narrowly miss the top left hand corner.
The unusually quiet half ended 0-0 with neither goalkeeper overly troubled.
Keynsham immediately started the 2nd half with more desire and energy and good passing play from Adam and Charlie ended with Toby shooting over the bar from close range.
There were also shots on goal from Charlie & Luke but they were either saved or blocked.
On 65 minutes, following a sustained period of pressure around the Whitchurch box, a long pass saw Whitchurch break throught the Keynsham defence and take the lead against the run of play.
As a result, Keynsham were forced to push men forward looking for the equaliser but were now vulnerable to the counter attack.
Late on, Reegan made a great reflex save from a powerful shot following a Whitchurch corner.
Whitchurch continued to frustrate Keynsham battling to win corners and throw-ins whilst running the clock down.
Despite some last-ditch attacking play, time ran out (with Keynsham failing to score in a league match for the first time this season) and the game ended 1-0 to Whitchurch Juniors.
Congratulations to Whitchurch who played to their strengths and tactically outwitted a below par Keynsham.
Mike Cooke.
