Report: Athletico Kidsgrove v BBFC U11's
Release date : Sunday February 28, 2010
Written by : Andy
Salt
A pulsating encounter with drama right through to the finish as the top two sides finished 2-2. Bombers though may rue the opportunity to defeat their “nemesis” opponents with a last gasp penalty going astray.
Match Report by Steve Kessel
North Staffs Junior Youth League Under Elevens League
Sunday 28th February 2010
Athletico Kidsgrove vs. Bradwell Bombers
Both teams were feeling their way through the first few minutes but the home side struck when Logan Westwicks’s goal kick was seized upon and drilled home by the Athletico forward. Bradwell countered with good work from both Liam Curley and man of the match Lewis Muncey but Ashley Summerfield’s cross evaded the on rushing Kaash Buttery. The home side looked threatening and Richie Parkes and Kieron Simms were resolute at the rear. Fine work from Harry Bradbury led to Ethan Munden teeing up his shot which was well held by the Kidsgrove keeper. PJ Salt showed great composure at left back to send Bradbury scurrying down the flank, but Bombers had Parkes to thank for a brilliant goal line header from a direct free kick to keep the Bombers from going two behind. However, it was the visitors who struck on the half hour after fine work from the resurgent Muncey, who fed Summerfield on the right to hit a cross shot into the top corner. The Bombers were in the ascendency and Summerfield’s next cross was almost converted by Buttery. Athletico thought they had scored but Logan Westwick pulled off a superb save to tip a piledriver round the post. Kidsgrove surged forward again and looked certain to regain the lead but luckily for Bradwell, the shot struck the post.
Half time 1 – 1
The second half saw the match take off in terms of quality and passion with the Bombers within a whisker of the lead when Curley’s free kick was deflected onto the crossbar. Parkes and Alex Kessel repelled a Kidsgrove move and Bradwell began to make use of the wind to press the home side back. Bombers came close when Theo Harvey almost converted following a corner while at the other end, two home corners were dealt with bravely by Westwick. Will Jordan anticipated a threatening move but the visitors came desperately close to leading following a fine ball from Simms. Munden fed Buttery who’s strike hit the bar again and Summerfield saw the rebound saved. With the tackles flying both sides were desperate to nail the win and Kessel thwarted a certain goal chance with a great sliding tackle. With the match heading for a draw the drama began as Lewis Muncey pounced to strike what appeared to be the decisive goal. In injury time however the home side received a fortunate reprieve when Parkes’ attempted clearance looped over the helpless Westwick for the equalizer. The Bombers piled forward and deep into injury time some great footwork from Harvey saw him clattered to the ground and the ref pointed to the spot. The crowd held their breath and Ethan Munden blasted the penalty down the middle, however the keeper blocked and somehow saved the follow up. As the ref blew for full time the home contingent cheered for joy, the Bombers so close to a famous win, will take heart from a great display which keeps the title race wide open.
Final Score 2 - 2