Three and easy for Greens
Monday, April 12, 2010
4:34 PM
RCYFL Under12s Div 4 Bishop s Stortford CFC Athletic 0 Royston Celtic U12 Greens 3 THIS was a critical match for Celtic Greens against opponents who were eight points behind them with three games in hand at the start of play. In the reverse fixture aga
RCYFL Under12s Div 4
Bishop's Stortford CFC Athletic 0 Royston Celtic U12 Greens 3
THIS was a critical match for Celtic Greens against opponents who were eight points behind them with three games in hand at the start of play.
In the reverse fixture against Athletic a few weeks ago, Celtic could count themselves fortunate to hang on for a draw after the latter spurned a hatful of chances in the last 10 minutes, so with two key players missing this was going to be a tough match for the Greens.
Celtic took the game to their opponents right from the outset despite kicking up the slope and mounted the first incisive attack after five minutes which ended with a shot from Ollie Green, operating in midfield, and a save from the Athletic keeper.
Celtic kept up the pressure and were rewarded in the 11th minute when Ian Kuenzi collected a clearance from the Celtic keeper inside the Athletic half and showed great control to take the ball into the penalty area, holding off two defenders in the process, before blasting the ball past the keeper to give Celtic the lead.
A couple of minutes later Celtic forced a corner which went behind and then Athletic stepped up their game to force three corners in a row which tested the Celtic defence, though not particularly keeper Ryan Judge whose handling was very sure and was only called on to make one full-length save in the second half.
Celtic kept pressing forward thanks to some energetic and combative play in the midfield by Callum Goodall and Robbie Filby, aided by left winger Brandon Hargreaves working hard in tandem his left-back partner. Danny Mynott on the right wing was also in good form and was on hand to collect a great crossfield pass from Jordan Cooney, who was superb in defence throughout, and neatly slot the ball home to put the visitors 2-0 up in the 26th minute.
In the second half Athletic looked as though they meant business and early on won a free kick in a dangerous position which came to nothing.
However, they could not really penetrate the Celtic defence where full-backs Ethan Lewis and Charlie Edwards put in some strong tackles in between their forays into the Athletic half in support of the attack.
Matthew Foley also showed good composure in the centre of the Celtic defence and intercepted some dangerous through balls.
After 20 minutes Athletic had a short spell of renewed pressure and forced a couple of corners but still couldn't find their way through a resolute Celtic defence.
There were some stoppages for injuries in what was a hard but fairly fought match and in the 59th minute of normal time Celtic made sure of the points when Faheem Jeewoth collected the ball half-way inside the Athletic half on the right and advancing on goal shot coolly past the home keeper.
Manager Wayne Hargreaves was very pleased with the result and thought Celtic dominated the first half in particular playing possibly their best football of the season.
Team: Ryan Judge; Ethan Lewis, Jordan Cooney, Matthew Foley, Charlie Edwards; Danny Mynott, Callum Goodall, Robbie Filby, Ollie Green, Brandon Hargreaves; Ian Kuenzi; Sub: Faheem Jeewoth.
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