Bedwell Rangers Rapids 0 Knebworth Youth Cheetahs Yellows 7 Under-10s League Cup KNEBWORTH travelled the short journey to Stevenage on Sunday hoping to cement a place in the quarter-finals of this season s League Cup competition. On a sticky pitch, the Ch

Bedwell Rangers Rapids 0 Knebworth Youth Cheetahs Yellows 7

Under-10s League Cup

KNEBWORTH travelled the short journey to Stevenage on Sunday hoping to cement a place in the quarter-finals of this season's League Cup competition.

On a sticky pitch, the Cheetahs failed to produce the quick passing game that has served them so well this season and it was the home team that looked the more threatening for most of the first half.

Steffan Jones in the Knebworth goal had already made three great saves from close-range when Bedwell were awarded a penalty for a push in the area.

Once again Jones was equal to the shot and superbly pushed it wide to keep the score at 0-0.

Then, after a cross from Ryan Manson on the right, Taylor Wilson stroked the ball home to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.

Bedwell almost replied but a shot was dragged back from what looked very close to being over the line and the referee waved play on.

Some words were needed at half-time for Knebworth and reminders that on a small pitch the side would need to move the ball around much quicker in the second period.

The talk worked and the players were much-improved in the second period and with the introduction of Robson Moss they slowly took control of the game.

A throw from Moss on the left was knocked on by Wilson and Ewan Fewell arrived at the back post to convert for 2-0 while further good work from Moss and Fewell set up Wilson for his second and Knebworth's third.

A poor clearance from Rangers' 'keeper allowed Fewell to collect and score from inside the box for 4-0 and then Charlie Unwin and Manson engineered a quick short corner routine that saw Manson force the 'keeper to save only for Moss to follow up to net the fifth goal.

Fewell completed his hat-trick after more good work from Moss and it was Moss again who flicked a ball through to Manson who then dribbled into the box before scoring the seventh and final goal.

Knebworth Youth Cheetahs Blacks 4 Baldock Town Crusaders 1

Under-10s League Trophy

BALDOCK came into this League Trophy match with a resounding 12-0 victory over Bishop's Stortford Wanderers behind them but being a player down knew it would be an uphill task against a team a division above them.

Indeed the home team started brightly and stretched Baldock's defence with some good passing moves down both flanks.

The visitors defended well but the first goal soon arrived when Mitchell Rogers converted a Travis Hambleton cross from close range.

When a goal-kick from Tom did not find its target Harry Isherwood pounced on the clearance and took a couple of touches before smashing into a virtual empty net for his side's second.

It wasn't all one-way traffic though, and Cook in the Knebworth goal had to react quickly to a couple of through balls before kicking them to safety with Baldock attackers closing him down.

Knebworth made a number of positional changes in the second half with Joshua Allen going in goal and others playing in different roles, and Katie McLaughlin scored a third goal with a neat finish using her weaker left foot from just inside the area.

A great move down the right saw a cross converted in front of goal by Archie Garrett for the fourth goal but credit must be given to Baldock who continued to defend well and who managed to convert a chance near the end of the game.

At the final whistle, the Knebworth team gave Baldock a warm round of applause for such a great effort and they now look forward to a home quarter-final game against Whitethorn Wanderers in March.