by Jeff King (With A Big Nod To Colin Wotherspoon)
Wearside League Division 1 - Saturday 25th January 2025 Chester-le-Street United Reserves 2 v 2 i2i International Soccer Academy
Saturday's game saw United's Reserves welcome the i2i International Soccer Academy under the guidance of Head Coach Tommy Butler, an ex-Hartlepool United teammate of Micky's Barron and Nelson to The Riverside.
i2i are flying high in 4th place and were in good form coming in to the contest being unbeaten in their last 5 games. United Coaches Colin Wotherspoon and Willie Donachie changed their normal shape from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 which the lads reacted to very well.
Both sides were happy that the game was on the 3G pitch as it allowed both sides to play they football they like that is pleasing on the eye.
Although i2i just shaded more possession in the first half United created the best 2 chances which they failed to take and paid the penalty as i2i took the lead midway through the first half.
A cross from the left hand side crept in at the back post after United failed to clear the ball despite having two occasions to do so.
Just before half time Joe Walls replaced the injured Evan Cubby with United going in at the break 1 - 0 down.
United started the second half the stronger side and it were on the front foot throughout. Leo Fasuan replaced Jack Wilson and United pushed Harvey Lawrence up top alongside Jude Anderson with Fasuan playing right hand side of a midfield 4.
It was Lawrence who got United back in the game after great work from Joe Sykes down the right hand side. Buoyed by the leveller it was then all United going for the win.
With 15 minutes remaining United did take the lead through Anderson when he smashed home from close range.
Deep into injury time i2i equalised when a long ball from a free kick on the halfway line fell to an i2i player who smashed it into the far corner to make it a level game, 2-2 at the final whistle.
United in truth were disappointed not to taking all 3 points but gave gave credit to their opposition who played their part in a good competitive game of football.
TEAM : 1. Harry Telfer 2. Joe Sykes 3. Finn Cook 4. Matty Henderson 5. Dan Walton 6. Keane Mitchell 7. Evan Cubby 8. Olly Dixon (c) 9. Jude Anderson 10. Jack Wilson 11. Harvey Lawrence
SUBS : 12. Joe Walls 14. Leo Fasuan SCORERS : Harvey Lawrence, Jude Anderson
MAN of the MATCH : Olly Dixon who gave everything in midfield in and out of possession.
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