by Jeff King (With Thanks To Anth Johnson)
Durham County FA Under-18s Saturday League - Saturday 2nd November 2024
Spennymoor Town Knights 5 v 0 Chester-le-Street United Under 18s
Saturday always looked like it was going to be a tough test away to the leagues unbeaten leaders Spennymoor Town Knights for United's Under 18s and so it proved in the end.
It was the home side who saw most of the ball in the first 10 to 15 minutes but United's youngsters kept their shape well and limited Spennymoor to a couple of half chances.
They black and whites took the lead on 20 mins with a penalty and they went further ahead just before half time with a strike across the keeper from just inside the box from the right.
Some good football from Chester's youngsters could have seen then close the gap as they showed positive signs in our build up play from the back and midfield but the final ball at times in the last third was wasteful which should have led to scoring opportunities.
Jackson Cherrie nearly got United back in it with a strike from the edge of the box on the stroke of half time but the keeper made a comfortable save.
Second half United went 3 behind when the left winger made a run down the flank and squared the ball to the No 9 who finished well. Another goal conceded came from a corner as the ball landed directly onto the head of the Spennymoor player who nodded in from close range unopposed.
Lots of encouraging signs and bravery to keep getting on the ball from the Chester boys which was very pleasing and they weren’t phased by the quality and depth of the home sides squad.
An unbelievable strike from the lively Shay Pye at the death was equalled with a great save as the ball was destined for the top right hand corner.
Spennymoor got their final goal from a 30 yard shot which the keeper got his hand to but couldn’t manage to steer it away from goal. The work rate and willingness to keep going was a feature of our play today and we showed great positivity with and without the ball.
TEAM : 1. Reid 2. Price 3. Cherrie 4. White 5. Moss 6. Young 7. Pye 8. Connelly 9. Beattie 10. Bell 11. Ngoyi Wansay
MAN of the MATCH : Alex White - solid performance from Alex who showed great strength throughout and used the ball well in possession.
Anth Johnson Post Game Thoughts :
"Overall a difficult test but one that was positive all the same with lots of good signs. It's exciting to see these young lads progressing whilst not being phased by the level of opposition which will give them great confidence in the weeks and months ahead as individuals and as a team."
"No doubt some of these boys will be knocking on our reserve team door including some from our PV performance centre who are yet to turn 16 years of age."
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