Match Report 22.10.17
Aylsham FC U12 v Costessey Sports FC U12 United, The Costessey Centre
Aylsham FC U12 took a trip to Costessey Sports FC U12 United’s Costessey Centre this morning (Sunday 22nd October) in the latest Norfolk Combined Youth Football League Premiership fixture.
The conditions were cold and windy as Aylsham kicked off proceedings against a strong breeze looking to play the ball around. Nice interplay early on between Charlie, Freddy and Mitchy put Aylsham firmly on the front foot.
In the 2nd minute Jude won the ball in midfield finding Alfie in space who made the keeper pull off a smart low save following a shot from just outside the area. On the next Aylsham attack Freddy sent Mitchy away down the left and, while his first time cross just evaded Alfie’s head, Archie had arrived at the back post to test the keeper again.
Mitchy linked up with Alfie from a throw in but the latter’s shot on the turn just dropped beyond the far post as Aylsham went in search of the first goal. Mitchy was in the thick of things again laying the ball into Freddy who saw his shot from distance fly just wide.
Denver and Jaiden had to deal with direct balls forward as Costessey looked to exert some pressure through the middle and it was from a long Costessey clearance that Aylsham scored the first goal of the game in the 8th minute. Loz had to come well outside of his area to halt a Costessey break forward playing it to Archie out on the right. Archie found Jude in the middle before Freddy moved it back to Denver who picked out Jude again. Jude’s first time ball over the top sat up nicely for Alfie who struck a fine left footed volley over the top of the keeper for 1-0 Aylsham.
Aylsham were playing some nice passing football but found a resolute and determined opposition who pressed and battled for every ball.
Mitchy controlled a Costessey goal kick well and went past his defender making his way into the box going for goal but unfortunately saw his left footed drive rebound off the bottom of the post.
The game became a little scrappy in places with possession being won and lost by both teams. Costessey continued with their direct approach and on 17 minutes won a penalty after a trip in the box. Loz made a fantastic save diving to his left to keep the ball out and preserve his side’s lead. Three minutes later Loz had to be at his best again, tipping a goal-bound effort over the bar acrobatically.
On 23 minutes Costessey scored an equaliser after one of their midfielders broke through the middle to lift the ball powerfully into the top corner of the net.
Josh came on and was immediately involved in a good Aylsham move as the visitors went in search of another goal. After their equaliser Costessey has their tails up and only a crucial block from Charlie prevented an opportunity for the home side. At the other end Mitchy forced a brilliant save from the keeper from a fizzing drive. Moments later Jude had a strike at goal from the edge of the area but again the keeper saved well.
Ollie came on in the centre of defence and broke up a promising move before clearing his lines just before the break. The whistle blew to signal the end of a half with both sides having plenty of chances but the score remaining level.
Jack was introduced at the break as Costessey kicked off the second half. Immediately Aylsham pressed high, Alfie forcing a misplaced pass and blocked a hurried clearance before driving forward and arrowing a shot across the keeper into the net to restore the Aylsham lead.
Aylsham pushed forward again and Jack was on to a sliced clearance in a flash driving into the box but saw his shot beaten away by the keeper. Moments later, from a Mitchy corner, Josh headed powerfully over after a great leap.
Costessey were confident in playing out from the back but Aylsham set their traps well and Alfie forced another great save from the home keeper with a long range effort. From Jack’s corner Alfie headed narrowly over. Aylsham won a free kick that Freddy struck firmly but as so many times before, found the home keeper in great form as he tipped the effort round the post. 11 minutes into the second half Loz pulled off a great save of his own to claw away a dipping effort from inside the box.
Both goalkeepers were kept busy as the rain began to fall with Jack testing the home stopper with a shot from distance that almost fell to Jude on the follow-up. Charlie and Mitchy linked up well down the left to create a shooting opportunity for Josh but again the keeper showed great hands.
While on top in terms of possession and chances, Aylsham still has to be on their guard as Costessey pushed for an equaliser. Ollie and Denver both putting in good challenges to keep Aylsham in the lead.
Eight minutes from the end Aylsham were awarded a penalty after good interplay between Alfie and Freddy with the former being clipped after beating two defenders giving himself the chance of a hat-trick. Alfie sent the keeper the wrong way but saw his penalty deflect off the post and behind.
The final stages of the game were very evenly contested with both sides finding it difficult to keep possession of the ball as playing conditions worsened. In the last action of the match Jude burst forward and played a perfect through ball for Jack who hit his shot sweetly but saw the keeper tip it onto the post and behind.
While not quite at their best against a well organised, workmanlike and stubborn opposition, Aylsham came away with the three points to make it six wins out of six as their quest for the Premiership title continues in earnest.
