Page 26 - Ashton & Backwell FC v Street 161021

Nick’s Notes. The Resies

So next up for the Resies was a County Senior Cup match against Premier
division side Clutton. What an entertaining encounter this proved to be.
Our boys came out of the blocks really fast, moving the ball at speed and
causing Clutton all kinds of problems to which they were struggling to get
out of their half. 5 minutes in a Jack Stevens free kick was met by Harry
Hockin his header was goalbound but a defender managed to get his
head to the ball only to put the ball past his own keeper. 7 minutes
another free kick from a similar area saw Lee Dunsford whip the ball into
the box, this time Thomas Smart put the ball into the net with his
glancing header. Clutton were on the ropes but on 25 minutes were
awarded a penalty for hand ball 2-1 and game on. Just before half time
we were all square and Clutton started to settle down.

Almost 5 minutes into the second half Clutton took the lead,
unfortunately our boys were caught napping at the back .The Premier
side started to turn the screw but we kept our shape and defended wel.
Wwe then got into our stride again, pressing and asking questions of the
Clutton defence, With 10 minutes remaining Thomas Smart got the ball
down in the box and drilled a ball across the face of the goal the defence
could only stand and stare as Lee Dunsford ran into the box to meet the
ball at the back post and crash it home for 3-3. The remaining minutes
we pushed and pushed but could not get a winner.

Penalties it was first up Lee Dunsford 1-0 Cluttons star performer on the
day crashed his kick against the upright. Next up Will Solari 2-1 then Bill
Devoy 3-2 Sonny Stiddard 4-3 with Thomas Smart making it 5 out of 5
pens and into the next round.

Next up was tricky away league game at Portishead. This turned out to
be a fantastic battle between 2 well matched sides. it was increasingly
looking like a stalemate until Substitute Jack Stevens crashed in a Cam
Main cross with the last kick of the match. I must praise each and every
player for their performance that game with a special mention for Cam
Main who was a constant thorn in the Portishead defence all night. That
result lifted us to top of the league but as they say it is a marathon not a
sprint, but its where we want to be and with the quality of our evolving
squad we are going to be a tough nut to crack. Next up for us is a trip to
Cutters Friday. I hope enjoy your Saturday.

UP THE STAGS

Regards Smarty…