Academy Match Summaries for Saturday 20th September

Burton Albion Sils U12s   2 v 2   AFC Rushden & Diamonds U12s
Played at Silver Street, Wythall

The game started at a nice tempo for both teams, with Burton Sils having the majority of the early play, taking the lead through Ward-Broadfield in the 2nd period. The Diamonds applied the pressure and were rewarded with an equaliser soon after conceding, scored by William Jones. Burton Sils regained the advantage just before half-time after some good movement and defensive errors by Diamonds. The play was certainly end-to-end, with Ben Ashmead proving too much for the opposition, providing a further goal for Diamonds and well-earned draw with 10 minutes to go.

JPL match report http://junior-premier.co.uk/MatchDay/MatchDetails.aspx?gid=9277

AFC Rushden & Diamonds U13s   5 v 4   Arsenal Soccer Schools (Cambs)
Played at the Malcolm Arnold Academy, Northampton

Another keenly fought, entertaining, high standard match involving the AFC Rushden & Diamonds U13 team. Diamonds took the lead through Ed Farrell before Arsenal equalised just before the end of the 1st period. Some nice football from both sides throughout, with Farrell and Agboola (for Arsenal) both adding to their tallies before half-time. By the end of the 3rd period the scores were 3 each, with a further goal for Farrell. Arsenal took the lead again at the start of the final period, only for Daniel Lyons to score a cracking free kick with 10 to go, and Farrell scoring his 4th for the second week running, giving Diamonds the victory.

JPL match report http://junior-premier.co.uk/MatchDay/MatchDetails.aspx?gid=8021

Coventry U14s   8 v 3   AFC Rushden & Diamonds U14s
Played at Central Ajax FC, Warwick

AFC Rushden & Diamonds started much brighter this week, learning from their previous outings’ slow start. But despite Diamonds having the lion’s share of the 1st period, they didn’t make this tell until Sonny Knights and Louie Barrett sent the visitors 2 up by half-time. Callum Harley added a third near the start of the 3rd period and then Coventry found another gear…and specifically their striker, Riley O’Sullivan who got his hat-trick by the end of the 3rd period. Coventry completely dominated the final period slotting in a further 5 goals for an 8-3 win.

JPL match report http://junior-premier.co.uk/MatchDay/MatchDetails.aspx?gid=8348

AFC Rushden & Diamonds U15s   2 v 3   Burton Albion Sils U15s
Played at the Malcolm Arnold Academy, Northampton

This game could have gone either way. Diamonds found themselves 2 down at the end of the first period due to Burton Sils coming out of the blocks far quicker. At the start of the second half, Diamonds scored through Lewis Hilliard, only for the visitors to make it 3-1 going into the final period. The game came to a scrappy conclusion but Diamonds did manage to pull one back, but Burton closed the game out, leaving MAA with single goal advantage.

JPL match report http://junior-premier.co.uk/MatchDay/MatchDetails.aspx?gid=8669