Here is a summary of teams’ performances from this weekend’s league and shield action.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds U12s 1 v 2 Coventry City F.C. U12s
Played at the Malcolm Arnold Academy, Northampton
JPL match report can be found here
AFC Rushden & Diamonds U13s 0 v 8 Coventry City F.C. U13s
Played at the Malcolm Arnold Academy, Northampton
Martin’s JPL match report can be found here
Birmingham City F.C. U14s 0 v 1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds U14s
Played at Birmingham University
With sleet in the air the game got off to a scrappy start. This continued throughout the first 3 periods with only a few highlights to note. During the second period Josh Dohler-Ball hit a cracking shot from the edge of the penalty area forcing the keeper to tip over the bar. It wasn’t really until the final period before the game came alive. Diamonds boys stepped up the pressure, pressing more and more. Crosses came in from both the left & right flanks calling on the home keeper to make some good saves. A couple of occasions saw Diamonds either 1-on-1 or outnumbering the home defenders on the break, only for them to make last gasp tackles and deny good chances. Sonny Knights manage to graze the outside of the left-hand upright and then 2 minutes later, 10 minutes from time, following another fantastic run down the left by Matt Thomas who crossed for Joe Bricknell to round off a good performance and deserved goal from the edge of the 6 yard box. Star of the show for me, backed by Nick’s comment, was the debut of U13s keeper Daniel Edwards, who looked in total control and pulled off key saves throughout the match.
JPL match report can be found here
AFC Rushden & Diamonds U15s 11 v 2 Leamington Hibs F.C. U15s
Played at the Malcolm Arnold Academy, Northampton
This was a last 16 JPL Knockout Shield match (planner can be found here) with a home tie in the quarter-final awaiting the winner.
Marcin’s JPL match report can be found here
