AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 2 Cogenhoe United U18 2

AFC Rushden & Diamonds 2-2 Cogenhoe United

Northants Senior Youth League

For the second home game in succession, the Diamonds U18s were held to a 2-2 draw and finished the game with 10 men, but this match could not have been more different to the Olney game 3 weeks ago.

Rushden started brightly against second placed Cogenhoe, but fell behind after 5 minutes thanks to a defensive mix up. A nothing ball down the Cooks’ right appeared easy for the Diamonds defence to deal with, but a lack of communication saw Ryan Chamberlain pass the ball back to Connor Brown, not realising that the ‘keeper had come to the edge of the area to collect the ball. This allowed a Cogenhoe striker to run through and tap the loose ball over the line from close range.

Rushden went close to an equaliser on 12 minutes with a terrific move from the back which culminated with Joe Holmes getting in a shot from the edge of the box that was well held by the Cooks’ keeper. Conor Collins then tested him again from similar distance.

The Diamonds were controlling possession well and putting the Cogenhoe defence under plenty of pressure, but had a lucky escape on 25 minutes when a close range volley was brilliantly saved by Brown.

Rushden were then dealt a blow on 29 minutes when Collins, who had been pulling the strings up until that point, was forced off with an injury. The Diamonds still kept on the pressure though and Matty Smith went close with a 35 yard effort, before Jake Reynolds forced another save after robbing a defender and cutting in from the left flank.

Omar Ghavami had been causing problems with his pace, and a good run down the right wing almost presented a chance for Jamie Inwood, but the cross was just too high. Ghavami then forced a smart save after being setup by Reynolds, and then had a good shout for a penalty when he was caught late after crossing the ball from just inside the box.

A minute later though the Diamonds were deservedly on level terms as Savvas Hamp’s quickly taken corner found Smith, who beat his man and squared for Reynolds to smash home from close range.

HT: AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 1-1 Cogenhoe United U18

The visitors, having been somewhat fortunate to be on level terms at the break, started the second half brightly and put the Rushden defence under a lot of pressure, with Ghavami making a brilliant block 2 minutes after the restart to prevent what looked like a certain goal.

Cogenhoe’s number 6 was lucky to stay on the pitch having earlier been booked for a deliberate foul, and then mouthing off to the referee despite the decision going in his team’s favour.

Rushden almost gifted the Cooks a goal on 67 minutes with a defensive mixup, but Brown recovered well to keep the ball out, and the Diamonds perhaps should have taken the lead a minute later when Foster released Smith, but he couldn’t get the ball under control with just the ‘keeper to beat.

Cogenhoe then went close with a shot that flashed across the face of goal, before a left wing free kick was headed just over the bar.

Eventually the visitors pressure paid off, as a 20 yard free kick, given for handball, was drilled powerfully into the bottom corner giving Brown no chance.

The lead lasted just 3 minutes however, as a Cogenhoe defender handled the ball just inside his own penalty area, leaving the ref with no option but to point to the spot. Holmes stepped up and smashed an excellent penalty into the top corner.

There was just enough time for the Cooks to pick up another booking, this time for dissent, although it was somewhat ironic that it was the hosts who ended the game with 10 men, as Collins overran the ball and then foolishly lunged into a dangerous challenge to try and win it back, receiving a straight red for his troubles.

FT: AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 2-2 Cogenhoe United U18

The U18s now take a break for a few weeks, returning to action on Monday 6^th January, when the take on Yaxley in the NSYL KO Cup.

Man of the Match: Ben Roche

Attendance: Approx. 50

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