AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 4-0 Burton Park Wanderers U18
Northants Senior Youth League
AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18s got their 2013/14 campaign off to the perfect start with a resounding 4-0 victory over Burton Park Wanderers, a new addition to the NSYL for this season.
There were a number of new faces in the Rushden squad, with only Ben Roche, Noah Bryant and Luke Fathers having played regularly throughout 2012/13, but the new look side showed that they were already comfortable with the style of football demanded by Mark Walsh and his new Assistant Manager, Kevin Holmes.
Despite the hosts dominating possession in the first half and putting the visitors under a lot of pressure, it was actually Burton Park who had the best chances of the first 45 minutes. Between them, Brad Kineton and Chris Hart were guilty of wasting three absolute sitters, although Savvas Hamp should also have done better after a superb run and cross from debutant Lamar Mangal.
HT: AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 0-0 Burton Park Wanderers U18
The second half proved to be almost entirely one way traffic, getting off to the perfect start for the Diamonds as Joe Holmes volleyed home Savvas Hamp’s cross from close range, just 3 minutes after the interval. And 2 minutes later their lead was doubled, as another excellent delivery from Hamp, this time from a left wing corner, picked out Matty Foster who powered home a bullet header into the top corner.
The blistering start to the second half wasn’t done there, as Rushden made it 3-0 on 55 minutes, with a goal that is unlikely to be bettered at the Dog & Duck all season. Foster burst forward and picked out Moses Olanrewaju 20 yards from goal, and the tricky winger/striker rolled his man before smashing the ball into the top corner.
The visitors did come back into the game a little more after the three quick-fire goals, but couldn’t find a way past a much more robust AFC defence. The scoring was completed on 85 minutes, as Holmes netted his second of the night with a delightful chip from the edge of the box. And he should have secured a hat-trick just seconds later, as Rushden won the ball back from kick off and played it through to Holmes once more, but this time he shot weakly at the ‘keeper.
FT: AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 4-0 Burton Park Wanderers U18
Attendance: Approx. 80
Man of the Match:
Teams:
AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 | Burton Park Wanderers U18 |
24. Connor Brown | 1. Jordan Harding |
Subs: | Subs: |
Goals: | Goals: |
Bookings: | Bookings: |
Sent Off: | Sent Off: |
