Cogenhoe Utd U18 2 AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 2

AFC Rushden & Diamonds Under 18’s had to settle for a point at Compton Park in what turned out to be an extremely entertaining game.

The Diamonds played with almost a full strength team and took the initiative from the kick off, passing the ball around with ease and moving the opposition around the pitch. On 18 minutes Conor Bell set Blake Helsdown on his way with a precise through ball,  as Blake entered the penalty area he was brought down and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty. Club captain Zak Moon stepped up and duly slotted the ball home for a 1-0 lead.

For the remaining 25 minutes of the first period Cogenhoe slowly worked their way into the game and on 39 minutes debutant goalkeeper Alex Vitue pulled off a fantastic one on one save from the Cogenhoe striker.

Half Time Cogenhoe Utd U18 0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 1

Cogenhoe started the second half as they had finished the first and assert themselves in the game again, this was rewarded on 56 minutes when the Cogenhoe striker produced a brilliant volley from 10 yards out to fire Cogenhoe level. Goalkeeper Vitue had no chance of saving leveling the score at 1-1

The match was really starting to open out, Jake Reynolds forced a great save from the Cogenhoe keeper and the Cogenhoe number 11 hit the post with delightful effort.After 65 minutes Fred Devereaux played a long ball from the back and Jake Reynolds broke through the defence and calmly rounded the keeper to put the Diamonds 2-1 ahead.On 79 minutes Ben Roche brought down the Cogenhoe striker in the box for a clear penalty, which was expertly converted by the Cogenhoe number 9 to equalise at 2-2

In the final ten minutes of the game both teams had chances to win it with Vitue making another good save, and Omar Ghavami’s goal adjudged offside from the officials.

 Full Time Cogenhoe Utd U18 2 AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 2

A much improved performance following the Northampton Spencer defeat the previous week, with a local derby against Wellingborough Town on Monday the Diamonds will be looking to get their first win on the board.

Man of the Match: Alex Vitue

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Images courtesy of Mal Swinden ©2012 Malcolm Swinden Photography

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