Thrapston Town U18 1-2 AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18

 Thrapston Town U18 1-2 AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18

Pre-Season Friendly

AFC Rushden & Diamonds bounced back from the defeat to Cleveland Juniors in the Dale Roberts Memorial Cup, to defeat fellow Northants Senior Youth League side Thrapston Town.

The Diamonds started the game strongly, and had a number of chances inside the opening stages but failed to convert them into goals. There was a blow early on as captain Fred Devereaux picked up a groin injury and had to be substituted.

The visitors’ pressure finally paid off after 22 minutes when Jake Reynolds, who had missed many of the Diamonds best chances, fired in a shot which hit the post and deflected in off James Pearson for an own goal.

Rushden continued to dominate possession, with Noah Bryant pulling the strings in midfield, but failed to convert that possession into more goals, as further profligacy in front of goal meant that the score remained 1-0 at the half time interval.

HT: Thrapston Town U18 0-1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18

Jake Reynolds had a great chance to double the lead in the opening minutes of the second half, but after racing onto a great ball from Bryant he was denied by a terrific save from the Thrapston ‘keeper.

The hosts’ first real chance arrived on 63 minutes, but substitute ‘keeper Harry Young made a good point blank save. The Diamonds immediately went up the other end and nearly doubled their advantage, but after rounding the ‘keeper Reynolds was this time denied by the defence, who got back to clear the ball off the line.

With 20 minutes remaining Rushden went within inches of a second goal, as Omar Ghavami struck the crossbar from 18 yards. Thrapston went close to equalising 2 minutes later though, as a long ball caught out the Rushden defence and a Thrapston striker lobbed the ball inches wide of the post.

The Diamonds were finally made to pay for their missed chances, as Thrapston equalised on 85 minutes. The home side broke down the left wing and fired in a low cross which deflected in off Luke Fathers for the second own goal of the game.

Just as it looked as though Rushden would have to settle for a draw despite their dominance, they regained the lead with a freak goal. Savvas Hamp cut in from the left flank and scuffed a shot towards goal, with the ball bouncing horribly off a divot and wrong footing the home goalkeeper, who could only watch as the ball trickled past him into the net.

FT: Thrapston Town 1-2 AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18

Man of the Match: Noah Bryant

Teams:

Images courtesy of Mal Swinden