Banbury United U14s made the long trip to Telford, to face Shifnal Town who were impressing in the top 4 of the MJPL. The fixture was moved from the Shifnal's first team stadium to a 3G pitch a few miles away. This meant the fixture was never in doubt despite the heavy rain that we have had over the last week or so.

The game started at a fast pace, a pace that continued throughout the whole match. The ball was zipping off the artificial surface meaning the lads touch needed to be assured. Early exchanges were very equal. It was clear Shifnel had some exciting forward players, but at the same time their defense was always troubled by our attacking players too.

Following a few half chances for both teams, the first big moment came after 10 minutes. A corner was swung into the box, as Lex challenged for the ball, it ricocheted out to Jake just on the edge of the area, and he sliced a half volley over the keeper and into the net. The ref's whistle interrupted the celebrations as the play was brought back for a free-kick with Lex adjudged to have committed a foul in the lead up.

Shifnel were also creating chances, Myron easily fielded a couple of long range efforts, but looked beaten when another long range drive crashed off the crossbar and to safety.

25 minutes in United were also ruing the woodwork, as following some nice intricate play in midfield Jacob hit an low effort from outside the box that cannoned off the post and away to safety.

Jack Kimber and Jake's pace was causing issues to the home teams back line, but the keeper was very quick off his line on a couple of occassions to snuff out the danger. Five minute prior to half time Will was incredibly unlucky not to give united the lead. After some excellent work on the right side of the box he cut in and hit a lovely left footed effort that came off the top of the crossbar and over for the goal kick.

Shinfal were looking lively, but the defence led by Aidan were excellent throughout were handling the threat very well.

The game was goalless at half time, the importance of the first goal was stressed to the lads at half time, but the performance had been good, and the game was very much there for the taking.

Shinfal started the second half like a team determined to continue their pursuit of the MJPL title. and for the first 15 minutes of the half it was largely one way traffic. Myron had to make an excellent save with his feet to prevent the Shinfal striker putting his side in front, and some last ditch blocks prevented shots raining in on the goal as Shifnel really pushed to score.

On 42 minutes another huge moment in the game. A weak back pass from Aidan was too short for Myron, the striker got to the ball first when around the keeper and looked certain to score. Ollie Corney raced back and somehow managed to clear the ball off the line - in doing so he collided against the post smashing his knee in the process. Goals win games - but this type of clearance is equally as important!

The team was freshened up a bit with Ollie injured following his collision with the goalpost, and Harry also needing to be replaced with an injury. The game was physical, but never crossed the line, it was a committed performance by both teams.

Slowly but surely the lads started to get a little more of the ball, and a foothold in the game. Lennon struck a long range effort low and just past the post. At the other end another long range effort from Shifnel whistled just over the bar.

On 52 minutes the opening goal was scored, and it was United who scored it. Tyra who never stopped running throughout was typically tenacious in the challenge, in one battle to win the ball a defender held onto his leg as they were on the floor, the ref awarding a free kick. Tyra stepped up himself to take it. the ball curling away from the reach of the keeper and nestling in the far corner 0-1.

The goal proved to be the catalyst for the boys to take control. Finlay played Jack K through on goal. Initially it looked like he was going to hit it first time, instead he put his foot on the ball turned inside and struck towards goal, unfortunately the connection wasnt clean and the ball was safely into the keepers hands.

The decisive second goal came in the 65th minute. Ollie E was combative in midfield, drove past two challenges and hit a low bobbling shot into the keepers bottom right corner. cue wild celebrations - a key goal which all but confirmed victory.

The lads saw the remaining minutes out very well, Shifnel did get on the score sheet however after winning a free kick 3 minutes into injury time, the ball beating the wall and nestling into the top corner.

The lads continued their excellent run of results, infact they still have a 100% win record in away league games this season. Another remarkable achievement! A brilliant game of football, a great advert for youth football.

Shifnel Town U14 1 Banbury United U14 2