The Trico stadium in Redditch was the venue for this earlier than normal 10am kick off for the under 16s fixture against Redditch United.
The facilities at Redditch united were lovely, the 3G surface a little uneven though, and the pitch pretty small.
Redditch were playing in kits without numbers, which from a coaches perspective was a nightmare - trying to instruct your players to mark certain players is impossible - this was a distinct advantage for the home team - and something that has been reported to the league.

The team setup in the same formation that has served them so well, with the last 4 wins in a row. With a box midfield of Jacob and Ollie E behind the forward thinking Toby and Lewis. The first part of the game was very even and chances were few and far between. Tyra was a handful upfront and appeared to have been pulled back on a couple of occasions early on when putting pressure on the centre backs when balls were played forward. The ref was seemingly letting a lot go.

Redditch were playing with 3 high forwards, and it was giving our defence and wingbacks some problems early on. There were spaces in behind out wide, and on one such occassion the home side took the league. Nathan had made two saves in his penalty area, but the defence couldnt clear their lines, and the third strike at goal from the Redditch wide left player snuck underneath him and into the net 1-0.

In an attempt to stunt the progress in wide positions, we moved to a back 4, and this appeared to have the desired effect. We got a better hold of the game and started to get the upper hand. Ollie E, Jacob and Lewis were working tirelessly in a congested midfield. Toby and Jack were now operating in wide forward positions.

The equaliser came after 33 minutes. It was route one. Nathan launched a long kick forward - Josh chased with a defender and outmuscled him, as the keeper came out he toe poked it into the net for 1-1.

The goal proved to be the catalyst for us to enjoy our best spell of the game before half time. Firstly Toby was found with a lovely cross field pass, his first touch was exquisite, and took him past his marker on the right wing, bearing down on goal from an angle he hit a powerful shot at goal that was well saved by the keeper.

Lewis pounced on Lennon's pass midway inside his half. Dribbled past a couple of players before unleashing a cracking effort that smashed against the post and wide.

At half time we felt that the momentum had shifted and the game was there to be won if we continued to play in the same way that we ended the half. In truth half time came at the wrong time, as the second half began again in a very even manner.

Redditch regained the lead again after 46 minutes. This one was a bit of a shocker to concede. A long hopeful punt forward by Redditch wasnt dealt with, and some indecision between Aidan and Nathan led to the forward nipping in and making it 2-1.

The game entered a very scrappy phase. Punctuated with a hat trick of yellow cards. Tyra for a challenge on the keeper for United, and two un-numbered Redditch players (one for a tackle from behind on Tyra as he broke forward at pace, the other for a deliberate kick to Nathans head as he slid out to collect a ball). The small pitch and surface seemed to not be enabling a good passing game, and there was a lot of front to back balls - it was turning into a bit of a battle.

United won a couple of free kicks around 25-30 yards from goal. First one Tyra hit low into the wall, the second one Lewis hit high into the wall. It was third time lucky however on 68 minutes. Tyra tried his luck again - this time it was a clean connection, it appeared to take a slight deflection off the wall and flew into the top corner of the net 2-2. Game on.

The lads sensed a winner, and almost got it. Tyra held the ball up nicely upfront, and rolled it to Lennon just on the edge of the area. his low drive inches past the post, so close to giving the boys the lead.

Up the other end though Redditch also fancied their chances of nicking the game, It took a superb sliding challenge from Mick to prevent a goal at the expense of a corner. However the reprieve was short lived as from the corner a Redditch player was left completely unmarked to guide a header into the corner of the net 3-2.

With only a few minutes remaining, the lads tried in vain to find a third equaliser, but it wasnt to be. The lads winning streak came to an end. In truth the game was a very even encounter. A draw would of been a fair result. But in football at this age and standard, the margins are small, and today wasnt to be our day.

Full Time
Redditch United U16s MR 3 Banbury United U16s 2

Goals - Josh, Tyra
Assists - Nathan
MOTM - Arthur