Tamworth FC U18s 0 Banbury Utd U18s 3

The first league game of the season for the u18 team was a tough looking assignment away at Tamworth FC. The sun was out and the heat was already touching 30 degrees when the match got underway shortly after 10am.

There had been a couple of overnight issues within the matchday squad, which meant we had only 13 players for todays fixture, so it was clear from the offset that the players that were there, were in for a draining 90 minutes.

United started the game really strongly. Playing aggressively on the front foot from minute 1. Josh had a couple of early efforts that the keeper was equal too, and some good forward wing play from both Zach on the left and Toby on the right were frightening the Tamworth full backs.

The defence marshalled in the centre by Lex and Harry, and excellently backed up by full backs Jack and Thomas limited Tamworth to very few clear cut chances in the opening exchanges. The one moment of danger came from a speculative sighter which Nathan saved low down to his right, and a dangerous ball into the box from the left that evaded both defenders and attackers.

It was a very hot morning, so a drink break was called midway through the half, and this proved to be the catalyst for the game to spark into life. United deservedly took the lead after 35 minutes. Toby initially swung in a corner, which was punched clear by the keeper under pressure. Jacob retrieved the ball and played it back out to Toby on the left wing. He cut inside and curled a glorious effort in off the fast post from 25 yards. 0-1.

It didn't take long for the lead to be doubled. On 37 minutes, Lukas showed tremendous work rate and willingness to run for the team by chasing back the Tamworth winger fully 40 yards, to team up with Ollie E to steel the ball. Ollie played the ball into the left channel for Zach to chase, and pressed the full back into winning a corner. Toby whipped in the cross, and Zach was on hand to steer the ball into the net off of his thigh 0-2.

The key action in the first half wasn't done there, as two minutes before half time Tamworth were incredibly fortunate to still have 11 players on the pitch. As the forward line pressed the Tamworth defenders who were playing out from the back Zach nipped in and stole the ball, he drove through on goal but was pulled back by the Tamworth number 17 just before he reached the penalty area. By the letter of the law this was a red card, as there was no cover, and it was unlikely the keeper was getting to the ball before Zach. The ref though leniently only issued a yellow card. Perhaps giving the Tamworth defender the benefit of the doubt considering it was the first game of the season!

At half time we changed personnel a little bit with Lewis moving into a wide left forward position, and Fin playing in the hole infront of the defensive midfielders and behind Lukas in attack.

This seemed to be fruitful almost immediately with Lewis now in the space he craves, causing all sorts of problems, and Fin picking up the ball in pockets of space, and playing some excellent balls forward and wide. Sadly though after 55 minutes Lewis' match was done as a stray elbox by a Tamworth midfielder caught Lewis flush in the mouth dislodging his front tooth! Thankfully we later received news that Lewis had his tooth put back into place albeit it splinted to keep it secure!

Now with just 12 players, the team were putting in a tremendous shift. work rate was exceptional all over the pitch, and the shape was causing Tamworth frustration as they were unable to create and meaningful chances. Jacob was having a tremendous game, breaking play up and then playing the ball slickly to our dangerous forward players.

We managed the second half really well, only one real moment of panic when Lex was a little to casual on the ball, but chased back to recover well, assisted in clearing by Jacob.

The final killer goal arrived ten minutes from time. This was a really well worked goal. Toby had the ball wide on the right, he slid the ball into Lukas in the penalty area. He looked for all the world like he was going to shoot at goal from around the penalty spot, but heard the call from Zach to his left, so unselfishly laid off to him, and Zach made no mistake firing into the corner of the net for his second of the game 0-3.

A fantastic result to start the season against a strong Tamworth FC team. It was a mature performance from the boys, who put in a lot of effort on a very hot morning, and deservedly came out on top. Next week we make another long away trip to a very good Boldmere St Michaels team.

Full Time
Tamworth FC U18s 0 Banbury United U18s 3
Goalscorers - Toby Ball, Zach Scott x 2
Assists - Jacob Hayes, Toby Ball, Lukas Wahlen
MOTM - Jacob Hayes