Boldmere U18s 0 Banbury United U18s 1

Banbury United U18s continued their positive start to the season, with a second consecutive away trip. This time making the journey to the Castle Vale Stadium in Birmingham to face Boldmere St Michaels.

It was a later than normal 12pm kick off today, and a 3G surface. A surface that we don't usually fair to well on. Teams who regularly play and train on the artificial surface have a distinct advantage, and facing a strong Boldmere side today, looked a tough prospect for the lads.

The team only showed once change from last weeks win against Tamworth, with Charlie coming into right back to replace the injured Thomas G. The first half was largely uneventful and a very even contest, as the two teams traded blows. The match was played mainly in the middle of the pitch, and there was little to note of goalmouth incident.

Boldmere perhaps edged the first half in terms of possession and territory without breaking down Banbury's resolute back 5. The threat was down the Boldmere right where their number 4 and 14 were pinning Jack back. Jack however didnt give an inch, and defended excellently when called upon.

Nathan had a couple of crosses to deal with from set pieces, and a free kick in a dangerous position for Boldmere was smacked against the wall. At the other end Banbury's best opportunity fell to Ollie E. Charlie swung a cross into the box that elduded everyone before it fell to Ollie who smashed it into the side netting.

Pablo who had come on for his first appearance of the season was then shown a yellow card, for colliding with the Boldmere keeper when chasing down a ball forward. Zach then tried to score a rabona from the edge of the penalty area, but it was a foot over the crossbar.

At half time the game was goalless, in truth we had lacked quality on the ball in the opening half. We had opportunities to create, but at critical times our touch wasn't sure enough or our final ball wasn't precise enough. Archie came on to make a ridgid three in midfield as we sough to keep the ball with a bit more quality.

The second half was a lot more exciting. Firstly the Boldmere sub number 6, arrowed a shot from distance that was just a couple of yards wide of the post. Banbury were then inches away from taking the lead on 54 minutes. Jacob played a lovely clipped ball for Pablo to run onto. He expertly flicked the ball over the defender, and got his strike off with his left foot, the keeper beaten, but it rebounded off the post.

Boldmere had a good chance themselves a few minutes later, a cut back across the 6 yard box fell to their number 10 who snatched at his shot and smashed it over the bar.

As the game reached its final quarter Banbury were starting to get on top. and in an effort to snatch the three points Carl and Ben made a couple of attacking changes, with Toby, Zach and Josh all coming on and joining Pablo in an attacking formation.

Banbury were now piling on the pressure and creating chances. Pablo fantastically trapped the ball from the air before beating a defender and darting to the touchline, he cut the ball back to Ollie around 10 yards from goal but he fired with power high and wide of the goal.

Pablo then had a chance of his own, Josh slid a ball through to him, he managed to beat his marker, and looked sure to put the ball into the net but scuffed his side foot finish and the keeper made the save.

The lads thought they had taken the lead with 10 minutes remaining. Zach went on a mazy run on the right wing beating two men and sliding through to Josh who finished into the corner of the net. It was a tight call, but the linesman raised his flag for and offside was the decision.

Banbury continued to push though, and deservedly broke the deadlock in the last minute of the game. Toby put in a inswinging corner with his right foot which Josh met with a cleaner header, a combination of keeper and defender attempted to keep the ball out, but it was in vain as the ball was adjudged by the referee and linesman to have crossed the line 0-1.

The ref found another 4 or 5 minutes off stoppage time after the goal, time for Zach to smash an incredible effort from 35 yards off the crossbar, and Boldmere had a half hearted penalty appeal turned away as Nathan dealt with a long ball into the penalty area.

A tremendous result, and a second consecutive away win in the Midland Junior Premier League to continue you the 100% start to the season. The team were defensively solid, and always capable of hurting teams with the attacking talent in the team.

Next up, the team play their first home game of the season on Wednesday night in the FA youth cup against Sutton Coldfield. Its a 7.30pm kick off at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium. Come down and support the team if you can. The lads will appreciate the support!

Full Time
Boldmere St Michaels U18 0 Banbury United U18 1
Goalscorer - Josh Crossman
Assist - Toby Ball
MOTM - Jack Kimber