Chasetown U18 1 Banbury United U18 0

The Under 18s made the long trip to Walsall for this MJPL fixture against Chasetown, who had a 100% record at the start of the season. Upon arrival it was clear the pitch was not satisfactory, a very poor 3g surface, probably the worst I have seen at Shelfield Academy. It was however a problem for both teams, and didnt affect the game too much.

There were a number of absentees for a variety of reasons, but it meant that the 14 there, were in possession of the shirt, and had the opportunity to lay a selection marker down. Chasetown, started the game well and had a degree of control of the match. The kept good possession of the football, however Banbury's defensive shape was very good, and it meant that Chasetown despite all their neat football and possession were creating very little in terms of chances.

Nathan in goal had to deal with a couple of long range efforts, which were comfortable. The biggest moment of danger came when a cross from the right wing flashed across our goal, evading everyone before going to safety.

The team's shape and workrate were frustrating Chasetown, and after 35 minutes of huffing and puffing Chasetown had not managed a big chance at our goal. Lewis had come on after 30 minutes, and was beginning to have a real impact on the match. It wasn't long before we created the clearest opening of the game so far. A corner taken from Lucas was met with a glancing header from Zach but it was a foot wide of the post.

Lukas then had another good chance that he created himself. Pressing high and winning back possession he hit a low curling effort at goal that the Chaestown goalkeeper done brilliantly well to tip around the post.

Banbury were building up a head of steam, and soon produced the best moment of the half, with a lovely move. Lewis payed a lovely ball to Lukas on the right who pulled it back to Lucas on the edge of the area. Lucas hit a cracking right foot effort which cannoned back off the underside of the bar and fortunately for Chasetown straight into the keepers arms.

Credit to Chasetown, they weathered this storm and had a good effort of their own just before half time that also cannoned of the crossbar.

Into the second half and Banbury started strongly. Lukas firing over the bar from just inside the penalty area, and Fin having a long range strike just wide of the post. Chances were being created once again, but not being converted, which is becoming a bit of a recurring theme this season.

Chasetown thought they had taken the lead on 56 minutes, the right winger just about got the better of Jack and crossed the ball low across the goal for the forward to prod home. Celebrations were cut short however, with the ball adjudged to have crossed the byline for a goal kick.

As a reporter, my job is to remain impartial, however I'm finding it very difficult to do so for two huge moments in the closing stages of the match. Firstly Jacob was studded in the face following a high boot from the Chasetown number 10, who had just a few minutes earlier been booked for a reckless challenge on Lewis. Incomprehensibly the referee deemed the stud marks that had instantly bruised to the left of Jacob's eye had been caused by the football - and not a the studs of the Chasetown player. A quite unbelievable decision - and one i can only assume was made so the referee didn't have to make the call to send the Chasetown Number 10 off.

Jacob had to be taken off the pitch, so Lukas reverted back to the holding midfield position. Its fair to say Chasetown were having more of the ball at this stage, and a number of set pieces were dealt with well by the Banbury defence. However, chances were still being created and Fin could quite keep a shot down from just outside the 6 yard box.

Five minutes from time, and the major talking point of the game arrived. In what proved to be the match deciding moment. Once again, im at pains to criticise a referee decision, but this one was once again a bit of a shocker. Tom and a Chasetown player competed for a ball in the box. As the Chasetown forward attempted to get his strike in at goal, Tom got his leg in front of the ball, and rather that the striker kicking the ball with force he struck Tom with force. From around 40 yards away where the referee was just crossing the half way line, he made the decision to award a penalty. We will call it questionable to say the least!

The Chasetown number 15 took the penalty and struck it down the middle and past Nathan for 1-0. There was very little time remaining, Zach tried an effort from just outside the area that the keeper saved, but there was to be no equaliser.

It was such a cruel way to lose a game, the boys were deflated given the effort put in and the application of the team. It seems unjust that a reward in terms of points was taken away by some very questionable officiating.

Chasetown maintaining their 100% record, by the skin of their teeth. A disappointing period of three straight defeats without scoring for the under 18s. On paper, this seems like a poor patch. However all three games have been against top teams, who will without doubt be right at the very top of the league. The team can definitely feel aggrieved that they haven't picked up anything from the games, as the performances in them all, have merited more.

Full Time
Chasetown U18 1 Banbury United 0
MOTM - Lewis Middleton