Banbury United U18s 8 Pershore Town U18s 1

United U18s welcomed Pershore Town to the Banbury Plant Hire community stadium this morning, for a hotly anticipated MJPL trophy Semi-Final fixture. Both teams coming off the back off strong QF performances, Banbury beating Alvechurch 7-2 and Pershore overcoming a very strong Harborough team on penalties following a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes.

For a reason unbeknown to me kick off was at the slightly earlier time of 10am this morning, and it looked very much like Banbury had been caught sleeping early on as Pershore took the lead on 5 minutes. A speculative free kick on the right looped over the backline, and Jacob in goal before bouncing back off the post and onto an unfortunate Jacob and into the net. First blood for the away side 0-1.

Pershore had some strong runners from midfield and were causing a few early scares for the United defence. Gradually though Banbury started to go through the gears, and created some good chances of their own. Lewis played Josh Crossman through on the right side of the penalty area, but his low shot was dragged wide of the far post. Josh then had another effort from an acute angle which was into the side netting. Pershore had started brightly, but Banbury were creating the better opportunities.

The equaliser arrived on 16 minutes. Tom Gaskell, who was having a real impact offensively on the right wing, received the ball from Josh Crossman on an overlapping run, he cut back the ball from the byline, the ball was half cleared to Lewis, who took it past a man before dispatching into over the keeper and into the corner of the net from just outside the area 1-1.

At this point Banbury really started to put their foot on the gas. Seb had two efforts on goal from range, the first a driving run through midfield before dispatching an effort wide of the post, the second was well blocked before it could reach the goal. Lewis then got in down the left hand side, beat a couple of defenders before driving to the touchline, he cut the ball back to Tadi who couldn't quite connect cleanly six yards out.

Pershore responsed with a rare foray into the Banbury half, their number 7 hitting a speculative long range effort which crashed against the crossbar - a chance from nothing, but a warning sign for Banbury. The response was to make a couple of changes with Tyra and Josh McConnell coming on in place of Josh Crossman and Seb.

It didn't take long for Tyra to make a telling impact, some more good play in midfield released Tom Gaskell down the right wing, he floated in a lovely cross into the box where Tyra leapt highest of all to attack the ball in the six yard box, the ball coming off his back and crossing the line before the scrambling defenders could clear 2-1.

Five minutes later and Lewis had the chance to increase the lead. Tadi put the ball through to him as he raced clear. Lewis done everything right, his first touch excellent, his shot curled inches wide of the post.

Josh McConnell had come on for his debut for the team, and quickly adjusted to his new surroundings. He brought an air of calmness to the game with his play, and on 39 minutes was cynically hacked down by the Pershore #20 who was shown a yellow card with Josh threatening to break into a goal scoring position.

From the resulting free kick Charlie flighted a beautiful cross into the area for Lukas to ,meet with a superb deft header over the goalkeeper and into the net. Lukas's first of the season and one his play has been deserving 3-1.

Three became four on the stroke of half time. Jacob Hayes who had played a number of defence splitting passes in the first half played another ball through for Tadi to chase, he was too quick and strong for the defence, and he then came out on top with his challenge with the keeper before sliding into the net for 4-1. The goal just rewards for another really good first half performance from Tadi who was a real handful for the Pershore backline. The only questionable part of this would of been Tadi's griddy celebration!!

At half time we stressed the importance of not resting on our laurels and continuing to keep our foot on the gas, not allowing Pershore back into the game. The next goal would be key, and it came relatively early into the second period. Tyra this time the creator threading a lovely ball through to Lewis who expertly placed the ball into the net for 5-1.

Tyra was shown a yellow when chasing back from his right wing position, a little harsh maybe as very little in it. But just after the hour mark a card was brandished which was definitely warranted. A nasty tackle from Pershire #20 on Josh Crossman born i suspect out of frustration at United's dominance meant two yellow card and a sending off. An already huge task became even bigger for Pershore.

For the next 15 minutes or so Banbury created a number of good chances. finishing a little wayward. Tadi on a couple of occasions, Josh C and Seb all guilty of passing up good opportunities. But on 80 minutes the scoring started again. Ollie Edmunds playing a lovely scooped ball over the Pershore defence to Tadi who evaded a couple of challenges before dispatching into the corner of the net for his second and the teams sixth. 6-1.

Tadi seeking his hat trick then fired over the bar, the stand and the car park - before the next goal arrived. Seb with some good trickery on the left wing struck low towards goal. The keeper saved well low down, but could only parry to Ollie Edmunds whose initial effort on goal was somewhat miscued before he eventually bundled the ball across the line for his first of the season. 7-1.

The icing on the cake arrived just as the clock reached 90 minutes. Josh McConnell feeding Seb again on the left wing, a lovely bit of skill sold his marker, and his low strike this time was perfectly placed into the bottom corner of the net. 8-1.

The performance from the team today was exceptional, not one bad performance out there. Some of the football played was a joy to watch, and the side has now enjoyed four emphatic wins on the bounce. A fantastic achievement for the team to reach the cup final, which is likely to be in early May. Our opponents are yet to be decided. But it will be either Sutton Coldfield Town or CS Colts.

For now though we just reflect on a really excellent display, which was probably the best so far this season. We will look to continue this into the last month of the campaign, starting with Pershore Town again next Saturday, once more at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

Full Time
Banbury United U18s 8 Pershore Town U18s 1

Goalscorers - Lewis Middleton x 2, Tadi Chivenga x 2, Tyra Aitken, Lukas Wahlen, Ollie Edmunds, Seb Kola
Assists - Tom Gaskell x 2, Charlie McCloskey, Jacob Hayes, Tyra Aitken, Ollie Edmunds, Seb Kola, Josh McConnell
MOTM - Mick Antwi