Walsall Wood U18 0 Banbury United U18 6

It's been approaching 5 weeks since the under 18s played their last game, indeed this fixture away to Walsall Wood was the teams first league match of 2024. So, you would be forgiven for thinking that there would be some rustiness in the performance - this though was dispelled in an electric first 25 minutes for the team in Walsall.

The game started tentatively with chances few and far between, but on 5 minutes Lewis threaded a nice ball through to Tadi who raced clear of the defence, his first touch took the ball a little close to the keeper but he still managed to get his shot away, and the Walsall Wood goalkeeper made an excellent save to tip the ball around the post for a corner.

On 9 minutes United took the lead. The Walsall Wood goalkeeper dwelt on the ball for too longer as the home team attempted to play out from the back, and Tadi closed him down pinched the ball off him and stroked in into the net for 0-1.

Minutes later the lead was doubled, and it was again Walsall's inability to play out and Banbury's high intensity closing down that brought about a calamitous own goal. Josh this time closing down the Walsall left back who hurriedly attempted to pass the ball back to his keeper, but instead found the corner of the net 0-2.

Walsall Wood did briefly threaten the Banbury goal, and Nathan was at full stretch to tip a long range drive around the post on 17 minutes to preserve the 2 goal cushion. This proved crucial as on 19 minutes it was three! Some good work this time in the build up to the goal with Josh and Lewis instrumental. The ball eventually finding its way to Seb on the edge of the penalty area who expertly smashed the ball in the bottom left corner for his first goal for the team, 0-3.

In the build up to the goal Josh took a knock to his shin and was replaced by Pablo. The tide of the game continued in Banbury's favour with the reds now in complete control and dominating proceedings. Tadi was released through on goal by Lewis, the Walsall defence unable to handle his power and pace, particularly with the high line they were playing. Tadi then coolly slotted the ball into the corner of the net 0-4.

Just 25 minutes in and it was 0-5. This goal was the pick of the bunch. Pablo controlled the ball in midfiled before beating his man and playing a perfect pass through to Lewis, who controlled the ball before taking into the penalty area and dispatching a fantastic strike into the roof of the net for 0-5. A lovely move and great finish.

Its fair to say the game then took a bit of a dip, with Walsall defending a bit deeper, and the Banbury lads taking their foot of the gas a bit. There was still opportunities for Tadi to extend the lead, the goalkeeper however for Walsall was having a good game despite the scoreline.

At half time, and in the minutes approaching Banbury made a number of changes to the team, possibly with an eye to next weekends big cup semi final.

Fin, Archie, Harry and Ollie E had come onto the pitch - as Banbury continued their dominance. In truth the second half was one way traffic, with Walsall barely threatening Nathan in goal.

Tadi forced the keeper into another save, whilst Pablo drilled a shot agonisly wide of the post. The sixth goal finally arrived on 65 minutes. Fin playing a beautiful through ball to Pablo who 1on1 with the keeper never looked like missing - placing a low shot into the bottom right corner of the net 0-6.

There were further chances to increase the lead notably on 73 minutes when Seb was cynically brought down in the penalty area. Seb himself stepped up to take the penalty but his low drive was a little close to the keeper, who made a smart save.

Overall, it was a very good team performance, particularly pleasing that after such a long gap between matches the team played like they had never been away. A clean sheet also gives a real boost going into the final 6 weeks of the season.

Next week is the big MJPL league cup semi final against Pershore Town. The game is being played at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium. Kick off is 10am, it would be great to see some supporters down their getting behind the lads, particularly if you are not able to travel to Scunthorpe to support the team.

Full Time
Walsall Wood U18 0 Banbury United U18 6
Goalscorers - Tadi Chivenga 2, Seb Kola, Lewis Middleton, Pablo Marti Castello, OG
Assists - Lewis Middleton x 2, Pablo Marti Castello, Fin Hennessy
MOTM - Tom Gaskell