Arthur Terry 2 v 1 RSA Academy - ESFA Cup Rd2
Watts
Hutchinson (P)
Match Report:
The U15 side welcomed RSA Academy to the Arthur Terry School this afternoon, to compete for a place in the 3rd round of the English Schools Football Association Cup competition. Both teams were well matched and the game proved to be a very evenly fought contest from the first blow of the whistle to the last.
Arthur Terry started the brighter of the two sides and were unlucky not to open the scoring very early on in the game, when striker Josiah Francis's fine effort hit the post and rebounded away from goal. The home side did not have to wait too long though before fellow striker Sam Watts netted the opener at close range, by converting a superb cross into the goal area that had been delivered by Josiah Francis. The visitors leveled the game shortly after this however, by taking advantage of some lack luster defending in the home team penalty area. The game stayed level at 1-1 up to half-time.
The second half was as close a game could possibly be! Both sides battled hard in every challenge and threatened to break the deadlock in each attack that was made; ...a great spectacle for the 'neutral'. The decisive moment of the match was without doubt the decision to award Arthur Terry a penalty kick, and subsequent red card for the offending RSA defender. As the last defender, the unfortunate player had denied a clear goal scoring opportunity, by shoving striker Sam Watts in the back whilst on his way to striking the ball towards goal inside the opponents area. Winger Reece Hutchinson stepped up to take the spot kick and converted clinically to the bottom right hand corner to put the home side 2-1 ahead. Despite a gallant attempt to comeback into the game from the visiting RSA team, Arthur Terry made the extra player count and played out the final period of the game with confidence and composure. Credit to both teams for a super match, but a brilliant and well fought result once again for Arthur Terry's U15 side - who remain undefeated in all 7 games played so far this season!
Man of the match: Sam Watts
A constant threat to the opposition; superb flair and work rate throughout the game! & goal No.16 for the season.
Next round opponents: Note: Draw to be made on Mon 13th December (1.00pm)
