| Cramlington Juniors v Alnwick Juniors |
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Cramlington Juniors U15 4 - 0 Alnwick Town Juniors U15 Alnwick started their league campaign with a tough game away at Cramlington Juniors. The score-line did not reflect what actually was a tightly contested game on a very poor pitch. Alnwick who have had a major shake up during the summer had 4 new players in the starting line up. The opening exchanges in the game were close with both sides trying to maintain possession of the ball. However it was Cramlington who produced the best chances within the first 20minutes and forced three outstanding saves from Alnwick keeper Martyn Nesbit. Alnwick who were battling well almost took the lead when new signing Thomas Jackson hit a shot from 20 yards which beat the keeper but unfortunately went just wide. The pitch played a huge part in the opening goal. Just minutes until the half time whistle, under no pressure, Douglas played the ball back to keeper Nesbitt and the ball rolled into a puddle and stopped! The pacey Cramlington forward took the opportunity to steal the ball and take past Nesbit and slot into an empty net. Alnwick pressed on immediately and were almost level when Joe Henderson lifted a superb pass behind the opposition defence and gave Jordan Lowes a one on one opportunity but unfortunately the big Cramlington stopper used his frame to prevent Lowes from equalising. Just moments later Cramlington doubled their lead and again the pitch played its part. Nesbit again looked to have made another good save from a low shot from midfield, but just before the ball reached the outstretching hand of Nesbit, it hit a bobble on the pitch and went over the shot stoppers hands and into the net! Again Alnwick pressed and were almost rewarded with a goal when Connor Cowens used his pace to get in behind the Cramlington defence and he lobbed the ball over the keepers head but the ball went centre meters wide! Half time 2-0 to the home side. Alnwick did not give up and Alan Stephenson who shone right throughout the match continued to cause havoc in his free role in midfield. On numerous occasions he collected the ball and dribbled right through the opposition! They were struggling to cope with his pace and dribbling. He thought he had pulled one back when his shot was pulled back off the line and the referee continued play! The away side battled on but the small squad started to tire but to all credit the last two goals were screamers from Cramlington who scored two similar goals from long range in quick succession. Manager Mike Openshaw was pleased despite the result: “The lads gave everything they had today and the score was definitely harsh on them. Crammy scored two fluky goals and two great goals. But on the other hand we had 4 or 5 very good chances which we didn’t take”. Team: M Nesbit, R Biggers, C Pattinson, B Douglas, R Tait, C Cowens, T Jackson, J Henderson, A Stephenson, K Hogg, J Lowes. Subs - T. Allen, M James. Man of the Match - Alan Stephenson Merit award - Martyn Nesbit |