Following a hectic schedule in the last few weeks Avonmouth finally arrived at their final league match of the season with Bristol City JSC as the visitors. Early in the season Avonmouth beat City 4 – 1 but just over a month ago they got a sweet revenge by beating us 2 – 1 in the GFA Cup Final - another close match was anticipated in this evening’s game.
Within the first minute a clearance by Jack Hewlett allowed Mitch Harris a clear run on the City goal but as the keeper came out the strikers chip went just over the crossbar. Shortly afterwards it was City’s turn to waste a good chance when the Avonmouth keeper Ryan Scott made the first of many great saves. On 12 minutes Alex Wilkins was fouled just outside the City box and with the resultant free kick Sam Eastwood’s terrific shot thundered against the bar. Immediately City went up the other end & Dan Spicer missed a good chance from close in. Both teams continued to attack & midway through the half an excellent Eastwood pass sent Harris away again but this time his angled shot was well saved by the City keeper. However, City began to get on top playing some fine football & had numerous chances to take the lead but saves by Scott kept them out. A golden chance arrived for Spicer but his shot from close in hit the side of the net & just before the break good play by Lukas Tsiopani gave Harris a chance but his effort was well blocked by a City defender. Somehow the half time whistle was blown with no goals being scored.
Half Time: Avonmouth 0 Bristol City JSC 0
Avonmouth started the second half well but after 50 minutes city took the lead. An Avonmouth mistake enabled a City player to send an excellent ball forward that allowed Jack Carey to run on goal & he made no mistake ramming the ball past Scott & into the net. Avonmouth came straight back & good play by James Skelton gave Wilkins a chance to score but the City keeper pulled off a good save, however minutes later City doubled their lead. Following some good build up play, a shot on goal & rebound produced a fine double save by Scott but he was helpless on the third attempt on goal when Kieran Parselle followed up to score from close range. Scott was then called upon to make several more great saves, which allowed Avonmouth to still remain in the game. The home team then had their best period of the match creating several good chances to score. Daniel Steven missed from close in following a corner & then when again clean through Harris pulled his shot wide of the goal. Skelton then went on a mazy run through the City defence but his rasping shot was again well saved by the City keeper. Shortly afterwards another tremendous shot from distance by Eastwood rattled against the crossbar & you knew then it was not going to be Avonmouth’s night. City where then able to see the game out, gaining a well deserved victory.
This was a thoroughly entertaining match, which with all the opportunities created could have had at least ten goals. However, it was City who took their chances & this is an area where Avonmouth are going to have to improve in if they wish to finish higher in the division next season.
It only seems like yesterday when in September we started out in our first season in the top league and were ecstatic that we beat Avon Athletic in that first match. Most people at that time would have been happy for us to avoid relegation but at the end most will be disappointed that we did not finish in the top four. However, to have come sixth only eleven points behind the winners Warmley & nine points above Keynsham in seventh place was a great achievement. We managed to gain points from all the teams above us apart from Yate but it was points dropped against teams below us that cost us a higher position. To add to the achievement we also managed to play in our first major Cup Final where we narrowly lost 2 – 1 to Bristol City JSC in the GFA Cup. In the Semi Final of this competition we beat eventual League winners Warmley in what for many was our best performance of the season when all the players played with spirit, for each other & also showed their ability.
It has been another great season for Avonmouth where the boys have worked hard & deserved their success in a very tough league & hard Cup competitions – thanks to them from the parents & coaches for all the enjoyment they have given us. Also thanks from the boys & parents, to the coaches Tony, Sean & Marc for all the hard work, commitment & support that they have given this season. I am sure that everybody will look forward to returning next season when we will endeavour to finish even higher in the league & win a major Cup competition.
Full Time: Avonmouth 0 Bristol City JSC 2
