Avonmouth V Keynsham Town Juniors
Following last weeks cup defeat Avonmouth today welcomed Keynsham Town Juniors who before kick off were only one place behind us in fourth place, so again we knew we were going to have to be at our best to maintain our good start to the season.
Following last weeks performance the Avonmouth coaches wanted a more determined effort & right from the start the boys were in the right mood. After only 2 minutes a great pass from Alex Wilkins in midfield set up Mitch Harris for an effort on goal but he saw his low shot well saved by the keeper. However, the home team took a deserved lead after only 8 minutes. A Dan Steven throw in was headed on by Harris, the ball then fell kindly to Prevan Rajh who from close in smashed an unstoppable shot past everyone into the net. Shortly afterwards a Rajh corner caused confusion in the box but nobody could get the crucial touch to get another goal. Further good play, set up opportunities for James Skelton & Sam Eastwood but their attempts were denied by good saves by the Keynsham keeper. However, the second goal dually arrived on 22 minutes. Another Steven throw in caused confusion & again the ball came to Rajh, this time he let fly from further out but the powerful left foot strike again flew past everyone into the net. Keynsham had sporadic attempts on goal but keeper Sam Reynolds was able to comfortably cope with anything coming his way. Avonmouth continued to be on the front foot & got a third before half time. Another Steven throw in was not dealt with & Wilkins burst through & from a tight angle managed to slip the ball past the oncoming keeper for goal number 3.
Half Time: Avonmouth 3 Keynsham Town Juniors 0
Avonmouth continued on the attack after the break & following a mazy run on the left by Eastwood he put in a great cross for Skelton to put the ball into the net but who then could only look on in horror as the goal was disallowed for offside. However, he did not have to wait long before he got his deserved goal. Nice play by Harris set up Luke French to put in a lovely cross from the right, which was met by Skelton who saw his first time low shot come off the post & into the net. Five minutes later Keynsham were given a lifeline when one of their players tried a speculative effort, which managed to find the top of the net. Ten minutes later they were given even more of a lifeline when the referee adjudged that an Avonmouth defender had pushed a Keynsham striker in the box. From the resultant penalty the kick was calmly put away & all of a sudden there was a match back on. As the game wore on Avonmouth began to tire & Keynsham drove forward for another goal. With 5 minutes left they won a free kick – the ball was played in & hit a post which then rebounded out kindly to a Keynsham player who drove the ball home. The away side could smell an equaliser but with time running out Avonmouth managed to hold onto & claim another 3 points.
After last weeks cup disappointment the Avonmouth coaches wanted a positive reaction & with today’s performance they got what they wanted. Fair play to Keynsham who showed why they are near the top by never giving up & if another 5 minutes had been played, may well have got an equaliser. However, the Avonmouth boys are learning all the time & know that in this league you have to keep going for all of the 80 minutes & more to get the rewards – well done. There was no individual man of the match award today instead it was given to the whole team for its performance.
Full Time: Avonmouth 4 Keynsham Town Juniors 3
