After last weeks morale boosting win in our first ever Division 1 game, we headed off today to play away against Yate United, who are another long established Division 1 team. They have always finished in the top half of the table, so could therefore provide a good early guide to what is required to get to that level & to also judge our team against.
From the start Yate were on the front foot & after only 3 minutes could have taken the lead. As one of the their players bore down on goal, keeper Sam Reynolds suddenly slipped. However, he quickly recovered enough to put the striker off, who then shot wide of the post. Shortly afterwards, in almost a carbon copy situation, there was a race to the ball on the edge of the Avonmouth penalty box. There was a collision between Reynolds & the Yate striker & as the ball ran free the referee decided that no foul had been committed. Avonmouth were struggling to get their passing play going & had to wait until 16 minutes before their first shot at goal, (by Lucas Tsiopani) was saved by the Yate keeper. The home team were well on top but despite all their possession, could not carve out any real clear-cut chances to score. However, after 30 minutes the deadlock was broken. A free kick was awarded to Yate in the Avonmouth half, but the away team were asleep as the kick was taken quickly & short. The ball into the penalty box caused confusion, but just when Avonmouth thought they maybe out of danger, a clearance found a Yate player. He unleashed a tremendous shot from well outside the box into the top corner of the net, which left keeper Reynolds with no chance at all. Yate drove forward & it was no surprise that a second goal quickly followed. The ball was played out to their left wing & the Yate player eluded various challenges before slipping the ball past Reynolds who almost pulled off a great save but could only see the ball nestling in the net.
Half Time: Yate United 2 Avonmouth 0
The Avonmouth coaching team demanded more effort from their team & although they started the second half brightly they could not create anything to trouble the home defence & goal. Then, following a break forward, Reynolds had to save bravely at an oncoming Yate player’s foot & on 55 minutes Yate hit the bar with the ball then falling kindly for the away side. With 20 minutes left it seemed that Yate would coast to a comfortable win but Avonmouth dug deep & then started to cause problems for the home defence. First from a James Skelton corner, Dan Stevens rose higher than anyone but saw his header just go over the bar. This spurred Avonmouth on & all of a sudden they looked a different team. A Skelton free kick was partly saved by the keeper but unfortunately there was no one following up to put the loose ball into the net. The away side pressed for a goal & after another great run & pass by Skelton, Mitch Harris hit a tremendous right foot shot that hit the bar. Avonmouth were now producing their flowing football but with time running out they were dealt a blow. A Yate cross was brought down on his chest by Dan Stevens but just as he was about to pass the ball the referee suddenly to everyone’s amazement said it was handball & gave a penalty. A Yate player gladly took the unexpected chance to score & finally made the game safe by coolly putting the spot kick into the net. However, Avonmouth did not give up & in injury time were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty box. Up stepped Harris to unleash another great strike but again unfortunately saw his effort come off the bar & to safety. That proved to be the end of the action & the referee blew the final whistle.
Congratulations to Yate for their deserved win today. In the first half they were stronger & quicker to the ball & the strikers were a constant menace with their movement. At half time the Avonmouth coaches wanted more effort & fight from the boys. They responded well & despite the near misses did not let their heads go down. With a little luck & a goal the last 10 minutes could have been very interesting. I am sure the coaches & players have again learnt something from the game today & we should go into the next game with confidence.
Full Time: Yate United 3 Avonmouth 0
