Reigning league, league cup and county cup winners Broadway United took on Lakeside in what was to be a thrilling contest. Broadway had only been beaten once throughout last season, with defeat coming in a closely fought encounter at Presbury Park. A big, bumpy pitch meant it was going to be very difficult for Lakeside to play the quality football that they had done in their previous four games.
The game got off to a very explosive pace and it was lakeside that created the first couple of half chances. Lakeside were unlucky to fall behind in the 14th minute after Rob Jones’ poor goal kick fell to Broadway’s dangerous striker Schembri, who managed to pull away from a desperate attempt from Josh Pugh to give Broadway a fortunate 1-0 lead. Lakeside refused to let this dampen their spirit as they continued to press forward, with the newly formed partnership of Bradley Barnard and Kurtis Burrows starting to cause Broadway some problems at the back. Luke Hitchman, going on one of his runs, was about to play the ball through only to see a handball from a Broadway defender. The resulting free kick saw Cameron Smith calmly place the free kick into the bottom left-hand corner to give Lakeside a fully deserved equalizer. Lakeside’s defence of Liam Powell, Harry Mansell, Josh Pugh and Mike Lloyd were working tirelessly at the back to contain Broadway’s front line. Rob Jones redeemed himself by pulling off some outstanding saves as Broadway continued to look a threat in attack. With half time approaching, Lakeside continued to press on, with the outstanding performer of the day, Cameron Smith picking out Budd inside the 18 yard box, who volleyed Lakeside into a 2-1 half time lead.
After an outstanding first half, Lakeside were instructed to do more of the same for the second. Broadway began by pressurising Lakeside’s left-hand side, but Mike Lloyd and Sam James were combining well to limit any major threats from Broadway. The centre half pairing of Harry and the injured Josh Pugh continued to tidy up well and install confidence in the team by leading from the back. Lakeside debut Kurt Burrows was unlucky to have an effort disallowed for offside, but continued to work hard and was finally rewarded with a debut goal in the 63rd minute, after following up from Bradley’s intial shot. The 65thminute saw Lakeside bring on some fresh legs in Will Norman, who combined well with Liam Powell on the right-hand side. With some desperate clearances and a few more saves from Rob, it was Lakeside who broke away, with Luke Hitchman crossing for Sam James, who added a forth for Lakeside and making it two in two for the season.
With the final whistle being blown, Lakeside had probably achieved their best result in youth football, being only the second team in four years to come away from the Milestone’s ground with three points. A great result and fantastic performance from FC Lakeside.
Man of the match: The team
Managers man of the match: Cameron Smith
