Cheltenham Saracens U18’s 6 vs FC LakesideU18’s 4
With Lakeside heading to Petersfield Park for this evening county cup game, Lakeside knew they were in for a tough fixture against a strong Midland Premier League team especially with the absence of six regular players. It was Cheltenham Saracens who got off to a flying start when former Lakeside player Bradley Barnard hit a cross goal shot to give Saracens a 1-0 lead. With Saracens bossing the early stages of the game, Lakeside’s first real chance fell to Luke Robson on 28th minute when his effort shot across goal and away to safety. Lakeside found themselves on level terms on the 35th minute when a Kurt Burrows free kick was met by the Sam James whose header put lakeside back on level terms. Saracens should have gone into the break infront, only for Rob Jones to save with his feet from within the six yard box after a strike from Seb Rouix. Two minutes into the second half, Jack Isher’s long range strike was misjudged by the keeper to give Saracens a 2-1 lead. Three minutes later, Kurt Burrows was unlucky to see his lob disallowed in what would have put Lakeside back on level terms. With the game going from end to end, it was Saracens who increased their lead when Seb Rouix’s drilled effort rifled into the bottom corner to put Saracens 3-1 ahead. With Lakeside entering their best spell of the game, a free kick from Josh Pugh was met by the head of Sam James for his second of the game. Lakeside continued to press forward and the hardworking pair of Louis Hyde and Nathen Cross playing a vital role for Lakeside in the middle of the park. Lakeside got themselves back on level terms when a fine run down the right hand side from Luke Robson led to the winger’s fine cross being met by Kurt Burrows at the back post. Lakeside thought they got their noses in front in the 67th minute only again to see Sam James’ volley being ruled out for offside. Two minutes later, it was Saracens who again regained the lead when Tom Weedon capitalised on a Lakeside mistake to score his first of the game. With the game entering into the final minutes there was a series of goals. After an initial great save across goal from Rob Jones, Ollie Plant was on hand to score the rebound from close range. Straight from the restart, Kurt Burrows was fouled from 25 yards out and from the resulting free kick saw his effort fly past the Saracens wall into the net. Deep into injury time, Lakeside pushed everyone forward only for Saracens to wrap up the scoring by hitting into an empty net. Both teams should be credited for playing a part in a great game of football.
