The score line doesn't reflect what was a really exciting and entertaining match with an in form Clayton Villa team who gave a much improved display than in our earlier meeting.
The first half was only a few minutes old when Matty took a nasty blow to the knee which saw Luke coming into the action earlier than planned. He made the most of it though by playing with great skill and determination and along with Louis, Ryan and Jack kept the Clayton team on the defensive.
Jack came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock with a fiercely struck free kick which hit the post and rebounded away to safety before the keeper could move.
Again Joel and Lennon were commanding at the back and protected George in the Heyside goal.
The second half began and Matty was still unable to get back into the action due to his injury but midway through the half he came on to give Ryan a well earned breather. I told him to stay right up the field and as Clayton then kept two defenders with him this opened up space for the rest of the team to exploit with some good passing. Louis in particular burst into action with some great runs down the right and some good chances fell to Matty who I'm sure would normally have tucked a couple away.
At the other end however Clayton were also now creating chances of their own and George came to the fore with a couple of outstanding saves. One double save in particular was incredible as first he somehow parried the ball away from a well struck shot, just as the Clayton fans were starting to celebrate a goal, and then followed it up by bravely pushing the ball away from the onrushing attacker.Lennon also produced a tremendous block to keep the scores level but it would have been an injustice had the boys not gained at least a draw for their efforts.
Overall a really good display by the boys and together with the A team they further enhanced our lead at the top of the table against one of our nearest rivals.
Well done boys same again next time!!!
MOM: George was worth the award for his incredible double save but all the boys could be proud of their efforts today.
