Away vs Swallownest ~ League.

[Steven Baggaley]

Swallownest 2 Abbey Lane 6

Scorers

Dan Beck 1
Sam Smith 1
Sam Cutts 1
Benjie Scott-Toyne 1
Jordan Sambrook 2

Man of the Match captain fantastic Sam Cutts

Match report to follow:

[Steven Baggaley]

Thankfully, it was back to football today after a 10 week lay off, away at Swallownest in the league. It was so long since we played that we had no idea how the kids would play. The warm up wasnt auspicious and with a couple of absentees we lined up with just two subs. The pitch was cleaned and prepared and was in reasonable condition at kick off despite the poor weather.

The game started slowly with Abbey pushing Swallownest back and tackling fiercely although there wasnt really any chances of note for either side in the early play. Inspired management by Steve ( and no he hasnt wrote that!) helped Abbey take control however, when Benj and Dan swapped wings and almost immediately it paid off. Benj managed to get free on the left in the area and his cross shot was blocked on the line by a defender. Dan Beck followed in and put Abbey ahead.

Josh Rhone then capped an all action display by winning the ball from a throw in, playing it to Matty Grey who played a fine through ball to Sam Smith who slotted it away for 2 0 after the keeper hesitated.

Abbey went further ahead after a long throw from the left by Benj S-T bounced up awkwardly and hit the defenders arm. The ref correctly gave a penalty, which gave Captain fantastic Sam Cutts the opportunity to slot it away for a convincing three goal lead. Abbey then switched off / tired towards the end of the half and Swallownest gave themselves some hope after a throw wasnt cleared, and stand in keeper John Hammond had no chance of saving.

The second half started pretty much as the first had begun. Jordan was now on and after one of his trademark skilful runs he beat a number of defenders, cut in from the left, shot hard from which the keeper could only parry into the path of strong running Benj Scott - Toyne volleying in from close range.

Abbey were not finished and it became the Sam Smith / Jordan Sambrook show as firstly, lovely passing by the team, enabled Sam to play an intricate through ball into Jordans run in the six yard box for five, and then further hold up play and quality football left Jordan again with a harder chance, which he dispatched with skill and ability.

To Swallownests credit they kept going and after a series of shots which John saved, further pressure and an inability to clear, led to the ball in the back of Abbeys net. If we can work on cutting out the silly goals we give away we'd have some team! Final score 6 2. Thanks to Swallownest for the sporting and friendly match, and i'm sure with work their time will come.

Man of the match was Sam Cutts, with a fine display of sweeping. Reuben and Oliver did well playing the full match in defence. Liam was strong as always. John Hammond did well in his first appearance in the net. Jamie had a great match in the middle. Josh ran tackled ran tackled ran kept going as always. Dan Beck followed his great training session on thursday with a strong performance on the wings and in centre mid. Benj had a great game, looking strong, fast and skilful. Mads had another solid performance and as always is a credit to the side.The attack of Sam Smith, Matty Grey and Jordan were all skilful and strong and hardly wasted a chance. Next week its a very big match against Worksop at home. Cant wait! Well played all.