NEWTOWN Sports Junior Football Club created a piece of history when two teams from the same club competed against each other for the first time in a Mercian Festival League cup final.
NEWTOWN SPORTS JUNIORS U13s 0, NEWTOWN SPORTS COLTS U13S 2
Typical to their previous league encounters, it was a very tight affair. The Colts had to reshuffle the starting line-up when Milward sustained an injury during the warm-up.
The Juniors opened the brighter, with Preece, Robinson and Gittens causing problems. The Colts midfield of Edwards, Jaye, Allison, Caffull and Powell, found it difficult to get any quality possession.
As the Juniors tried to press through Butler, Mason and Lean, the Colts defence of Roskams, Elmes and Crane held firm.
On the few occasions the Colts managed to get forward Hale and Buckle were isolated, which meant that Phillips and Clack at the heart of the Juniors defence were always on top. In a half of few chances, the best opportunity fell to Butler for the Juniors as he powered his way through. Only a great save from the Colts keeper Johnson prevented a goal.
In the second half, Twinberrow and Scullion came on for the Colts, who got more width. Gilks and Kite for the Juniors became more involved defensively, which allowed the Colts midfield more time. Hale created an opportunity for himself following a great run, but his effort was easily stopped by Spicer.
With more possession, the Colts gained several corners and it was from one of these that they took the lead. Edwards' perfect delivery was met by Crane, but the ball was half cleared and bounced off the back of Twinberrow into the net.
The Juniors searched for an equaliser, but it was the Colts who increased their lead a few minutes later. The Colts were awarded a free-kick some 25 metres from goal, which Powell sent flying in to the top of the net above the head of Spicer.
The Juniors responded and were unlucky not to get a goal when the ball struck Crane, who was on the goal-line. As the time ticked down, Puffet came on for the Juniors and the injured Milward tried to come for the Colts, but was denied his 30 seconds of glory due to an administrative problem.
At the final whistle, the Juniors were crest-fallen, and the Colts delighted.
Allison was man of the match, in which only two dead-ball routines could separate the teams.
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