The Youth Team visited Ashford Town on Monday night in the Combined Counties Youth league. A very slow start would see the hosts take advantage of some poor Manorcroft decision making and within 7 minutes Ashford had the lead. Ashford who possess quick and hard working forwards were a constant threat especially in the opening 20 minutes but credit to the Manorcroft boys as they gradually played themselves into the game creating a number of half chances which the Ashford ‘keeper was constantly equal too. In the end it was unfortunate that following an excellent run Ryan Porter touched the ball round the oncoming ‘keeper only to be brought down for a penalty. Fin Rose-Davies coolly converted the spot kick and at 1-1 with 15 or so to play the visitors were now very much in the ascendency. Half Time at 1-1 was a fair reflection of a half of two halves!

The second half was dominated by the visitors with Manorcroft regularly in possession in the Ashford half and once again it was the excellent Ashford goalkeeper who kept his side level with a string of saves. As the night wore on the game became increasingly more and more dominated by the young Lemons and Ashford continued to make a serious of professional fouls to break up the game, in the end the Ashford 10 was to foul once to many times and was dismissed with 8 minutes of normal time remaining plus additional for a series of injuries and stoppages for treatment of cramp on both sides. We wish a speedy recovery to the Ashford defender who picked up what appeared to be a nasty knee injury. With the clock ticking down and Ashford now pinned back Manorcroft pressed high on the home defence and the ball broke to F R-D who drilled the ball low and into the bottom of the net to finally put the visitors in front, it must be said, deservedly so. Shortly after the goal the final whistle blew with Manorcroft winning 2-1.

Next up for the Club is the 1st and Devs games on Saturday with the 1st team at home for a 3rd week running, we host University of Surrey who may feature on loan Manorcroft man, Will Brown. Kick Off is 2pm at Coopers Hill.

#COYL🍋