Men's 3rd XI vs Canterbury M10 Development

Canterbury 10, Home

Final Score     W 2-0

Goalscorers: Asa Foster-Troy, Dylan Walker

Match Report: Cliftonville M3 2 vs 1 Canterbury M10

Following a strong finish to the end of last season, ‘The Ville’ turned ready for the new campaign with a new captain and their fresh centenary kit.

They headed into their first league match with high expectations following a strong debut season, facing Canterbury at home. The local rivals were always going to be well organised and well skilled, so The Ville had to meet them. The Ladies 2s handed over the pitch after their win with the hopes that the 3s could do the same.

A blustery afternoon push back saw both teams itching to get an early goal. Both traded pressure but with The Ville’s tight back three, Canterbury couldn't break through. Runs from Archie and Ollie in the midfield, the home side were pressing strong.

There was fresh formation and tactics in the Captains’ mind and everyone was going to have to adapt well to the new structure. Wingers started to stretch the play giving space to Ollie and Aron’s distribution and they started to make ground. Following an even start for both sides, neither could break the deadlock. Half time came, and the team reset, ready to go out again, it was clear that no-one came for a draw.

The visitors came out the blocks hoping to conjure an early lead. However, it was the locals who struck first. Aron parted the midfield with a blistering run and set a pass straight through to Asa who confidently converted in two touches! 41 minutes had passed and Ville were 1-0 up. They knew that Canterbury would not sit back and so with them itching to attack at every opportunity, the home side dug in. With the game ¾ of the way through, it was clear that one goal was not enough. Henry took to the left wing taking on the opposition, he cut in and split the defenders drilling a cross to Dillon who took it upon himself to finish it first time, stunning the opposition and rocking the back boards. By the 60th minute Cliftonville had established themselves a two-goal advantage with 10 minutes left to play. The game intensified and Canterbury were forcing every opportunity that came their way,

Canterbury came with more and more attacks leading to a number of short corners, but the keeper stayed rock solid. The Ville’s wingers still energised, galvanised the defence and even with an incredible work rate, just couldn't keep Canterbury's skilful attack from breaking though. With the game coming to a close, Canterbury finally capitalised on their opportunities and nestled a goal with no time to spare.

A fair result for two hard working sides but a great home win… Up ‘The Ville’

 SQUAD:

·        Aron Walker (Capt)

·        Martin Bates

·        Edward Burt

·        Asa Foster-Troy

·        Elliott Gandy

·        Rob Macer

·        Finley Munson

·        Jude Norwood

·        Kit Perdeaux

·        Archie Sellwood-Adams

·        Andy Soames

·        Noah Soames

·        Ollie Todd

·        Dylan Walker

·        Henry Whiteley