Pucklechurch made the early running, with several unsuccessful attacks, but by mid-way through the first half, the game settled down. Neither team could control the midfield area, so the action was concentrated at both ends. Toby Cotterill made some fine saves, and his powerful goal kicks soon had Pucklechurch on the attack again. The match was frustrating for both teams, and in particular Liam Sharley of Pucklechurch, who had several chances, but was always denied by strong defending from Fry's Colts. The second half was mostly controlled by Fry's, but towards the end of the game more end-to-end action kept the excitement up, although with no goals. Kyle Sweet's excellent defensive play (teamed with Henry Phillips at the back) earned him the Man of the Match award. The second game was played out more in the middle of the pitch, and it wasn't long before the first goal was scored by Gideon Stone of Fry's. Pucklechurch were forced onto the defensive, but despite this, Stone scored a second after a goalmouth scramble. Towards the end of the first half, cool finishing by Benjamin Smith meant that Pucklechurch halved the gap. Kezia Eames in particular helped Pucklechurch stay in the game. Into the second half, Matthew Westcott kept Pucklechurch in the game by making some fine saves, and Buffy Baker was unlucky not to get the equalizer. Good teamwork from Fry's enabled Stone to get his hat-trick, before Jack Bailey finished off the game with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area. Final score was 4-1 to Fry's, with Benjamin Smith named Man of the Match, both for his goal and for his control of the midfield. |