Bury Town 1 Blues 1 (Bury win 6-5 on penalties)

The U18’s bowed out of the Suffolk FA Midweek U18 Cup against Bury Town on penalties at the semi-finals stage.

On a difficult surface Bury Town had the first chance in the 2nd minute. Ollie Selfe latched on to the ball after some hesitant Leiston defending but Charlie Beckwith palmed the ball away to his left hand side. The same player had a chance moments later but his attempt ballooned over the crossbar. Leiston, playing in red on the night, scored with what was their first real sight of goal. A good team move ended with Joe Murphy’s through ball to Adam Blades and he rode a challenge before sliding under the legs of goalkeeper Ollie Froud. Adam Blades was in the action again after the restart, playing a one-two but the ball went wide of Froud’s right hand post. Charlie Beckwith punched away a corner and then after dropping a free kick from Robbie Hunter, he got up to get the loose ball. Ben Snowling had a chance when he got into the box but he was off target with his strike. Joshua Revell smashed a shot on the edge of the box that Charlie Beckwith handled excellently while the young goalkeeper came to the rescue from a free kick clawing Tommy Robinson set piece away.

After the restart, Alfie Norman blocked Joshua Revell’s shot but Bury levelled in the 51st minute. Leiston lost the ball on the halfway line allowing Ollie Selfe to tear away into the box and finish past Charlie Beckwith. Bury then had a free header from a corner but it was straight at Charlie Beckwith. At the other end Joe Moore tried a lob that Froud palmed round his left hand upright. Jac Garrard’s free kick from the left evaded everyone while Charlie Beckwith saved well with his feet from Selfe. With eight minutes of normal time to play Adam Blades’ run enabled Ben Snowling to get forward but he sliced his shot wide. Chances were few and far between and finally after four minutes of stoppage time Referee Gooch blew his whistle for full time.

FT - Bury Town 1 Leiston 1

The Blues went out 6-5 on penalties, with Bury Town now going on to play AFC Sudbury in the final. We wish them all the best.

Bury Town - Froud, Stone, Wright, Moore, Proctor, Hall, Smith, Revell, Selfe, Robinson, Hunter. Subs used - Pether, Steele and Wass. Sub not used - Bett.

Leiston - Beckwith, Seaber, Mayhew, Canham, Norman, Groom, Moore, Murphy, Blades, Garrard, Snowling. Subs used - Ling, Smith and Pierce. Subs not used - Darling and Adam Chenery.

Man of the Match - Charlie Canham