Match Report v Holland

Starting Line-up: Charlie Atkin, Logan Bell, Oliver Dawson, Connor Green, Ollie Griggs, Mitchell
Jackson, Max Johns, Joe McNeil, Cameron Rayworth, Jonathon Shannon
Bench: Barney McCallum, Marcus Mehew
Three former Blues returned to the Watson & Hillhouse Victory Road Stadium for this fixture. Darren
Mills in the starting line-up and Danny Cunningham and Zehnn Young as spectators supporting their
new club. The U23 team showed five changes from the starting line-up that lost to AFC Sudbury
Reserves in midweek.
Following the early period in which the possession was fairly equal, the more experienced visitors
gradually began to take control and it seemed only a matter of time before they made their pressure
tell. Inevitably it was the returning Darren Mills who opened the scoring with a shot on the turn from
the edge of the penalty area. Following this Oliver Dawson, in the home goal, was called into action,
making several crucial saves meaning there was no further addition to the score at the break.
The home side fell further behind early in the second half. Again it was that man Darren Mills who
added to his first half strike, his second from a lot closer range. Within ten minutes of the second
goal the outcome of the game was virtually decided. Cameron Rayworth was sent to the sin bin for
disputing the referee’s decision and Holland scored a fortunate third goal. Fortunate in as much as, in
stretching to control the ball the Holland wingman inadvertently deflected the ball to one of his own
players. His cross looked to be going out of play but the outstretched leg of the home goalkeeper
slowed and diverted the ball into the path of Ronnie Willis who had a simple tap in to an empty goal.
Credit to the U23s who continued to battle and but for the crossbar and an excellent save low to his
left by the Holland goalkeeper they could have been on the scoresheet.
The U23s continue to play a neat passing game but currently lack the physical strength to compete
against 1st teams like Holland.
@Dougal1712