❤️🖤 Bishops Lydeard U18s entertained Taunton Town FC U18s in a friendly at Darby Way looking to build on last week’s impressive win at Weston ❤️🖤
With Lydeard kicking off down the slope they knew they would have to be on top of their game against a young, fit Taunton side.
The 1st half remained a constant with Lydeard having all the possession but lacking a real quality in the final third with some sloppy, impatient passing causing the ball to be turned over to Taunton. Taunton were well organised and looked to sit in and counter on the break.
Lydeard helped them with this at times with some poor decision making on the ball and passes not meeting their desired target.
Lydeard stuck to the process and continued to try and play quick, attractive football through the thirds and pull Taunton out of shape. Taunton remained resilient, strong and stood firm continually shutting the door on the Bishops attacks.
This was until the 40th minute when a superb turn from James allowed him time to turn his marker and drive into the box, once he hit the byline he drove the ball across the 6 yard box at pace and it was turned in by an unfortunate Taunton player looking to recover his position. 1-0.
This was to be the score at half time when the referee blew his whistle to call time on the half and send the players into the changing rooms.
Lydeard started the 2nd half on the front foot and once again looked to dominate possession.
After 50 minutes Lydeard won a corner. Richards swung the resulting corner in which was flicked on and met by the head of half time sub Wooliscroft who buried home from 6 yards. 2-0.
Changes were made by Manager Robinson as he looked to give valuable game time to all his squad and try out a couple options.
After 65 minutes, one of these lads lit up the pitch when 15 year old Cook picked up the ball 30 yards out, he drove into space and unleashed a beautiful curling effort into the far corner to put his side 3-0 up.
The game started to open up a little but Manager Robinson was looking for discipline and for his side to stick to the process. Both sides had a couple half chances but neither were clinical in front of goal, something I’m sure Lydeard will look to improve on going forward into the season.
With 10 minutes to go Lydeard were playing some really nice intricate possession football starting from the keeper and moving out from the back, this led to a big chance to Wooliscroft but unfortunately he found the wrong side of the post.
After 93 minutes the referee called full time on the game. Both sides played the game in exactly the right way and were a credit to both clubs.
MOTM went to Gibson for his role in the heart of the midfield. He displayed an excellent range of passing, strength, tenacity and a desire to constantly get on the ball to get his side playing forward.
Manager Ben Robinson gave these thoughts on his teams performance:
The game started at a really fast tempo that didn’t suit our style of play. Once we got the first goal we managed to become calmer on the ball and control the game better. We became more dangerous in the areas of the football pitch that we wanted to be. We moved the ball well in periods but concentration is our key learning point tonight and something we can work on going forward with the group.
I was really happy for the younger players to get some key game time tonight and i felt all of them put in a solid performance. All in all, key game time and momentum for the team to build on and it gives me lots to think about going into next weeks league fixture.
Report by Nick Richards
