Match Report: Rushden & Diamonds U18s 3 - 0 Peterborough United U18s
Monday 5th May 2008 at the
Rushden & Diamonds U18s 3 - 0
(Northants FA Boys U18 Cup Final)
Rushden & Diamonds made it a double
Both clubs had received byes in the opening two rounds with Rushden & Diamonds gaining victories over
After a quiet start, the game started to open up with both sides having early chances. Joe Day saved Callum Reed's shot from a narrow angle, while Jack Lyons effort was blocked. Lewis Hilliard shot wide for Diamonds. On 20 minutes Andrew Tidswell came close from just outside the area, but it was the visitors who looked to be gaining the upper hand - Lyons and Billy Crook going wide from good chances. Joe Day produced an outstanding save on 37 minutes when he got a hand to Lewis Webb's goal-bound volley to divert the ball just past the post.
Despite United's good spell, Diamonds came back strongly towards the end of the half and on 43 minutes, they went in front. Jake Beecroft and Andrew Tidswell combined well in midfield and played the ball up to Lewis Hilliard. After some good control, he headed towards goal, but his shot was blocked. As the ball bounced up towards the goal line, John Wigglesworth followed up to force the ball past stranded keeper Matt Bennett.
Posh came close the drawing level in first half stoppage time but Josh Jirabandy headed over Evans Kouassi's corner from ten yards out.
Half time: Rushden & Diamonds U18s 1 - 0 Peterborough United U18s
Diamonds came out strongly after the break and Wigglesworth had the ball in the net on 48 minutes, but was adjudged to have been offside. Bennett then did well to save from Sam Smith at the near post. Posh were still looking dangerous on the break and Ben Nunn did well to head clear Callum Reed's teasing cross.
But as Diamonds continued to press forward and close down Peterborough, it was Lewis Hallford who got clear down the right on 57 minutes, and volleyed home from a narrow angle completely deceiving the Posh keeper. Hallford was on fire and came close again as two efforts were blocked in quick succession. He then set up Wigglesworth, as his shot went inches wide. Beecroft also came close from long range.
Posh tried to respond as Jack Lyons narrowly missed the target on 70 minutes, but with Diamonds continuing to attack, Lewis Hilliard chased down the ball close to the byline and crossed from the left for Lewis Hallford to convert from six yards.
In the final fifteen minutes, Joe Day produced another fine save from Reed and substitute Nathan Korenteng headed wide, but Rushden continued to look dangerous with Hallford, Beecroft, Wigglesworth and Tidswell all going close.
Full time: Rushden & Diamonds U18s 3 - 0 Peterborough United U18s
So with captain Joe Day lifting the trophy, it was a fitting end to a successful season for everyone involved in the youth set up. It was a superb team performance and it goes a long way to illustrate the excellent set up at the club and the short sighted decision by the Football League to end the funding for next season.
Teams:
Rushden & Diamonds U18s: Joe Day (c), Ben Nunn, Aynsley McDonald, Jake Beecroft, Sean Calcutt, Jack Higgins, Lewis Hallford, Sam Smith, John Wigglesworth (George Cox 90+3), Andrew Tidswell, Lewis Hilliard (James Freshwater 86).
Subs not used: Nabil Shariff, Dan Easlea, Alex Phillips.
Peterborough United U18s: Matt Bennett, Callum Reed, Danny Andrew, Lewis Webb, Darren Gourlay (c), Josh Jirabandy, Evans Kouassi (Nathan Korenteng 80), Billy Crook, Scott Ginty, Jack Lyons, Edward Adjei (Luke Abraham 53).
Subs not used: Carl Piergianni, Hakeem Araba, Sam Cole.
Goals: John Wigglesworth 43 (1-0), Lewis Hallford 57 (2-0), Lewis Hallford 73 (3-0).
Bookings: Lewis Hilliard 78 (foul).
Attendance: 150.
