Harborough Town 2 - 1 Rushden & Diamonds U18s
Diamonds youth team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of UCL Division One side Harborough Town despite having the better chances. Fielding a mixture of 2nd and 1st year scholars, trailist Jake Hall was also included in the starting line up having played half an hour at Banbury during the previous week.
Diamonds should have been out of sight by half time, as numerous chances went begging. On 19 minutes, Charlie Desmond chipped the keeper only to see his effort strike to crossbar. Then in the space of a few minutes, Liam Read had a one on one with the Harborough keeper - his effort being blocked. The rebound fell to Hall whose effort was then well saved. Lewis Wilson then struck the underside of the bar from a Callum Earls corner before the ball was cleared.
The home side had their first chance on the half hour as Danny Wright shot wide, but Diamonds continued to pile on the pressure. The impressive Desmond made a good run to set up Jordan Pendered. His chip beat the keeper only for the ball go inches wide as Read tried to connect at the far post.
Diamonds finally went in front on 40 minutes as Callum Earls' corner was converted at the far post by Jake Hall. Town tried an immediate response but James Broadbent made a good save from Wright.
After the break, Wilson came close early on with a header but the home side were quick to close down at every opportunity, not allowing Diamonds as much space. They had a great chance on 58 minutes but Broadbent did well to force their centre forward wide - his cross back from the byline then being fired over the bar.
Just after the hour, Diamonds made several substitutions, and almost immediately Town leveled the score. A long ball forward allowed Ryan Goodband the space to fire past Broadbent.
Diamonds continued to squander chances as Read went close twice but Harborough then went in front on 69 minutes when another ball forward dissected the defence to allow Danny Wright to lob the ball over the keeper.
Jake Wolley thought had leveled for Diamonds in the final minute after heading in a left wing cross as the keeper fumbled, but he was adjudged to have impeded the fortunate keeper, and the goal was disallowed.
Team: James Broadbent (Kyle Swailes 76), Zack Reynolds (Connor Montone HT), Callum Earls (Joe Hopewell 70), Jake Hall, Jake Gillingwater, Ben Ekins, Jordan Pendered (Jake Wolley 61), Elliot Dent, Lewis Wilson (Dom Brennan 61), Liam Read (Callum Earls 81), Charlie Desmond (Jerry Nash 61).
Subs not used: Nil.
Goals: Jake Hall 40 (0-1), Ryan Goodband 65 (1-1), Danny Wright 69 (2-1).
