Bourne Town Reds travelled to Bottesford for the first of their friendles since dropping out of the league. Although the squad was not at full strength due to last minute drop outs, help was at hand with a new player Joseph Stevens.
Following a 2 minute silence in respect to Rememberance Day the game kicked off. Captain Morgan-Kay won the toss and opted to play into the wind. The first quarter was an even afair with both side producing chances. Bottesford won a penalty in the first few minutes following a hand ball by Morgan-kay. Bevan held his ground and Bourne was happy to see the ball skim the outside of the post. Bourne's first goal came from a well taken goal kick from Asplin, which sailed through the Bottesford defence right to new boy Stephens who turned and ran onto goal, then putting the ball wide of the out coming goalkeeper. In defence Fell, Morgan-kay and Asplin worked hard to keep Bottesford at bay. A few more chances fell to Stephens from good link up work from Brooks and Allan, but there were no more goals. Bottesford continued to battle and their hard work resulted in an equalizer right at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was very much the same. Bourne's well organised defence kept Bottesford chances to a minimum. Bourne created the better chances with Fell coming close with a long shot that was saved on the line and Stephens hitting the inside of the cross bar only to see the ball bounce on the line and Bottesford scramble it away.
At half time they changed ends and Bourne had the advantage of the wind. Bottesford lost one of their best players and suffered from lack of replacements. As the game went on Bottesford tired and Bourne took advantage. A change in formation with Hawkins coming in to defence and Asplin replacing Stephens up front produced many chances. Both Allan and Books started to dominate the wings with support from Fell and Hawkins. A great run and pass from Brooks set up Allan to finish well and put Bourne ahead. Brooks produced another great run and shot that was intercepted by Asplin who beat the goalkeeper for the third. More chances came but were not converted.
Fourth quarter, Brooks came off and Stephens returned. By this time Bourne were in full swing with a fantasic display of football. Fell won another ball and took up field, linking with Allan who turned and crossed for Asplin to get his second. Further chances were created but not converted, until another cross from Allan found Stephens who finished with a great shot to get his second. Bottesford had a late rally at the end creating two scoring chances. Ever alert Bevan came out and forced the Bottesford attacker wide, giving his defence time to get back. Bottesford crossed leaving Bevan stranded but Morgan-Kay cleared. Their second chance was a through ball that split the Bourne defence but Bevan was out quick to clear. The final reasult was Bottesford 1 : Bourne 5.
Managers comments:
The first half was a great defensive performance and from that a great goal was scored. The second half was a great team performance with defence linking with attack to produce 4 goals and dominate the game.
Welcome to new signing Joseph Stephens who came in at the last minute and produced a brilliant performance.