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Our City U15’s opponents last weekend were Fakenham Town, who City had only played 2 weeks ago in a very close game, frustratingly losing with the last kick of the game.
With a full squad this weekend, City were looking to reverse the result and maintain their position of third place in the league. The boys started the game well and were able to create some early opportunities, hitting the post after 3mins and limiting Fakenham to playing football in their half.
City’s well organised pressure paid off after 5 minutes, when Paolo Marce slotted home from close range, following good work on the wing from Alessio Nicholson. Paolo is currently the league’s top goal scorer, with 15 goals from 13 appearances.
We continued to have the majority of possession for the remainder of the 1st half and limited Fakenham to long range efforts, which were comfortably defended.
Half-time gave us an opportunity to make some slight shape adjustments, to stop their midfield having so much time on the ball. These changes had an immediate impact, as 6 mins after the restart Max Kewley latched on to a through ball from midfield and beat the keeper from the right-hand side of the box.
2-0 up and with a long way to go in the second half, there was an obvious playing style change from Fakenham, which we had to try and counteract. City created a number of chances to extend the lead further, but these were well saved by the keeper.
With 8mins left in the second half Fakenham managed to break through our defensive lines and drew a foul in the box. The resulting penalty snuck in the corner, despite a strong hand from Josh Smith in goal.
This late goal proved to be a catalyst for more attacking play from Fakenham, but the defensive unit continued their strong performance and stopped any further opportunities.
City closed out the game and the 2-1 keeps them in 3rd place, level on points with Wroxham in 2nd place (who have a better goal difference)
Man of the Match went to Lindan Bates
Written by Neil Scrivener
Phot Credit to Ali Dixon