Worcester City U11 v Cheltenham Town

Worcester City U11 1-1 Cheltenham Town U11

On a lovely bright autumnal morning Cheltenham Town visited Battenhall Road for the return fixture after a closely fought opening game at Cheltenham back in September. Worcester were quite slow to get going from the kick off & Worcester keeper, Archie Bennett had to be alive to the danger from the pressing Cheltenham forwards and make a couple of smart saves. After 7 minutes Cheltenham forced a corner which Worcester were slow to clear on more than one occasion which resulted in a clinical finish from Dylan Clucas to put the visitors 1-0 up. 3 minutes later Worcester made a quick break from the half way line & Jack Tustin rounded the advancing keeper who had come right out of his area but Jack’s touch took him a little allowing the Cheltenham defence to re-group and snuff out the danger. There were few additional chances in the quarter and the score remained 1-0 to Cheltenham at the break. Worcester came more into the game in the second period and after 35 minutes drew level – this came from a very accurate looping right footed cross from outside the area from Ross Beesley which Jay Jay Hobbs met with a powerful header on the penalty spot which went in over the Cheltenham keeper. 1-1 much to the delight & relief of the Worcester players. 1-1 at the end of the second quarter.

The third quarter was a very tight affair with both defences very resolute and lots of great harrying & strong, but fair challenges in the midfield. Into the final 20 minutes and Cheltenham created two decent breaks from the half way line with their attackers outpacing the Worcester defence but on both occasions shots went narrowly wide of the goal. After 65 minutes Hayden had a great run for Worcester jinking past 3 Cheltenham players and into the penalty area but his powerful drive produced a great save from the Cheltenham keeper. Into the final 10 minutes and Scott Wheeler went on a lung bursting solo run from just inside his own half outstripping several defenders and tried to outfox the Cheltenham keeper by aiming a low drive at the near post but the keeper got down well to parry & then smother the ball. Both teams went for it in the final 5 minutes but defences prevailed & a strongly fought match ending very fairly at 1-1.

It was agreed by everyone that neither side deserved to lose the match which was refereed superbly by Olly Wilcox. Worcester would like to wish Cheltenham all the best for the rest of the season & hope to perhaps meet them in the Cup in the New Year.