City U12s faced a tough Stourbridge side in the season opener

Worcester City under 12's got their 2019/20 season underway after the cancellation of their game last week with a tough trip away to Stourbridge. Just like the games between the two sides last season it was a tight game with both sides playing some good football.

Q1
The first quarter saw City take early control of the game and they almost took the lead in the 3rd minute when a great through ball from Henry Guy put Ashdon Doyle in the clear but his shot was well saved by the home Keeper. City took the lead in the 6th minute with Henry Guy slotting home after some neat passing from midfielders Jake Brookes and Adam Willis. Stourbridge were defending well against the city boys countless pressure and were nearly level as the dangerous Finley Stephenson broke down the left and found himself through on goal only to be thwarted by Zac Watkins in the city goal. Liam Rickets came close to doubling the visitors score at the end of the quarter with a rasping drive from outside the box which just went over.

Q2
The second quarter saw Stourbridge come more into the game and they had a couple of chances with shots over the bar. Doyle came close to his second goal of the game but his miss timed shot was comfortably saved by the home keeper but the visitors did double their lead right at the end of the quarter when Kyle Clayton headed home from a Jake Brookes corner.

Q3
The 3rd quarter was a little scrappy with both teams battling hard in midfield and Stourbridge started to press and create more chances but their final ball was just letting them down. They did have the ball in the net after a scramble in the box but it was disallowed after the referee deemed a foul on Louis Hudson in goal.

Q4
As city entered the final quarter with a 2-0 lead Stourbridge pushed hard to reduce the deficit but were thrwarted by some resolute defending from the city defence of Liam Rickets, Josh Francis Joe Layland and the excellent Jayden Bennet on his debut. Against the run of play city almost got their 3rd goal after some fantastic one touch passing from Josh Sanders, Raffe Green and Ashton Doyle put Henry Guy in on the keeper who pulled off a great save. Stourbridge did get the goal they deserved after Stephenson was brought down in the box by a miss timed tackle and a penalty awarded. Stephenson stepped up to take the penalty but Zac Watkins pulled off a fine save to his right but the referee judged that he had encroached off the line so ordered a retake which Stephenson slotted away.

It was a frantic last 5 minutes for the visitors but some fine defending and excellent game management meant that the city boys earned the points at the final whistle.