Match Report #1

Match Details
Competition: FA Youth Cup First Round Qualifying
Venue: Fairfax Park
Attendance: 130
Goals:
Harry Purser 73 (pen), Lewis Jennings 90+3

Two goals in the last quarter, saw Team BTC/BTFC U18 through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup. An entertaining match at Fairfax Park on Thursday night was a credit to both clubs.

Town’s youngsters created numerous chances on the visitor’s goal but were denied by a man of the match display from their keeper Lucas Purnell.

Strikes from Chubb, Cottrill, McKenna, Chivers & Purser we’re all kept out by impressive saves.

When Team BTC/BTFC did score McKenna who was teasing his marker superbly was adjudged off side, but a neat piece of play from Purser and Ham to deliver.
A good crowd of 130 saw a dominant home performance, with good ball control, awareness and clean chances. Radstock were reduced to attacking sporadically as their defence was being

overstretched but with their goal line standing firm they gained in confidence and skipper Tom Ells-Ricketts and Harley Morse showed well.

After the break Morse had a shot blocked and Radstock looked dangerous for a period as they looked to counter after soaking up attacks. A breakaway goal was always the visitors main threat, but Todd Watts led the defence impressively alongside Noah Kruszynski, Harry Durant, Callum Chivers & Shay Allen.

In the end it was a substitution which brought about the opener. Gabe Plant scampered beyond his marker to the byline and his cross hit the arm of Toby Vining. Purser stepped up and put the spot-kick away with real quality.

Purnell yet again saved his side from a second goal in as many minutes, this time the lively Acey Mead.

But the game was eventually sealed by Lewis Jennings who broke free from the visitors defence to clinch a 2-0 win and a trip to Gloucester.

Squad: Shay Allen, Callum Chivers, Harry Durrant, Merson Ham, Todd Watts, Noah Kruszynski, Acey Mead, James Cottrill, Harry Purser, Olly Chubb, Sully McKenna, Gabe Plant, Josh Hurford, Lewis Jennings, Jake Dennis, Brad Pupfa, Harley Wilkinson

Match Report #2

A quick turnaround Saturday 26th the side visited Millfield. With both sides rotating their squads it was a great opportunity to see a number of young players who’ll represent the side in the South West Counties Youth League.

A back line of U16s Jennings, Dennis, Hurford & Keaney were complemented by Pfupa on the flank. Watts had a start in midfield alongside Ham & Chubb, while Purser was joined by Plant upfront.

Millfield took an early lead pouncing on a loose pass before Pfupa scored two as Plant & Purser linked to provide good delivery.

Before the break Millfield levelled the score.. Allen unable to keep out a powerful header from a corner kick.

In the second period a number of changes with Murphy joining Dennis at the back, plus the pacy pair of Durant and Chivers.

Mead and McKenna were also brought in, as Team BTC edged the game with efforts from McKenna, Purser and Chivers. These good moments brought about by some good disciplined movement as Ham, Chubb, Watts & Purser provided fluent options.

Durant was again putting some nice passes together as to was Chivers while Dennis & Murphy controlled the centre.

When Team BTC took the lead it was almost a carbon copy of the Thursday night disallowed effort, however this time Watts was the receiving player who headed home.

Going through the gears the game was then polished off with Mead scoring the forth and Watts another header for the fifth.

A decent display and good experience for the young men, who now look forward to next weeks final at Fairfax Park.