Sunday 1st November 2009, AFC Kempston Rovers, Kick-Off 2:00pm, East Anglian Counties Under 18s Championship.
Essex Under 18s completed 2009 unbeaten in the East Anglian Counties Championship as a second-half Billy Radley strike earned a 1-1 draw with Bedfordshire at AFC Kempston Rovers.
“We made a slow start, conceding an early goal, but we came back well and could have easily won the game,” said Essex boss Howard Mackler afterwards. “We scored an excellent goal to equalise and created a number of further opportunities. Still, I’m pleased we played some nice stuff at times and we’ve gone through the whole calendar year unbeaten in this competition, which is most pleasing.”
Essex got off to the worst possible start however, finding themselves a goal behind inside 2 minutes as Aidan Murray weaved his way through the visitors’ rearguard before sending a low shot beyond the reach of ‘keeper David Hughes. Hughes was then tested from long range by James Peters and Aaran Morgan struck a post before Essex came into the game, Radley going close as his angled shot flashed across the face of goal.
Hughes made a fine diving save to push Morgan’s stinging effort around the post before the hosts squandered the final opportunity of the half, firing wide from ten yards having created space for himself with a neat cut inside. Essex quickly took control of the second half and shortly after the re-start Radley saw his chipped effort drop just over the top before the leveller arrived on 67 minutes, Radley latching onto Martyn Stokes ball before firing into the far corner from a tight angle.
Jamie Oates’ low effort flew just off target for the visitors before, five minutes from time, Radley dragged a low effort wide of the post after a strong run into the area.
Bedfordshire: Daniel Green (AFC Kempston Rovers), Brent Wisson, Josh Edwards (Dunstable Town), Chris Doggitt (Dunstable Town), Michael Sinclair (Dunstable Town), James Peters (Stotfold) (Emmanuel Pondayi [AFC Kempston Rovers], 81), Alessandro Ruggiero (AFC Kempston Rovers), David O’Brien (Leighton Town) (Ryan Ellingham [Hitchin Town], 64), Joel Ayletty (Houghton Athletic), Aidan Murray (Dunstable Town), Aaran Morgan (Dunstable Town). Unused Substitutes: Luke Hennessy (Stotfold), Takunda Marevesa (Dunstable Town), Ashley Farmer (AFC Kempston Rovers).
Essex: David Hughes (Thurrock), Andrew Morgan (Thurrock), Tyler Spillman (Thurrock), Bradley Vaughan (Grays Athletic) (Tom Wolfe [Basildon Town], 62), Danny Johnson (FC Clacton), Martyn Stokes (Brentwood Town), Jamie Oates (Hullbridge Sports), James Norcott (Brentwood Town), Kofi Kessie (Billericay Town), Billy Radley (Billericay Town), Jack Gardner (Concord Rangers) (Christy O’Donoghue [Thurrock], 62). Unused Substitutes: Max Castledine (Brentwood Town).
Bookings: None.
Referee: Darren Flanagan (Sandy).
Assistant Referees: Andrew Cosier (Luton) and Robbie Hyde (Bedford).