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UNDER 16
 
 

ESSEX   1  v  1   SUFFOLK
 
East Anglian Counties u16 Championship

Thu 20 Dec at Stanway Rovers FC
 
Liam Valentine's first-half strike was cancelled out by Jack Minns as Suffolk pegged Essex back to a 1-1 draw in a hard-fought Under 16s clash at Stanway Rovers F.C. just five days before Christmas.

"We made quite a slow start," said Essex joint-boss Dan Rose after the game. "Our goalkeeper made a fantastic save in the 1st minute but we soon got into the game and became stronger as the half went on. Liam's goal was the culmination of a fantastic move."

Rose is aware of what his players need if they are to continue their assault on the East Anglian Counties Competition: "We need to have more shots on goal. You couldn't fault the number of opportunities we created, but we need to be more clinical. We had a great chance to win it at the end, their 'keeper making a great save, and we were very strong after their goal. A draw is a fair result tonight, though. Hopefully this puts us in a good position to challenge for the title. That would be great for the players."

Despite dominating much of the first half, Essex could have fallen behind in the opening minute, goalkeeper Billy Byrne making a fantastic reaction save to deny Jordan Hutchings' close-range header. The home side's first opening arrived on five minutes, Ollie Dingli chipping into the gloves of visiting custodian, Ross Welton having been played through by James Dobbs.

On 16 minutes, a well-worked move saw Essex take the lead as Valentine tapped home Tyrone Scarlett's cross-cum-shot from six yards. Pacey Godfrey Umokoro sent an angled shot just wide after a fine run and moments later Welton did well to tip Dingli's fierce drive around the post.

Essex had another chance to double their lead just four minutes before the break, Welton making another fine stop to deny Dobbs' 25-yard rocket. Then the hosts again came within inches of a second goal on 52 minutes, Dingli sending a lob from distance into the side netting with 'keeper Welton out of his goal.

However, seven minutes later, Suffolk were level, substitutes Stevie O'Neill and Jack Minns combining with the latter slotting a great ten yard finish past replacement Essex 'keeper Lewis Batchford.

Undeterred by the leveller, Essex continued to look for openings and Rob Bragg fired a good chance inches off target after some great control whilst Suffolk's scorer Minns drifted an effort just over the top.

Finally, two minutes from time, Welton made a fantastic diving save to push Scarlett's shot wide of the post following a pin-point through ball from James Love, the goalkeeper's heroics ultimately earning his side a point.

Essex: Billy Byrne (Eton Manor), Matt McGregor (Southend Manor), Adam Rushen (Witham Nomads), James Love (Heybridge Swifts), Jon Glowacki (Romford), Liam Valentine (A.F.C. Hornchurch), Tyrone Scarlett (Dagenham & Redbridge), James Dobbs (Eton Manor), Godfrey Umokoro (Clapton), Ollie Dingli (Eton Manor), Alfie Miller (Grays Athletic). Substitutes (rotating): Lemar Lemonious (A.F.C. Hornchurch), Lewis Batchford (Chelmsford City), Rob Bragg (Maldon Town), Joe Kelly (Canning Town).

Suffolk: Ross Welton (Whitton United), Lee Warren (Needham Market), Andy Sturman (Woodbridge Town), Andy Nugent (Woodbridge Town), Jack Garnham (Woodbridge Town), Ben Fogg (Thetford Town), Jordan Hutchings (Cornard Dynamos), Ryan Clark (Needham Market), Ayo Olayenere (Needham Market), Joe Boreham (Cornard Dynamos), Jamie Houston (Cornard Dynamos). Substitutes (rotating): Stevie O'Neill (Woodbridge Town), Tom Noon (Needham Market), Jack Minns (Stowmarket Town), Josh Turner (County Upper School).

Bookings: Essex: Bragg (71, foul).

Referee: Andrew Langsdon (Wivenhoe).

Assistant Referees: Christopher Green (Colchester) and Matthew Burton (Colchester).