It was more cup action last weekend when the U21’s travelled to Oldham to take on a side new to the North West development league structure this year, Avro FC in the League Challenge Cup.
In the absence of the usual management team of Josh and Alan Hoare, first team manager Wayne Goodison steeped in to take the reins for this one off occasion. The starting XI was subject to a number of late drop outs due to illness meaning the squad would be tested with only 12 players present.
On a 3g surface the opening exchanges were very even with both sides playing a great passing game with the first chance coming after half an hour when Avro hit the post from distance and the follow up from two yards was blasted over. Half time 0-0
5 minutes in to the second half Avro took the lead with a low drilled shot from the edge of the box. 5 minutes later 1874 were forced into using the one and only substitution available when Dan Goodwin couldn’t continue following a knock on his foot. Dan Giddins replaced him slotting in at an unfamiliar left back role.
A minute later Connor Arrowsmith was scythed down and from the resulting free kick Hisham Jamal’s shot was deflected for a corner. 1874 then lost the ball in midfield allowing Avro to break and their striker made no mistake slotting past Tom Cookson in goal. 1874 pressed for the goal that would bring them back into the game and created a couple but Jordan Henry’s free header was safely gathered by the keeper and Arrowsmith’s 25 yard drive hit the bar.
Virtually on 90 minutes following a ball into the box the ref awarded a penalty to 1874. No one seemed to know why and maybe justice was done as Henry stepped up and blasted over. Seconds later the ref blew for full time.
Despite a 2-0 loss the lads competed well against a well organised team with two centre backs who were outstanding.
Team was :
Tom Cookson, Dan Goodwin, George Jones, Dylan Wagner, Ethan Campbell, Hisham Jamil, Declan McGloin, Aaron Clayton, Will Jones, Connor Arrowsmith and Jordan Henry. Sub Daniel Giddins.
Thanks go to Wayne for stepping up to manage the lads and I think he enjoyed based on his tweet after the game……