Mendip Board Walk F.C U18’s 2 v Yate Town F.C. U18’s 3
19th September 2024
Western Counties Floodlit League
Yate travelled to Creswick Road for their first away league fixture of the season. Setting up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, Billy Pullin (GK), Joe Steward, Jonty Hirons and Rowen Smith made full debuts.
Playing up the slope Yate looked to instil their possession-based game from the referee’s whistle. Ben Cook initiated early plays into midfield pivots Nico Baird and the energetic Will Down. Yate’s early ascendency in the match saw play increasingly evolve through the full back channels of Dolton Ross and Jonty Hirons. Tyler Wood and Jacob Batt became increasingly more involved in the game, the later tormenting the opposition full back, who deservedly went into the referee’s book.
Unfortunately, as in previous games, following a rare adventure into the Yate half, Mendip seized upon a defensive lapse to steal possession and finish coolly passed an unguarded Billy Pullin. This saw the game become more even as the hosts intensity and direct play put Yate under pressure more in the defensive third. At this stage Yate began to force play on occasions and played longer without any discernible service into number nine Rowen Smith. A number of shots from range lacked power and precision, with the game becoming disjointed.
Following guidance from the Technical Area, a more composed approach was restored with Kevin Contreras and Jacob Batt going close. Urged on by the increasingly impressive midfield duo of Will Down and Nico Baird, Yate were controlling play in the opponent’s half. Joe Steward went close from a corner, followed shortly by good approach play, that led to a Nico Baird equaliser from six yards. So, the teams took to the break all square, with distinctively differing playing styles on show
The restart saw Yate into their stride, moving the ball quickly, off of less touches and breaking the opposition’s lines. Opportunities followed with the home keeper denying Jacob Batt and Rowen Smith. However, it was no surprise when following Will Down’s quality through ball, that Jacob Batt finished well to give Yate the lead for the first time on the night. Shortly after, successive corners led to the team’s third goal when Joe Steward rose well to head home Nico Baird’s well flighted delivery. With the game passed the hour mark, changes were progressively made from the bench, with Max Davies replacing Rowen Smith at nine, whilst Antony Batt and James Fortune replaced Jacob Batt and Tyler Wood respectively.
At this stage Mendip had been restricted to infrequent attacks and their discipline came into question as a number of robust challenges caught the referee’s attention, with Kevin Contreras predominately being on the receiving end of fouls. As the game neared the final quarter, Yate switched off momentarily and a seemingly innocuous long ball caused panic in the area, where Mendip seized the opportunity to reduce the arrears.
Two final changes were made from the bench at this point as full backs Dalton Ross and Jonty Hirons were replaced by Todd Simms and Luke Money in midfield, with Will Down reverting to fullback. Yate lost their way during this period as the opponents were revived by their goal, and Yate’s lack of patience to return to a passing game.
As control of the game returned, Max Davies had a goal harshly adjudged offside after Yate’s most impressive play of the night. Playing out from keeper Billy Pullin, Ben Cook’s excellent punch pass broke the line into midfield where Nico Baird’s pass sent Max Davies through to finish superbly. Whilst the goal was ruled out on the night, the move was important as it reflects the Management Team’s philosophy of how we want the boys to play.
Despite a nervous final ten minutes, Yate saw out the game to earn a deserved first league win of the season. Will Down received the Man of the Match Award recognising his energy and passing game throughout the night.
Starting XI: Billy Pullin, Dalton Ross, Joe Steward, Ben Cook, Jonty Hirons, Tyler Wood, Nico Baird (Capt), Will Down, Jacob Batt, Kevin Contreras, Rowen Smith
Replacements: Todd Simms, Max Davies, James Fortune, Luke Money, Antony Batt