With a number of players enjoying the summer freedom there was just one game this weekend for the senior section as they travelled to Abbey Rangers to face their under 23’s.
Another Young squad reflecting a new era of senior section players were once again lead by the now ‘Senior’ Sonny Huntley.
Abbey started slightly quicker and although neither team created much it was the hosts who slightly dominated territory and would have shown as having the ‘momentum’. The Young Lemons grew into the game however and begun to create opportunities, Jamie Trisnan in particular looked likely to create something as did Jared Fountain whilst Teddy Williams lead the line brilliantly. Perrie Dhesi unfortunately picked up a slight muscle problem and Jake Streeter suffering from the effects of Covid vaccination both came off mid way through the first half meaning Matt Hazell and Shaun Pate’s introductions would lower the average age even further! Abbey were still able to cause some problems finding joy on either flank before a slight change in approach from the young Lemons stopped the Abbey advances and the game finished a very evenly contested affair at Half Time (0-0).
The second half would see the introduction of Jack Phillips & Kalim Hussain and their added experience helped Manorcroft largely control the first 20 minutes of the half. Abbey did however take the lead following a fiercely struck shot from the edge of the box which found its way into the net to put the hosts 1-0 up. At first Manorcroft looked a little panicked and begun to try and force an equaliser but after 5 or so minutes settled back into a rhythm with last years Youth Team Captain; William Smith looking ever more assured in the centre. A fantastic move down the right would see Ryan Porter find a pass into the box from the dead ball line which Jared Fountain controlled and spun his defender before his left footed effort was instinctively saved by the Abbey ‘keeper, Josh Richards was on hand with a diving header on the rebound to equalise the score at 1-1.
Fountain then had a couple of long range efforts that narrowly went over as did Hussain who’s curling effort went just the wrong side of the post. The last 10 minutes were difficult for Manorcroft in their second pre season game and as legs tired Abbey began to find more space, Cam Gurney controlled his box well at the tender age of 16 and with some magnificent defending from all but especially Jack Phillips and Pete Barrett, Abbey couldnt find a winner despite the large crowd now gathered behind the visitors goal.
A solid work out with some excellent football played and another really encouraging display by all involved.
Man of the Match: William Smith
No 1st or Development team games this week (w/c 09) but the Youth Team are in action on Monday night at Bedfont Sports and Wednesday night at Chessington & Hook.
