Thursday 13th October 2005

EASTWOOD TOWN U19’s 3 SHEFFIELD FC U19’S 5           

The U19’s scored a convincing and well deserved win against quality opposition tonight; coming from a goal down to win 5 -3 in a pulsating game with plenty of end to end action writes Bill Towning.

Sheffield made a positive start and after good work by Andy Crossland and new signing Lee Gregory on the right hand side, forced two corners in quick succession. The early chances on goal came to the visitors but it was Eastwood Town who opened the scorning against the run of play, some slack marking at the back post allowing Stevenson space and time to slide the ball home.

However, Sheffield was soon on level terms when Paul Johnstone pounced on an error by the home goalkeeper. Sheffield continued to force the pace and was rewarded on 25 minutes with a goal from new signing Scott Westney. This was no more than Sheffield deserved; they were playing some super football and making full use of the width offered by Lee Gregory and Paul Johnstone and with the defence well organised and dealing with everything that the home side could throw at them.

Sheffield went 3 –1 up after 34 minutes when Lewis Cherrill scored with a superbly struck shot from the edge of the sex from a fine cross from Andy Crossland.

The second half started with the home side looking more dangerous, kicking down the slope, and both sides were playing some neat football. More good work down the right flank from Nick Hawley and Lee Gregory almost resulted in a goal for Andy Crossland, but the cross came in just behind him. However it was Eastwood who were now forcing the pace with the advantage of the slope, and Oliver Freeman, who had been very secure at centre back, was cautioned for a trip just in front of the penalty area. Sheffield gave themselves a three goal cushion when after winning the ball in midfield, Manny Burgess put Andy Crosland through on goal and the U19’s top scorer made no mistake from 18 yards. Manager Mick Liversedge made two substitutions – Robert Brookfield replacing Burgess and Oliver Trigg replacing the injured Lewis Cherrill. The match entered a very exciting phase in the last 10 minutes, when following a good save by the home ‘keeper from Lee Gregory’s shot; the home side scored twice within two minutes, to make the score 4-3 to the Sheffield side and for a few anxious moments it looked as if all the visitors’ hard work might come to nothing. However, Sheffield had the final say with Lee Gregory scoring in injury time.

This victory was nothing more than Sheffield deserved and was a great confidence booster following the display against Hallam last week. All the team showed commitment to the cause and there were several very good performances especially from new boys Lee Gregory and Scot Westney who coped very well against a side containing three or four Unibond League regulars.