THAT WAS MORE LIKE THE OLD ATHLETIC

After only one victory in our previous 5 games we needed a good result to get us back on tract and the players certainly came up trumps with a resounding win at Luton Town’s training ground where Crawley Green play their home games. The after effects of Storm Amy certainly provided a back drop of blustery winds but that didn’t spoil the game as both sides were able to play some lovely football on the all weather surface.

Despite picking up three points from this game we still remain in 12th place in the table but more importantly it got us back in the winning groove again because despite the disappointing recent results we haven’t been playing badly but have failed to put away the many chances we have been creating during previous encounters. The return of some key players obviously helped and we were able to strengthen our defence with the signing of Tommy Smith who slotted seamlessly into our central defence.

We got off to a dream start by taking the lead after only 6 minutes with Max Hecules the creator. He picked up the ball in our half then raced down the right before sending over a sumptuous cross which came off a defender for an own goal, although credit must go to Dylan Whitelock who put the pressure on by getting in front of him. Score 0-1.

Three minutes later we went mighty close to doubling our lead when the outstanding duo Harry Shepherd and Max Hercules combined down the right wing with the latter accurately picking out from the bye line Harry Beaumont who shot just wide from close range. Crawley Green, who had in their ranks former Athletic favourite Kevin McManus who appeared 112 times for Athletic over 2 spells with us, started to get into the game after a slow start and drew level from a penalty in the 25th minute following a nice link up in our area. James Ewington coolly converted the spot kick. Score 1-1.

The game became more evenly contested but just as half time was approaching we scored two more goals to put us into a strong position. In the 42nd minute Harry Beaumont instigated a lovely move by releasing Harry Shepherd down the right wing who then cleverly held the ball up and then deftly chipped it into the area for Jack Harvey to head past the keeper for his first goal for the season much to the delight of his grandparents, who come to all the games, in the stand. Score 1-2.

Two minutes into added time we added to our score and again it was Harry Shepherd who was the provider. Picking up a poor pass out of defence Shep burst forward and although his shot was saved the keeper failed to keep hold of the ball and Dylan Whitelock was on hand to snap up the chance. HT Score 1-3.

Things went from bad to worse for our opponents as we notched up another goal within 63 seconds of the restart. Skipper Jack Harvey found an unmarked Max Hercules free on the right and his fierce shot went in off a defender. Score 1-4.

Our hosts had an opportunity to reduce the deficit when a fine cross to the far post picked out an unmarked forward but his shot was superbly saved Josh Ameganvi. The final goal of the game came in the 70th minute when Harry Beaumont’s pass into the box came off a defender and Dylan Whitelock despatched the loose ball past the keeper for his 2nd goal of the game. Score 1-5.

Dylan went close to getting his second hat-trick for the club when his powerful shot forced a terrific save from the home keeper who got down quickly to tip the ball round the post. Despite missing out on claiming his 3rd goal Dylan has still had a brilliant start with the club with 6 goals to his name after playing only 4 games, one of which he came on as a second half sub.

Our hosts continued to play some good football and kept going forward looking to at least grab a consolation goal or two but we managed to keep them at bay and run out convincing winners. FT Score 1-5.

A much needed win which we can now build on especially as we have a full squad of players again. But there is no time to relax as we have two local derbies coming up with a trip to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos on Tuesday night then on Saturday we entertain Kings Langley at the Michael Anthony Stadium. Both are Premier Division League games and will be tough encounters but hopefully we can pick up some much needed points.

TEAM,
TA: Josh Ameganvi, James Kimber (Liam Mann 69), Tommy Smith (Finn Rolfe 75), Greg Deer, Frankie Hercules (Pablo Kalamaras 61), Harry Beaumont, Jack Harvey (Capt), Harry Shepherd, Dylan Fitzpatrick (Harry Jones 71), Max Hercules (Bailey Osborne 71), Dylan Whitelock.

Scorers:

CG: James Ewington (Pen) (25)

TA: Dylan Whitelock (45+2, 70), Jack Harvey (42), OG (9, 46)

Crowd: 35