First XI v South Newton & Wishford

Bishops Waltham Dynamos U15B - 1
South Newton & Wishford U15 - 3
Testway League U15 Division 2

A cold breeze awaited us at our 'second home' venue at Priory Park and the visit of the current League leaders South Newton & Wishford (SN). Play began slowly neither team looking as if they really wanted to be out there in the icy wind. In training manager Adam had pointed out to the boys that their recent excellent second half performances really needed to be shifted into the first half to provide the possibility of improved results. Could it be done against this top of the league opposition ? SN opened the scoring quite early on with a ball over the top and JT was left with no chance. In previous weeks this has been the queue for the floodgates to open - but not any more ! Dynamos stuck to their task really well and took their reward when Jack fired home the equaliser after he chased down and forced a defensive error. If anything Dynamos had slightly more of the ball at this point, a long clearance by Rob R released Aaron, at full speed his shot was turned away for a corner. So SN knew they were in a match at the very least. Unfortunately, SN came back strongly and re-took the lead as Dynamos defence failed to close down the ball around the area, as the inevitable shot came JT got a hand to it but not enough to keep it out. SN had established the upper hand now and were through on goal a number of times but JT was keeping Dynamos in the game with a mixture of good timing and bravery, Rob R produced a magnificent saving tackle to deny the centre forward, penalty appeals failed to influence the referee. Tim was covering a lot of ground in midfield and making some excellent covering tackles for both full backs, up front Aaron was tireless as usual and strong in the tackle too. This spirit existed throughout the team and as the half drew to a close Dynamos had another really good spell of play, Jack, Aaron and Tom B were all causing the SN defence problems and a Rob R long range effort flew just wide. 1-2 at half time - that's more like it boys !
Right from the off in the second period Dynamos were on the front foot for a change, a flowing move down the left involving Ads, Luke and Tom B created a half chance for Jim to shoot just wide of the right hand angle. Soon after Dynamos forced a corner, the ball fell to Jim inside the area he narrowly missed the target again. SN were clearly frustrated on and off the pitch, although they failed to make use of the wide areas which helped Dynamos somewhat as play frequently got bogged down in midfield, SN did make plenty of chances, one long ball to their right winger who fired in a good shot but JT saved brilliantly diving to his right to turn the ball over. Tim was still getting tackles in all over the place, Sam had the defence well organised and Dynamos were able to hold SN back to play mostly in midfield instead of around the Dynamos area. Tom B crossed brilliantly for Luke who was bundled out of the header but no penalty. Low and behold a swift attack at the other end, an attacker stumbled in front of a defender and SN were gifted a penalty, which was well taken. This setback failed to knock back Dynamos who continued to play competitively, a free kick was won a few yards outside the area, up steps Tom B and curled a beautiful shot toward the top right corner, but the SN keeper pulled off a brilliant save at full stretch to tip it over. Ben K had a magnificent last ditch tackle to deny SN a shot on goal, the match was hotly contested right to the final whistle. For Dynamos a vastly improved effort against strong opposition and hopefully the beginning of a belief that we can take the game to any team put in front of us. Manager Adam was full of praise for every team member after this excellent team effort, man of the match JT for his now customary polished performance in front of the