Avon Youth League Division 3

Winterbourne Utd 2 Thornbury Town U16 2

THORNBURY Under-16s travelled to play local rivals Winterbourne Utd in only their second Avon Youth League game since the beginning of December.

The match was an evenly contested match played on a very heavy, boggy pitch with very long grass with the pitch looking more like a rugby pitch than a football pitch.

Thorns started the game brightly for the second week running they started the game strong and fast and had the better of the opening exchanges with visitors quick to close down the home team players denying them time and space on the ball.

Winterbourne were trying to catch the Thornbury out by playing direct and long balls hoping to use their speedy strikers to get on the end of the balls, however the Thornbury defence led by Sam Downes was more than able to cope with their tactics.

Thornbury took the lead after a flowing passing move started by Rob Ashworth at right back who played a nice ball into midfielder Charlie Exel who looked up and played a defence-splitting pass for left winger Denym Di Mauro to run onto who used his pace and strength to beat the home defender and calmly slot the ball home.

Winterbourne created several chances but the Thornbury defence and Ryan Tyler in goal snuffed them out out their chances.

The visitors doubled their lead when the ball broke to Felix Brittan who hit a looping shot from 30 yards into the net.

Striker Anthony Cooper worked very hard and just as he looked like he was played through on goal the home defender tripped over his heels and the home team were awarded a free kick much to the dismay of Thornbury.

Winterbourne started the second half much stronger and penned Thornbury back in their own half for the first 10 minutes and it was all hands to the pump to ensure the home team did not score.

Slowly Thorns got a foothold back in the game and half time substitute Josh Betts played in a good cross from the left but it was cleared by the home defence.

Next Denym Di Mauro had a chance to score but again his shot was deflected for a corner which was easily cleared.

The home team then broke down the left and were awarded a free kick out wide. From the resulting kick the the visitors failed to clear the in-swinging ball and Winterbourne bundled the ball over the line to make it 2-1.

Thornbury responded strongly to the setback and nearly extended their lead after some good play by Mike Tanner on the right wing saw him create space for Anthony Cooper whose attempt went narrowly wide.

Then controversy struck as the home team were awarded a penalty for what looked a foul by right back Alex Evans outside of the box, however the referee said it was inside the area.

The resulting penalty was converted confidently to make the game level at 2-2. Thornbury, to their credit, again responded strongly forcing the home team onto the back foot and had several chances to regain the lead but theyir couldn't make the most of their opportunities and the game ended 2-2.