YOUTH FOOTBALL: Horncastle U13 win by odd goal in seven

Under-13

Spilsby 3

Horncastle Town 4

On bright but cool autumnal Sunday, Horncastle Town under-13s travelled to local rivals Spilsby to continue their Mid Lincs League campaign.

An expectant crowd gathered to see whether Town could shake the disappointment of their previous fixture loss against league leaders Sleaford. Conversely, the home team were buzzing following their demolition of Welton Arrows.

The visitors started strongly, creating early opportunities with the midfield trio of Kyle Tempest, Ellis Roberts and Josh Bridgford taking an early grip on the central territory.

Roberts won the ball centrally and played Ryan Woollard in down the left. The striker then cut inside and sliced through the Spilsby defence and lashed the ball cleanly into the right hand corner.

Spilsby had no intention of lying down without a fight and quickly equalised.

The Wongers continued to dominate possession and attacked again down the left. With Spilsby desperately trying to clear the ball, it skewed across the face of goal and captain James McKeag reacted quickest to put Horncastle back in front.

Town kept pressing and won a free kick on the edge of the Spilsby box. Josh Baxter stepped up, sensing a chink in the defence’s armour, and skilfully drove the ball past the wall and into the right hand corner.

The home team continued to search for another goal and on the stroke of half time reduced the deficit to 3-2.

Town continued to look dangerous after the break. Connor Pinkett warmed the keeper’s hands with a couple of stinging shots, whilst Spilsby were reduced to playing long balls down the middle.

Horncastle went 4-2 up when Woollard turned provider with a rapier attack down the right, crossing the ball for Baird to slot home into the right hand corner.

Spilsby gamely battled on, forcing a late penalty following a Howden challenge for 4-3.

A final flurry from Spilsby led to a one-on-one opportunity, it was however keeper Peter Smith who came out on top, stealing the ball away from the attacker to ensure victory for the Wongers.

A delighted head coach Bruce Baxter praised his team for an excellent performance, commending Roberts, Baird, Baxter and the respective Smiths.

Bruce said it was difficult to pick out a single player as every one had completed their job. Ryan Woollard was awarded man of the match for an outstanding attacking and midfield display.

Town continue their campaign away against Welton Arrows on Sunday