Boldmere Youth Team 2 - 5 Atherstone United Youth Team
The Mikes adventure ended with a 5-2 home defeat against Atherstone in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup sponsored by e-on.
The Mikes endured the worst possible start, finding themselves 3-0 down within the first 10 minutes. Neither side was producing a defensive masterclass and both teams looked like scoring every time they ventured forward.
Chris Ward squandered two glorious opportunities when clean through and the visiting keeper clawed the ball away from the goal line, before James Walker eventually reduced the arrears by forcing the ball home from a corner.
The Mikes continued to press, but were unable to force another breakthrough before the break. The next goal was going to be crucial after the restart, so the Mikes began purposefully. They were soon rocked on their heels though, as the visitors added to their lead. The ball broke free from a challenge on the edge of the Mikes’ box, running free for a midfielder to lash the ball home from 20 yards.
The Mikes continued to pour forward, but too often their final ball was rushed and let them down. Midway through the half, substitute Alex Hodgen toe poked the ball home after the keeper had blocked his first effort.
This gave the home side renewed energy as they searched for another breakthrough to give the visitors a nervous last few minutes.
Chasing the game left the Mikes stretched at the back and it was the visitors who sealed their win thanks to another fine strike from the edge of the box.
On the night, the Mikes had more than enough chances to have got themselves back in the game, but in the end their nightmare start left them with too much to do. The visitors were the better team on the night, and gave a lesson in clinical finishing.
Boldmere: Louis Connor; Liam Morrall; Reiss Beacon; Craig Jones; James Devesey; Keiran Weekes; Jordan Gibbons; Nathan Wall; Tom Law; James Walker; Chris Ward.
Subs Used: Alex Hodgen; Leon Weller; Chris Harris
Not Used: Adam Jones; Aaron Thornton
Scorers: James Walker, Alex Hodgen.
The Mikes are back in home Cup action on Thursday night (24 September), when they entertain Grimsby Town in the Midland Junior Cup. Please note that this game kicks off earlier than usual, at 7:00 p.m.
