Sunday 22nd November 09
Midland Youth Championship
@ Bugbrooke St Michaels FC
The Northamptonshire team pushed forward from the off and were dominant in the first 15 minutes but never really tested the Staffordshire keeper. A defensive error gifted the away forward an opportunity which he took with some ease in the 16th minute. This lifted the Staffs boys and began a period of attacking, coming close on two occasions.
The home side steadily regained some control but some wayward shooting and wind assisted cross' began to frustrate them. In the 36th minute, debutante Dustin Fitzgerald, collected a pass wide on the left wing, beating two defenders, cut inside to let loose a shot to be proud of from 30 yards which tucked neatly into the top right hand corner.
Northamptonshire continued to press until the half time interval.
Half time 1 – 1
Now kicking into a strong wind with driving rain, the home side fell asleep once again and another defensive error cost another goal with only 30 seconds on the clock. Despite the conditions, both teams shared the opportunities to score with Dustin Fitzgerald specifically played through one-on-one, although not quick enough to beat the on-form travelling keeper.
With the Northamptonshire boys reduced to ten men, Staffordshire were awarded a free kick some 25 yards out and the striker made full use of the wind to strike a hard shot which curled into the bottom-right of the goal.
Goal scorer: Dustin Fitzgerald
Final Score: 1 – 3