Match Report: Under 12 Corinthians v Farnham United: 1 - 6 Home Loss (Cup Match)

Farnham hit Ashtead like a wrecking ball in cup defeat

A very good Farnham United side from Division 3 knocked Division 5 Ashtead out of the cup in a well contested and sometimes thrilling game. Ashtead never gave up and their sprit and effort was clear to see against a superior team and they had spells when they pushed Farnham into some desperate defending.

The first 10 minutes were fairly even with Farnham probing for an opening but finding the Ashtead defence in defiant mood. Defenders Monty Black and Oscar Power were being well marshalled by Ashtead Captain Fraser Swan who was playing well in an unfamiliar defensive position and all 3 were stretched by a lively Farnham attack but stood up well to the initial attacks.

Farnham did go into the half time break 2-0 up but Ashtead were holding their own and put together a couple of good moves including one when James Gaffney expertly controlled a high ball and played a smart exchange of passes with George Bartlett to move into the penalty area and was only stopped by a strong challenge from a Farnham defender. Owen Thompson-Smith kept up his good recent form and looked lively in the classic No. 10 role and was unlucky with some cleverly executed passes. Guy Francis was having a good game and mixed some deft touches with downright brawn in the Ashtead midfield giving the Ashtead defence good protection.

The second half followed much the same pattern with Farnham largely in control but with Ashtead never giving up and continuing to show their spirit. Joe Young in the Ashtead goal had to deal with regular attacks but produced some fine saves including 2 brave 1-on-1s. He was unable to stop Farnham scoring 4 more but deserves credit for his never-say-die attitude. Jamie Young (also on a good run of form) showed determination when helping out in defence and good composure when in control of the ball and looks like another success of the Corinthians Academy. Guy continued to take the fight to Farnham and ran himself into the ground with his effort and this inspired his team mates. They began to make some headway and George and Max Parris was unlucky with a couple of rasping shots after getting into good positions on the wings. Adam Thornton was asked to play in a number of positions and it was whilst he was in midfield that his quick thinking with a throw in set George off down the left wing, he beat the defender and pulled the ball back to Oscar who hit it crisply first time into the Farnham goal - his second goal of the season and down to his determination to get forward and support the attack.

So....a well deserved victory for Farnham but Ashtead had spells when they were comfortable in possession and kept fighting to the end. They need to take these positives, from a game against a Division 3 side, into their league fixtures.

Ashtead Man of the Match

Guy Francis – played with passion and aggression and looks an exciting midfield prospect. He gave (X Factor cliché alert) 110% for his team and (football cliché alert) left nothing out on the pitch. A genuinely inspiring performance – well done Guy.