Nick Nicks Another and Ryan Makes Two

The game was played in a good spirit, although the wind tried its best to stop what resulted in a very commanding performance from the young youth team.

The first half breaks youth were playing into a strong wind and produced some very productive and promising football, however on occasions Brakes youth held onto the ball far too often, which resulted in little end product in the final third. The only two real chances fell to Ryan Howell who in the 28 min had a goal disallowed after Chris Lewis had been adjudged to have fouled the Goalkeeper, and in the 35 min he miscued a shot after Josh Tolley had beaten his man and produced a fine cross, (he should produce more of them mind).

In the second half brakes youth had more success with their final pass and in the 60 min made the breakthrough. Soon after coming on Nick Kyricou turned and showing good pace got away from his marker and slotted neatly past the advancing goalkeeper, that makes it 9 goals in 5 league and friendly games - makes impressive reading.

With Josh Tolley being taken off to keep fresh for the two league games this week it allowed Philip Thompson to try his luck down the left flank, and in the 76 min he produced a great cross which drew out the keeper and with Ryan Howell arriving late at the far post a clinical finish resulted with the ball in the top corner. Ryan too is keeping good figures at the moment with three in his last three games now.

Ryan Howell had come back onto the pitch after central midfielder and impressive debutante Mark Anderson had been involved in a head clash and felt a little groggy.

The few chances Kettering did have resulted in their strikers trying a little too hard and getting themselves caught off-side, although an impressive partnership was struck up at the back between Ben and Seb which came into some good plaudits from both myself and Joe in the post match analysis.

On the whole a thoroughly enjoyable game, which will hopefully keep ties between the two clubs progressing as Martyn Harris (Kettering Manager) was inquiring as to who they have to speak to, to perhaps gain entry to the Midland Floodlit Youth League, which would see another quality club linked with the league.

Leamington Youth: Luke Cole [GK] (Gary Moore 63); Leigh Barton; Stuart Poole [Capt.]; Seb Rockcliff; Ben Halstead-Smyth; Philip Thompson; Iain Groves; Mark Anderson -debut- (Ryan Howell 75); Josh Tolley (Adam Butcher 52); Chris Lewis; Ryan Howell (Nick Kyriacou 52)