26th November 2011
PFA Minor Cup ¼ Final
Baston 2 – 0 Riverside Rovers Reserves
It was a battle of the league leaders in this game, as Division Four’s Baston hosted Division Five’s Riverside Rovers in what promised to be a good game, with the visiting side in fine form.
Baston yet again struggled for a team with players missing and others injured, but manager Phil Davies managed to get a strong side out for this Quarter Final.
It was Baston who started brightest with the Riverside keeper pulling off a great save to deny a rasping Tom Hames drive from outside the area. Riverside had some good possession early on but most attacks were broken down by the determined Baston defensive line. Baston had further chances to take the lead as Ben Hudson’s turn and shot went wide from close range. Baston were sharp on the counter attack and as a Riverside attack broke down, Mindy Valys sent a precise ball into the channel for Greg Rawlinson to race onto, he took it past a defender before crossing to the back post where Jono Howard volleyed home with aplomb to make it 1-0 to the home side after 20 minutes. Baston had chances to double their lead in the first half, Rawlinson was a constant threat with his pace in behind the Riverside defence. Just before half-time, Howard’s curling shot from outside the area seemed destined for the top corner but didn’t dip in time and he couldn’t double the score.
Baston went to a more defensive formation in the second half, trying to preserve their lead. They were still a threat going forward with Rawlinson firing wide, and Bullivant forcing a great save from the keeper. A rare defensive error led to a Riverside break, but the shot was blocked well by young full back Ryan Jones. Baston doubled their lead with 20 minutes to go, great work from Bullivant as he teed up Jono Howard to slot in his second of the afternoon. Baston remained strong to the end and remarkably claimed their first clean sheet of the season, with a superb defensive display.
Manager Phil Davies said “I’m proud of the lads today, they worked really hard and no-one had a bad game. We beat a side that could have easily caused an upset so I’m delighted with that”
Man of the Match: Craig Bullivant
Baston: Mick Lloyd, James Simpson, Justas Poderis, Mindy Valys, Ryan Jones, James Ward (Jacob Parkin), Tom Hames, Ben Hudson (c), Jono Howard, Craig Bullivant, Greg Rawlinson
