The morning didn’t get off to the expected start with a late drop out, a manager on route from Lincoln and a squad of players turning up without a ball (some without boots & shin pads)... However, the game got off to a different start.
Within 2 mins of the start Athletic got off to the perfect start. Great team work resulted in debutant Scott Norton laying the ball off for Oli Leslie to score with ease.
0-1.
Athletic were in complete control and chances came fairly often, but with nothing quite clear cut Salts were still in the mix. After 20 though, Yeadon’s impressive pace took its toll. From the right hand side James Barker was upended in the box... a clear penalty and the Ref agreed. Up stepped Norton and after sending the keeper the wrong way...
0-2.
Four mins later & with impressive work from the right side a sweet pass resulted in a smashing dive from Norton and well... Roof of the net!
0-3.
After 35 mins Yeadon were in cruise control or so we thought... A lack of whatever you call it & they were back in it. What should have been cut out resulted in Saltaire pulling one back.
1-3.
Half Time 1-3.... A slack 10 mins let the opposition back in to the game.
The second half started the same as the first. Athletic in complete control & it wasn’t long until we had back our three goal advantage. Superb work from the evergreen Stewart Hardcastle & an inch perfect through ball through to Leslie, who slotted the ball into the far right hand corner.
1-4.
After switching off a simple ball over the top…
2-4.
The Tide could have turned but after a fantastic save from Simon Wintle in the sticks, Athletic never looked back. Unluckily one of the moves of the game ended up with Oli hitting the post, though it was only a slight delay in the proceedings!
Before long Scott wrapped up his hatrick with one of Barkers 9 (of 8 goals) assists.
2-5.
Another Soon followed with Oli getting a hatrick of his own with a fine lay off from Danny Emsley and powerfully placing it beyond the keeper.
2-6.
Barker made it Mustard, a ball around the blind side of the defender from Scott let in Barker, with his legs in Usain Bolt mode not even my camera could catch him...A scuff later...
2-7.
Jack Roberts found himself with a decent opportunity, had he had his own boots the outcome may have been different. Shooting straight ay the keeper his effort was swallowed up by the keeper,
More passing followed from Yeadon and it wasn’t long before the game was wrapped up. A defence splitting ball from Aaron Welsh let Barker in 1 on 1, the keeper was left with no chance!
2-8.
A perfect start for Athletic, a few simple things to work on!!!
Team
Simon Wintle
Aaron Welsh
Alex McInnis
Liam Keen
Ricky Carter
Stewart Hardcastle
Damien Fleming
Danny Emsley
James Barker
Scott Norton
Oliver Leslie (c)
S - Jack Roberts
Ref - Man of The Match - James Barker.
