Shurdington AFC Matchday 7/ Youth report
mike mcleod
In the SSL2001 First Division, Beckenham Town FC edged out Shurdington AFC 1–0 in an encounter at Eden Park Avenue.
The first half was tight, with both sides trading half-chances. Shurdington looked lively early on, M_Hurtado forcing a sharp save from B_Brodel, while I_Mountenay saw a thunderous effort crash off the bar and bounce agonisingly on the line before being waved away. At the other end, M_Gartner and A_Quinney both tested V_Larsons, who proved difficult to beat with a string of confident stops. Referee Hategan kept a firm grip on proceedings as tackles flew in and tempers flared.
After the break, Beckenham increased the tempo. Substitute D_Giza almost broke the deadlock with a fierce drive that skimmed the post, signalling the hosts’ intent. The breakthrough arrived on 61 minutes when A_Quinney skipped past his marker and unleashed a rising strike that beat V_Larsons to put Beckenham ahead.
Shurdington manager Mike Mcleod responded by pushing his side forward, but despite late pressure and several dangerous moments, they struggled to truly test Brodel. U_Ganey delivered a standout defensive display, earning Man of the Match honours, yet Beckenham’s back line held firm.
Shurdington_Youth 0 - 0 Welling_Youth (Matchday 6)
Shurdington Youth and Welling Youth served up a goalless encounter at the Training Ground, with both sides denied by outstanding goalkeeping and wasteful finishing.
The hosts started brightly, C_Steben testing S_Stanyer inside three minutes with a crisp volley, but the Welling stopper set the tone with a superb diving save. Shurdington continued to probe, M_Ergas firing over and L_Falcone forcing another stop before hobbling off injured midway through the first half.
Welling carried their own threat, Baeza lively up front and Ogelvie nearly producing a spectacular bicycle kick, only for D_Putterman to respond acrobatically. Chances flowed at both ends before the break, but neither side could find the finishing touch.
The second half followed a similar pattern. K_Campioni was central to Shurdington’s attacking push, striking the post and forcing multiple saves from the impressive S_Stanyer, who finished with seven stops and Man of the Match honours. L_Lackey also rattled the bar in a frantic spell of pressure.
Welling almost snatched it late on, H_Haan crashing an effort against the crossbar in stoppage time, but it wasn’t to be.
In the end, a 0-0 draw felt harsh on both sides