YOUTH FOOTBALL: Horncastle Town U13 extend winning streak

Under-13

Welton Arrows 1

Horncastle Town 2

Horncastle travelled to Welton Arrows to continue their league campaign and the Wongers returned home triumphant with a scoreline which did not illustrate their dominance.

The visitors kicked off but the early exchanges were dominated by the red and whites.

Much of the possession was through the central areas, however it was captain James McKeag, providing the width down the right flank, who cut in and struck the ball goalwards. A desperate Welton defender handled the ball and the referee pointed to the spot. Centre forward Connor Pinkett stepped up to take the penalty, driving the ball cleanly into the back of the net past the sprawling keeper.

Town increased the pressure looking for a second. Running on from an Aaron Smith free kick, Ryan Woollard cut in from the left hand wing but was denied by Arrows’ impressive keeper.

Horncastle continued to keep the home team pinned into their half, a series of corners not yielding a deserved second.

With the Arrows’ defence creaking, Woollard ran on to a Roberts through-ball, the forward calmly lifting the ball over the on-rushing keeper.

The Wongers were cruising but, on a rare attack, Welton were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which was successfully converted.

Woollard continued to be a thorn in Arrows’ side after the break, cutting in from the left and shooting, but the keeper stood strong.

Wave after wave of Horncastle attacks followed. Alfie Baird beat the keeper but struck the post, with Aaron Smith and Britchford going close, and Connah Toulson and Pinkett also both hitting the uprights.

Further chances were fashioned for Pinkett and Woollard, however Welton’s man-of-the-match keeper prevented any further score.

Head coach Bruce Baxter praised his team for a good result, commending Cobban, Howden, Woollard, Baird and Aaron Smith. It was however midfield general Ellis Roberts who was awarded man of the match for an outstanding performance.

Next Sunday, Town return home to take on Lowlands