Match Reports
29/01/12
Salisbury City 5 – 0 Devizes town
Salisbury City Youth waltzed comfortably past local rivals Devizes Town in the Quarter final of the Wiltshire cup. Much like their previous round victory over Wootton Bassett Town which also finished 5-0, Salisbury overpowered Devizes in emphatic style to comfortably march into the Semi-Finals of the competition.
Salisbury started the brighter and Devizes struggled to get out of their own half for much of the first period. City made the early dominance count with a goal after 10 minutes. Malaki Gayle’s short corner was whipped in by Jordan O’Donnell and met by Ryan Gregory whose header was parried by the keeper. Toby McCauley reacted quickest to head home from close range and give City a well deserved early lead.
From the restart City could have scored again within moments, after regaining possession quickly McCauley picked up the ball in midfield and drove into the Devizes penalty area, after going past one defender opened up enough space for a shot with his left which went straight at the keeper. Moments later City had a further chance, Hayes Thomas provided another excellent delivery into the box from the left which caused a scramble inside the Devizes penalty area, Ryan Gregory’s shot from six yards ricocheted to Malaki Gayle 3 yards out who should have finished but lashed his shot wide.
Additional Pressure was being mounted onto Devizes and chances continued to come. After winning a free-kick down the right, Ben Brown hung a telling delivery into the penalty area which was punched by the goalkeeper towards Hayes Thomas on the penalty spot who volleyed into the bottom corner from 12 yards out, but the goal was disallowed. Soon after a cleverly worked free kick was rolled down the side of the wall by Ryan Gregory, Billy Maybury ran in unopposed into the Devizes penalty area and shot across goal but his shot just crept past the far post, another chance missed.
5 minutes later, Cavell Poleon did superbly well to set up McCauley, Poleon rolled the ball across goal towards McCauley 8 yards out who shot 1st time and looked to have converted only to be foiled by the woodwork as his shot hit against the right hand upright. However McCauley made up for his earlier miss just before half time when he headed home a Hayes Thomas corner from close range just before half-time to give Salisbury a well deserved 2 goal lead going into the interval.
City maintained their dominance at the start of the second half without initially extending their lead, both Ryan Gregory and Malaki Gayle had headers go narrowly wide from set pieces whilst Fahm and McCauley both had shots from long range go off target. Salisbury should have been made to pay for a host of missed chances 20 minutes into the half when Devizes where gifted a dubious penalty against defender Billy Maybury who brought down an attacker “just outside the box”. Nevertheless a determined Michael Weatherall saved the penalty well and Ryan Inskip reacted quickest to clear the ball to safety and maintain the 2 goal advantage and a very sought after clean sheet. With very little do Michael Weatherall deserves huge credit for maintaining his focus and providing a big save at a critical moment in the match, which sparked an immediate response from Salisbury.
Within minutes of the penalty decision, Gayle jinked past a defender and provided an excellent cut back cross towards McCauley on the edge of the box who curled a superb finish into the goal, to give his side a three goal advantage and himself a very well earned hat-trick. Gayle turned Provider once again 10 minutes before full time, he turned his man well in midfield and ran towards goal and provided a neat through pass between two defenders towards Michael Fahm who slotted calmly into the goal from 10 yards out. Fahm then grabbed his second after coming on as a substitute, just before full time when he followed in Hayes Thomas’s parried shot and passed the ball into the corner to round off the scoring and cement a well deserved 5-0 victory for the youth side.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donnell, Ben Brown (Michael Fahm, 60), Ryan Gregory, Billy Maybury, Ryan Inskip, Hayes Thomas, Sam Roberts (Toye Adejuyigbe, 65), Cavell Poleon (Luke Ginger, 55), Toby McCauley, Malaki Gayle. Subs Not used: Chesney Onouha, Matt Bosselli.
MOTM: Toby McCauley
21/01/12
Newport County 0 – 3 Salisbury City
The trip to Wales is never a particularly enjoyable or favourable one for the young players. The early 6:30 start and treacherous conditions which seem to be always apparent in the Welsh capital help to cement these feelings. Nonetheless with Newport trailing close behind at the top of the league table, City where desperately looking to imitate their previous away victory against Newport and extend their lead at the top.
To say the conditions were treacherous could have been suggested an understatement, the wind and rain gusted down onto the pitch, which was meant to be being used as a training pitch during the summer Olympics. However even before the game, the pitch was not fit for such event and even more so afterward. However Salisbury appeared to “play to the conditions” much better than the welsh side and took the lead early on when Ben Brown intercepted a pass, skipped pass two defenders and played through Cavell Poleon who fizzed a shot past the stranded Newport keeper and into the bottom corner.
The 2nd came five minutes later and in quite fortunate circumstances, the County Goalkeeper tried to play a free kick from just outside his own area, across his goalmouth towards his central defender. However with the wet conditions failed to allow for the puddle of water which the ball then stopped in and allowed Poleon: who reacted quickest to grab his 2nd goal of the game as he finished into an empty net.
At the other end of the pitch Michael Weatherall needed to stay focussed as a looping cross nearly caught him out but he readjusted his feet quickly and tipped the ball away from goal into the path of a Newport player who blasted over with their 2nd attempt of the match.
Newport were then made to pay for their missed chances when Salisbury bagged their 3rd just before half time through Malaki Gayle. A superb solo run which saw Malaki regain possession and show too much pace and strength for the Newport full back allowed him to drive into the box before crashing home an emphatic left foot drive. This 3rd goal gave City an excellent and well deserved 3-0 lead going into half time in an exceptional 1st half display.
The 2nd half saw half chances for both teams and the Salisbury defence battled hard to keep their clean sheet. Newport’s best efforts were halted by blocks, headers and tackles from the presence of the defensive partnership of Ryan Gregory and Billy Maybury.
Whilst both Gayle and McCauley went close to stretching the lead further with chances to make it 4-0, the defensive display during the second half compliments the fine defensive record which the youth have shown of late. Having withstood some late pressure from corners and long throw-ins City battled hard to maintain their 8th clean sheet in a row in all competitions and give themselves some breathing space at the top of the league.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Joel Mbamba, Ben Brown, Jordan O’Donnell, Ryan Gregory, Billy Maybury, Hayes Thomas (Chesney Onouha, 75), Sam Roberts (Jacob Wise, 60), Cavell Poleon (Anietie Akpan, 85) Toby McCauley, Malaki Gayle. Subs not used: Charlie Gorman, Romario Hart
MOTM: Billy Maybury/Cavell Poleon
14/01/12
Salisbury City 4 – 0 Dorchester Town
A hard frost overnight meant that the pitches would have been fit for ice skating rather than a game of football when both teams arrived. However after a delayed kick off, Salisbury where able to overtake Bath City and snatch top spot at the top of the table with the only game that was played in the South West Counties Youth league.
Skipper Toby McCauley made his mark on the game early with a couple of ferocious challenges which set the tone for the match. Salisbury made their intentions clear with a bombardment of early pressure.
After 10 minutes Chesney Onouha bustled his way clear of the Dorchester defence but dragged his shot narrowly wide of the target. Shortly after City should have taken the lead, but Anietie Akpan’s shot from close range was cleared off the line.
The first goal was inevitable and on 30 minutes did finally come. Chesney Onouha forced a mistake from the Dorch goalkeeper who gave him possession and then proceeded to bring him down inside the penalty area. Once again McCauley stepped up and netted the spot kick to give City a 1 goal advantage.
Salisbury doubled their advantage 5 minutes later Ryan Gregory’s through pass found Toby McCauley who engineered space inside the box and fired a ball towards goal which deflected into the back of the net and gave Salisbury a comfortable lead going into half time.
Moments into the 2nd half City struck a 3rd, Billy Maybury’s long pass over the top of the defence found McCauley who ran clear and slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner giving the keeper no chance.
The fourth goal came on 60 minutes, a corner From Malaki Gayle was flicked towards goal by McCauley. After a bit of a goalmouth scramble Onouha had the final touch to divert the ball into the Dorch goal which rounded off and sealed all 3 points for the home side in a straightforward 4-0 victory.
The youth now sit top of the SWCYL at the half way stage with 1 game in hand over closest rivals Bath City, however face a difficult test away to 3rd place Newport County in Wales, next weekend.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donnell (Charlie Gorman, 80), Ben Brown, Toby McCauley, Ryan Gregory, Billy Maybury, Harry Crisp (Malaki Gayle, 60), Sam Roberts, Chesney Onouha (Robert Palmer, 70), Luke Ginger (Jacob Wise, 25), Anietie Akpan (Cavell Poleon, 60).
MOTM: Toby McCauley
07/01/12
Bath City 0 – 1 Salisbury City
After an extended Christmas break, the first youth match of 2012 allowed Salisbury to close the gap at the top of the table in a hard fought match away to Bath City. With Bath just edging Salisbury at the top of the table however having played two more games, Salisbury were able to close the gap to two points with two games in hand which they readily did in this top of the table clash.
Salisbury started well and endeavoured to take the lead with a succession of early chances. Chesney Onouha and Luke Ginger both went close with shots on target and Sam Roberts also threatened from long range. A solid defensive display from both sides meant that score at the interval was 0-0 with City just edging the match in terms of overall possession and chance creation.
Having just kicked off for the 2nd half Bath nearly opened the deadlock with their first meaningful attempt of the match. A touch of good fortune came their way when a deflected strike kept keeper Michael Weatherall on his toes as he scrambled back across his line to tip the ball onto the post and keep the score goalless.
Salisbury had a golden chance to take the lead on 55 minutes when the Bath Keeper presented Harry Crisp with a golden chance, after fumbling the ball inside his own penalty area, Crisp was left with an open goal from an acute angle. He readily took this on but his shot struck the side netting, much to the dismay of Luke Ginger who was unmarked in front of goal whom may have been a better option.
On 60 minutes the first goal did come when an intricate through ball found Ryan Gregory whose shot was parried and followed up by Onouha’s shot which was also blocked. The ball ricocheted to Harry Crisp 8 yards out who was brought down inside the penalty box to give Salisbury a penalty which Toby McCauley dispatched with confidence into the bottom corner.
A close encounter, nevertheless a resolute and solid defensive display from Salisbury who withstood a late charge along with 6 minutes of injury time secured all 3 points and a vitally important win away from home for the ever improving youth side.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donnell, Ryan Inskip, Toby McCauley, Ryan Gregory, Billy Maybury, Harry Crisp (Malaki Gayle, 60), Sam Roberts, Chesney Onouha (Charlie Gorman, 82), Luke Ginger, Anietie Akpan (Cavell Poleon, 70). Subs not used: Ben Brown, Simon Vaisey.
MOTM: Ryan Gregory
21/11/11
Salisbury City 5 – 1 Camberley Town
In the 1st round of the Hampshire Midweek Floodlit Youth Cup, Salisbury comfortably brushed aside last year’s finalists Camberley Town in an outstanding performance from the youth at the Ray Mac.
City started the game very well and took control of the initial stages of the match through some good passing and early possession. City nearly broke the deadlock after 3 minutes when a hanging corner from Malaki Gayle found Ryan Gregory, who climbed highest, but headed just wide from inside the 6 yard box. The youth went close shortly after when a quick counter attack found Gayle down the left hand side. Gayle’s deflected cross found Luke Ginger at the back post who should have done better with a volley from eight yards.
With Camberley much on the back foot the first goal came after 20 minutes. Jordan O’Donnell’s low cross was cleverly stepped over by Romario Hart who left it for the oncoming Luke Ginger who didn’t make the same mistake twice and slotted a 1st time finish into the bottom corner to finish what was a superbly worked move.
City were in complete control of the match, the second goal was inevitable and soon followed after 25 minutes when a whipped Ben Brown cross dropped into the path of Romario Hart who finished emphatically with a low powerful drive past the helpless Camberley goalkeeper. 5 minutes later City added a 3rd, following a short corner Jordan O’Donnell delivered an outstanding looping cross from deep which found the well timed run of Ryan Inskip who headed it into the roof of the net from close range.
Out of nothing Camberley managed to pull one back shortly before half-time. A wide free-kick from 40 yards was lobbed up towards the back stick, astonishingly looped over City goalkeeper Michael Weatherall and in off the post to pull one back and make it 3-1.
City looked to add more goals before half time to restore their 3 goal lead. 2 chances followed in quick succession from through passes from McCauley which were latched onto by Michael Fahm. The first was fired off target by Fahm who should have worked the goalkeeper however the 2nd right before half-time provided a better outcome when Fahm was swiped down inside the penalty area, to give City a penalty on the stroke of half-time which was dispatched calmly by Ryan Gregory.
There was no let up from City following the start of the 2nd half. Camberley had no response for the possession and overall dominance which City were showing. Toye Adejuyigbe was everywhere and was at the heart of much of City’s play through the middle of the park. After beating two players he slipped an elegant pass between two defenders to leave Michael Fahm one on one with the goalkeeper however the finish was lacking, as he shot wide of the target.
Whilst Camberley were rocking in defence the aerial dominance of the City central defenders Gregory and Inskip compiled the pressure onto the away side. After a flowing passing move from front to back, Ginger put in Fahm whose finish was again faltered, this time by the keeper. After parrying his initial shot, Fahm got another chance from a tight angle but his shot struck the woodwork and rebounded back out to Luke Ginger who was in the right place to finish for City’s 5th of the match.
City continued to look for more goals, Ryan Gregory stung the palms of the Camberley goalkeeper with a 30 yard driven free-kick, and McCauley nearly notched with a low shot which went just wide from the edge of the box. On 80 minutes Ginger went close to bagging his hat trick but was denied by a last ditch sliding block by a Camberley defender and Fahm looked like he might grab a late goal, but fired wide after cutting in and beating two players on the edge of the box.
The game finished 5-1 and gave the youth an emphatic home victory, which included some fine football and outstanding team goals against last year’s finalists. Man of the match goes to Toye Adejuyigbe who was exceptional throughout and showed unparalleled ball retention and dominance in the middle of midfield.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donnell, Ben Brown (Sam Roberts, 60), Toby McCauley (Harry Crisp, 75), Ryan Gregory, Ryan Inskip, Michael Fahm, Toye Adejuyigbe, Romario Hart (Cavell Poleon, 35), Luke Ginger, Malaki Gayle. Subs Not Used: Chesney Onouha, Anietie Akpan
MOTM: Toye Adejuyigbe
12/11/11
Dorchester Town 1 – 4 Salisbury City
Looking to carry on their recent form, Salisbury started the brighter of the two teams and opened the scoring after 3 minutes. Romario Hart ran clear down the right hand side and fired a powerful shot across goal which was parried straight into the path of Chesney Onouha who had the simplest of tasks, to finish into an empty goal. Much like their previous FA Youth Cup encounter Dorchester struck straight back, a whipped cross from the right, found the Dorchester striker who found too much space inside the box and finished 1st time and left Michael Weatherall no chance.
5 Minutes later Salisbury were looking to regain the lead, Luke Ginger went close with a low driven free-kick, and Sam Roberts failed to provide the finish, after a good run from midfield. Salisbury continued to pile on the pressure and Hart was proving a real handful for the Dorchester defence to deal with, he turned provider once more on 15 minutes, after picking the ball up 25 yards out he carved a delicate threw ball into the path of Anietie Akpan. From just inside the penalty area, Akpan opened up his body and finished exquisitely with a first time, right footed finish into the Dorchester goal, to give City the lead for the second time in the game. On 30 minutes Salisbury struck a 3rd when the Dorchester goalkeeper failed to deal with a curling cross from Ben Brown and Hart was on hand to finish from 8 yards out and get a much deserved reward for a very energetic 1st half performance.
Salisbury killed the game off 5 minutes into the second half, Hart went one on one with the goalkeeper after some intricate link up play with strike partner Onouha, his shot was parried by the Dorchester goalkeeper but Onouha was on hand again to finish from close range and bag his second of the match. On 65 minutes, Robert Palmer nearly added a 5th, when he turned on the edge of the box but blasted over from 18 yards.
Dorchester showed little sign of a comeback, any attacking threats were halted by solid performances at the back from Dent and O’Brien and Weatherall was relatively untested during the second half, the remainder of the half played out with no clear cut chances for either side and Salisbury strolled to victory for the 3rd game in a row having scored a total of 11 goals.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Charlie Gorman, Ben Brown (Cavell Poleon, 55), Sam Roberts, Josh O’Brien, Jordan Dent, Harry Crisp, Luke Ginger (Robert Palmer, 60), Chesney Onouha (Dean Pike, 70), Romario Hart (Carlos Downie, 80), Anietie Akpan.
MOTM: Romario Hart
11/11/11
Salisbury City 1 – 1 AFC Bournemouth
For the second time this season Salisbury City hosted AFC Bournemouth in a friendly match which took place at the youth training ground at Sparsholt College. The earlier pre-season encounter with the two teams also featured a 1-1 draw and much credit has to go the youth who again put up a strong test for the professional league 1 side. Claudio Herbert also featured for the youth academy
in this friendly match as he looks to find fitness following his release form the senior set-up.
The game took place over three 30 minute periods, Bournemouth had the majority of the early possession, however failed to really threaten going forward. Salisbury seemed quite content to allow Bournemouth to keep the ball in their own half and Bournemouth found it difficult to engineer any clear cut chances. After 15 minutes the first real chance of the game fell to Romario Hart, Luke
Ginger’s sliding tackle won possession and found Hayes Thomas, whose through ball set up Hart who bustled his way past one defender and went through on goal yet his shot was comfortably saved by the Bournemouth Goalkeeper. The second chance of the game also fell to City, Michael Fahm dispossessed the Bournemouth Centre-back on the halfway-line and drove towards goal, he carried the ball
into the penalty area but his low left foot shot across goal was tipped just round the post by the Bournemouth keeper. 25 minutes in Toby McCauley’s sliding interception put Hart in once again, after beating one defender he looked to play in Fahm, his cross was blocked but the ball rebounded back to him just inside the penalty area, he flicked the ball up over one defender and looked to lob the keeper which he successfully did but the Bournemouth defender managed to recover and clear off the line. Shortly after, the referee blew for the end of the 1st period, 0-0 at the break but a very promising start to the match by Salisbury.
2 minutes into period 2 Salisbury were awarded a penalty, Michael Weatherall played a long free-kick from inside his own half over the top of the Bournemouth left back into the path of Claudio Herbert, his 1st touch took him past the goalkeeper who charged in recklessly and brought Herbert down inside the penalty box. Ryan Gregory dispatched the spot kick to give Salisbury a one goal lead. The game became more heated as the league 1 side seemed to get frustrated by the resiliency of City lead by some tireless work rate and robust tackling from skipper Toby McCauley. Both sides enjoyed
good possession in the middle area of the pitch with neither really creating chances. However, Just before the interval, Bournemouth equalised when a through ball found the Bournemouth striker just inside the penalty area who scored with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, with what was Bournemouth’s 1st shot on target.
Both teams went looking for a winner in the 3rd period but neither side produced that match winning goal, the best chance of the latter stages fell to Craig Stanley who provided a weak finish straight at the goalkeeper after a mazy dribbling run down the left hand side. But the game finished 1-1, a very credible performance from the youth including some excellent individual performances and
a well organised and determined team display. Extremely tough to single out one person for MOTM and it could have been given to three or four! Notable performances from, Brown and Herbert stand out. But for a solid performance at the back in which he barely put a foot wrong all game and for a tough tackling display in midfield Toby McCauley and Ryan Inskip share the award.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donnell (Jordan Dent, 75), Ben Brown (Brandon Munday, 45), Toby McCauley, Ryan Gregory, Ryan Inskip, Hayes Thomas (Claudio Herbert, 20), Toye
Adejuyigbe (Cavell Poleon, 75), Romario Hart (Chesney Onouha, 45), Luke Ginger (Sam Roberts, 60), Michael Fahm (Craig Stanley, 60).
MOTM: Ryan Inskip/ Toby McCauley
05/11/11
Salisbury City 3 – 2 Bath City.
Salisbury hosted Bath City and a strong Salisbury side looked to avenge their earlier season defeat. Both teams started sluggishly and neither team really took charge in the game. The earlier chances though, fell to Salisbury. A mistimed tackle on Toby McCauley gave Salisbury a free kick right on the edge of the box, But Toye Adejuyigbe’s effort failed to beat the wall, and on 15 minutes McCauley as again involved when his volley from 10 yards out smashed against the crossbar.
After 30 minutes, Bath broke the deadlock, when some poor defending gave Bath possession in the penalty area and the Bath Winger finished past Michael Weatherall. This seemed to deflate Salisbury; minutes later a sloppy pass gave the ball back to Bath who broke quickly and were awarded a penalty after an untimely tackle in the box. The penalty was dispatched calmly and Bath took a 2 goal lead into the second half.
Some harsh words in the Salisbury dressing room at half time clearly provoked a reaction from the Salisbury players as a different side seemed to enter the second half. Salisbury began the half well and won a penalty early on when Jordan O’Donnell’s cross fell at the feet of Adejuyigbe whose theatrical fall was rewarded with a penalty after he was brought down inside the box. Ryan Gregory stepped up to take the spot kick, and after some gamesmanship from the Bath Keeper and a 3 minute delay in taking the penalty, blazed high and wide of the goal much to everyone’s dismay. After 60 minutes Michael Weatherall made a key save down low to his right to keep city in it, and after some strong pressure hope was restored on 70 minutes after an in swinging free kick from Hayes Thomas was flicked on by McCauley and then flicked in by Adejuyigbe.
The whites continued to look for the equaliser, which finally came on 88 minutes when a high cross from Ben Brown was nodded on by Onouha into the path of onrushing Hayes Thomas whose outstanding volley across the goalkeeper and into the top left corner of the Bath goal tied the match. Whilst ten players were celebrating the goal, Jordan O’Donnell sprinted the length of the pitch to retrieve the ball, showing Great Spirit and determination to strive for a winner. Indeed his and the rest of the teams efforts were rewarded minutes later. Salisbury re-gained possession quickly from the kick off and mounted a final attack on the Bath City goal, after managing to force a corner, another terrific delivery from Hayes Thomas allowed Ryan Gregory to redeem himself for his earlier penalty miss, as he rose highest in the box and headed home emphatically past the helpless Bath goalkeeper, 3-2!. Barely time for a restart the referee blew the Final whistle and a remarkable come-back gave Salisbury all three pints and a miraculous victory.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donnell, Cavell Poleon (Ben Brown, 45), Toby McCauley, Ryan Gregory, Ryan Inskip, Hayes Thomas,Luke Ginger (Sam Roberts 68), Romario Hart (Chesney Onouha, 60), Toye Adejuyigbe, Michael Fahm (Malaki Gayle, 65).
MOTM: Hayes Thomas
29/10/11
Forest Green Rovers 1 – 4 Salisbury City
This Saturday saw the trip of the U.18’s to Forest Green Rovers (FGR) looking to bounce back from a disappointing result from last week. Salisbury had dominant possession and chances during the 1st half. The first chance of the game fell to Toby McCauley, whose shot forced an excellent save from the FGR goalkeeper down low to his left hand side. Ben Brown also threatened early on when he picked up possession and drove into the FGR penalty area but his tame right foot finish was saved comfortably. Brown had a chance minutes later when a ricocheted clearance fell to him on the edge of the box but his lobbed finish, looped narrowly over the crossbar. On 30 minutes, Anietie Akpan went close after an outstanding first touch took him clear of the Forest Green defence, but shot just wide of the post and after a quick free kick and sweeping cross from Ben Brown, Toby McCauley flashed a header just wide.
Salisbury were made to pay for their missed chances, as just before half time FGR took the lead with what was their first shot, a low cross found the feet of an oncoming FGR player who slotted home from 4 yards. Only to the dismay of the FGR manager who described their goal “as a travesty” because it was so undeserved. Half Time FGR 1 – 0 SCFC.
Salisbury started the second half strongly and maintained their grip on the game which they had shown during the 1st half. A curling corner delivered by Hayes Thomas found the head of Romario Hart, who rose well and flicked a depth header into the roof of the net and tied the match. On 70 minutes the game was still tied at 1-1 but that soon changed, a great delivery into the box from Jordan O’Donnell brought an aerial challenge between Chesney Onouha and the FGR goalkeeper, the ball dropped around the penalty spot and McCauley was there to finish from 12 yards, and give City the lead. Salisbury continued to push forward looking for more goals, but were nearly caught out after a quick FGR counter attack forced an excellent last ditch tackle from Sam Roberts to deny FGR an equaliser. Salisbury wrapped up the points on 80 minutes, when Chesney Onouha turned inside the box and slotted home from 10 yards down low at the keepers near post. Hayes Thomas rounded off the scoring with 5 minutes to go when he latched onto a threw ball from Luke Ginger and fired a low cross come shot which deflected off the FGR goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donell, Cavell Poleon, Sam Roberts, Ryan Gregory, Ryan Inskip, Hayes Thomas, Toby McCauley, Romario Hart (Luke Ginger, 75), Anietie Akpan (Chesney Onouha, 55), Ben Brown (Malaki Gayle, 65).
MOTM: Toby McCauley
22/10/11
Cirencester Academy 4 – 3 Salisbury City
If ever there was proof that football “is a game of two halves” this game would represent that remark. The conditions played a huge part in the match, as the wind whistled across the pitch from one end to the other. Playing “with the wind” during the 1st half, Salisbury went into half time with a three goal lead intact. Ben Brown pounced on Michael Fahm’s blocked shot, and provided a low drive to open the scoring. Followed shortly by the second when Fahm again turned provider as he passed to Romario Hart who had the simplest task of finishing into an open goal. The third goal came after 30 minutes when a clever threw ball found Fahm, who squeezed the ball in from a tight angle to give the visitors a three goal lead at half time.
The second half however was quite a different story, on 50 minutes, Cirencester got one back after a deep cross found the Cirencester Winger who nipped in front of the Salisbury defender to finish from close range. On 60 minutes, Cirencester made it 2-3 as an excellent free-kick found the top right corner. The wind picked up even more, and it became increasingly difficult for Salisbury to get used to the treacherous conditions which they were facing, under immense pressure from Cirencester ,Salisbury were forced more and more on the defensive. However a breakaway attack saw Toye Adejuyigbe go close when he slotted the ball past the keeper but against the Cirencester post and back out for a defender to clear.
On 88 minutes Cirencester got the reward for their Sustained pressure when they drew level with a terrific strike which tied the match. 3-3! Both teams pushed forward for the winner which to the dismay of management staff, players and spectators of Salisbury came in the 93rd minute when Cirencester got the winner from a corner deep into stoppage time.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donnell, Cavell Poleon (Chesney Onouha, 55), Sam Roberts (Hayes Thomas, 80), Toby McCauley, Ryan Inskip, Malaki Gayle (Luke Ginger, 60), Toye Adejuyigbe, Romario Hart (Anietie Akpan, 75), Michael Fahm, Ben Brown.
MOTM: Michael Fahm
15/10/11
Salisbury City 2 – 0 New College Academy
Salisbury started the game strongly and mounted good early pressure onto New College. After a succession of early chances the breakthrough came when Michael Fahm found space on the edge of the box and finished calmly into the top left hand corner of the New College goal to make it 1-0. Shortly after New college had their goalkeeper dismissed. Chesney Onouha ran onto a through ball and knocked it past the goalkeeper who handled outside of his box and denied Onouha a free run at goal. With little hesitation the referee produced the red card, and New College were immediately reduced to 10 men, shortly before half time.
Salisbury controlled the 2nd half however chances came and went with Romario Hart and Anietie Akpan both going close. On 75 minutes Salisbury were awarded a penalty after Robert Palmer was brought down inside the box following a clever run and some good footwork down the right hand side. Toby McCauley stepped up but failed to convert as his penalty struck the left hand post. Nonetheless, Salisbury finally netted a second in stoppage time following a through ball from Ben Brown, which caused a mix up at the back, and the New College full back deflecting the ball beyond the stand in goalkeeper. Final Score, Salisbury City 2 – 0 New College Academy.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donnell, Ben Brown, Toby McCauley, Ryan Gregory, Ryan Inskip, Michael Fahm (Arivakan Jaeyasiman, 90), Toye Adejuyigbe (Sam Roberts, 70), Romario Hart, Chesney Onouha (Anietie Akpan, 60), Malaki Gayle (Robert Palmer, 75).
MOTM: Toby McCauley
01/10/11
Newport County 0 – 2 Salisbury City
The first of two trips to Wales this season, saw Salisbury come away with all 3 points after an excellent performance against their welsh opponents. Both teams started the match at a high intensity, and Salisbury’s defence coped well under some tough early pressure from Newport. Salisbury grew into the game and created the better of the chances during the 1st half. The best of which came from a thunderous strike from Charlie Gorman who cut inside from right back and rattled a left foot shot from 30 yards which bounced down of the cross bar and possibly over the goalline. The referee and linesman both looked at each other waiting for the other to give a decision, but neither did and the game carried on. Half Time 0-0.
Salisbury started the 2nd half brightly, looking dangerous going forward. A long punt forward from Catton, was flicked on by substitute Onouha into the path of Hart who outpaced the Newport defence and resolutely chipped the ball over the helpless Newport goalkeeper into the back of the net. The second soon followed as Newport failed to deal with a corner, and Malaki Gayle reacted quickest in the box (with his 1st touch after coming on as a substitute), to finish a downward header from Jordan Dent.
Newport pushed forward trying to get back into the game and it look like they might, the Newport striker ran clear of the defence however a superb recovery run and well timed sliding tackle from Jordan Dent haltered the Newport charge. Likewise a brave diving save From Keeper Catton late on, and some resolute defending across the back, maintained a clean sheet for the Whites and a very good 3 points away from home.
Salisbury City: Sam Catton, Charlie Gorman, Jake Tutton (Jacob Wise, 70), Josh O’Brien, Jordan Dent, Cavell Poleon, Harry Crisp, Robert Palmer (Dean Pike, 85), Romario Hart (Malaki Gayle, 65), Sam Roberts, Anietie Akpan (Chesney Onouha, 55).
MOTM: Romario Hart
17/09/11
Bath City 4 – 1 Salisbury City
A difficult day saw a young Salisbury side go down 4-1 at the hands of Bath City. With half an eye on next week’s FA Youth Cup Tie, manager Neil Benson took the opportunity to give many players a chance to play in what was undoubtedly a learning curve for many of the newcomers (8 of whom making their debuts) who came in.
The young Whites were forced onto the back foot early on and found themselves 2-0 down inside 25 minutes after some poor defending and effective attacking play from Bath City, which lead to 2 quick goals. Salisbury struggled to get a grip on the game and found it difficult to maintain possession all over the pitch. However hope was restored just before Half-time when a through pass from Luke Ginger found Romario Hart who ran clear of the Bath defence and finished with aplomb into the bottom right hand corner of the Bath goal.
Bath City continued to look dangerous at the start of the second half. Two goals during this period sealed the match and what was to be a disappointing day for the young whites. Salisbury City will be looking for a better result away to Newport County next week.
Salisbury City: Sam Catton, Charlie Gorman (Rory Collins, 52), Cavell Poleon (Ben Brown, 65), Luke Ginger (Josh O’Brien, 45), Jordan Dent, Matt Lever, Anietie Akpan, Sam Roberts, Romario Hart, Harry Crisp, Max Betteridge. Subs not used: Michael Weatherall.
MOTM: Anietie Akpan
10/09/11
Salisbury City 0 – 0 Forest Green Rovers
The first encounter of the new season in the South West Counties Youth League saw Salisbury City entertain Forest Green Rovers. Salisbury dominated the early stages of the game creating plenty of chances but failing to beat the Forest Green goalkeeper who was on top form. Salisbury went close early on when Hayes Thomas’s whipped cross found Speechley-Price whose header forced an excellent reflex save from the Forest Green Keeper. Speechley-Price went close again minutes later when his shot was dragged wide after he latched onto a through ball after some excellent work from Luke Ginger, and Salisbury nearly took the lead after 30 minutes, when Toby McCauley had a 25 yard volley tipped just over. Just before half-time Harry Crisp nearly broke the deadlock, after his left footed, curling shot rattled the woodwork after some good work down the right hand side, however the score at half time remained 0-0.
Forest Green posed little threat, and the 2nd half started much how the 1st half ended. With Forest Green very much on the defensive Salisbury continued to push forward, striving for the break-through goal. A curling right footed strike this time, from Crisp forced another superb save from the goalkeeper, and a succession of corners led to Ryan Gregory’s headed goal being disallowed for a foul inside the6 yard box. Hayes Thomas went close late on after an outstanding run from inside his own half But Forest Green clung on to clinch a point during a one sided encounter at Sparsholt College.
Salisbury City: Michael Weatherall, Jordan O’Donnell, Ben Brown (Jordan Dent, 80), Toby McCauley, Ryan Gregory, Ryan Inskip, Harry Crisp, Luke Ginger, Leighton Speechley-Price (Anietie Akpan, 45), Will Hendon (Sam Roberts, 65), Hayes Thomas. Subs not used: Sam Catton.
MOTM: Luke Ginger
