Bourne edged out by Claret in a game of few goals but many chances

Bourne Town Reds U12s suffered a single goal defeat to local rivals Deeping Claret in a combative encounter.

The visitors, with the best defensive record in the league, were a well-organised unit who withstood early pressure from Bourne. Charlie Wheeler drew a foul which gave Nathan Bills a chance on goal from the resulting free kick which the Deeping keeper saved well.

The Reds continued to dominate both possession and territory. Smart play from Luke Edwards released Joe Philby whose effort was parried by the keeper, dropping to Bobby Clark who was crowded out be a combination of three Claret defenders.

Despite their early superiority it was the visitors who drew first blood. A through ball bisected the Bourne defence freeing a Deeping attacker to run unchallenged on goal. Alfie Bennett managed to get a hand onto the shot but couldn’t stop the effort from carrying over the line.

Shocked by the set back the Reds struggled to get their foot back on the ball. Deeping, settled by the cushion of the goal, began to play with more assurance and asked questions of the home defence.

With the game ebbing and flowing Deeping had more of the ball but Bourne created more clear-cut chances. However they could not finish any of them.

As has been the case all season they were well lead by Tom Cameron who continues to grow in stature match by match and by the heart of the team : Taylor Dean whose willingness to put her foot in where in hurts is an object lesson to her male counterparts.

Just before the half time break Philby was fouled, which gave Omar Hassine-Hinks the chance to hit a left foot free kick. His effort was on target but again saved cleanly by an assured Deeping goalkeeper.

Still trailing by a single goal going into the second half the Reds managed to apply some early pressure with Philby having a snapshot that just spiralled wide.

Henry Warren nearly stole into the box on the end of fine work from Edwards and Casey Machin but was thwarted by some excellent last ditch defending.

Machin put in his usual tireless shift up front as a lone striker but just couldn’t get the ball to drop to him in the danger areas.

With time running out the home side spurned their best opportunity to level. The ball ricoched around the Deeping penalty area, with Edwards denied, followed By Hassine-Hinks as the visitors threw themselves into protecting their goal.

Despite their best efforts the Reds could not snatch an equaliser and Deeping recorded a league double over their local rivals.

Team : Alfie Bennett, Joe Couzens, Tom Cameron, Nathan Bills, Joe Philby, Bobby Clark, Luke Edwards, Isaac Bates, Charlie Wheeler, Ethan Hunt, Taylor Dean, Casey Machin, Henry Warren, Omar Hassine-Hinks.