Match Report: Sporting 87 U18s 2 v 5 Ely City Under 18s

The first half became a sloppy affair for the Under 18s in the return friendly against Sporting 87 who we hosted at the end of the 2018/19 season.

Whilst the team looked to dictate play from the beginning, the tempo was laboured and quality of possession sloppy. A misplaced pass allowed the home forward to run in on goal and place past Ben Newton.

A couple of long range efforts threatened the home side but no chances of note were really created.

Half-time; 1-0

The second half was an excellent performance.

Intensity levels, speed and quality of passing all improved and numerous chances created. The message was to play higher up in the pitch in the opponents half and the lads did this from the off.

A hat-trick from Ollie Ward and goals from Owen Johnson and Will Fox sealed the win.

Sporting 87 also scored from a free-kick.

Full-time; 2-5

The first 'poor' 45 mins of pre-season but the reaction to it was excellent. This is precisely what pre-season is for.

Starting XI;
Newton, How, Humble, Menon, Smith, Harnwell, J Johnson, Hay, Clark, Marshall, O Johnson

Subs (all used);
Perry, Morris, Elsom, Berriman, Fox, Ward