Yarnton Res: Matt Robinson 28

 

Charlton United Reserves ensured their first game of the season resulted in a win after a solid performance against local rivals Yarnton.

The first chance of the match went to the away side after some nice play down the right resulted in a cross to the far post, thankfully for the hosts the ball was headed high over the bar and didn't trouble anyone but the passing seagull, who luckily managed to divert his flight to the safety of the club house. Charlton then created chances of their own and could've gone ahead but some good goalkeeping kept out the likes of Richie Knight, Chris Staker and Kieren Cross. Yarnton then started to take control of the game and put the pressure on. More play down the right meant Charlton left back Dean Hudson was caught out but he recovered to get a tackle in, the ball wasn't cleared properly and was soon passed into the box and with the striker running away from goal Hudson slid in and invited the Yarnton player to make the most of the situation. Despite left back Hudson getting a touch on the ball the player went down like he'd been tackled by Mike Tyson and a penalty was awarded. Yarnton captain Matt Robinson stepped up and scored off the keepers right post, only for the referee to order a retake. Robinson didn't let the pressure get to him and cooley slotted the ball in the net to give the visitors a 1 nil lead.

 

The home side were feeling hard done by, knowing that with a better final ball Yarntons weak defence would be punished. This is exactly what happened and after the goal the home side dominated for the rest of the half and were unlucky not to be level after 2 minutes of the restart - Kieren Cross combining well with Steven Gardiner and easily beating Yarntons left back only for Cross to shoot straight at the keeper. Cross again created a chance for Chris Staker at the far post but the ball was too high. Then after several passes around the away side, Cross and Gardiner combined again and saw Jamie Gough coming in on the right side edge of the box. Gough took one touch and then slotted the ball across the keeper to level the score. A few minutes later Cross played in Chris Staker and he was taken out in what was a blatant penalty. The home side went in deservedly two 1 ahead. The second half was an even affair and both teams created numerous chances but neither could break the deadlock. Yarntons captain picked up a yellow for dissent and was lucky to stay on the pitch after a tackle from behind, but the game was played in good spirits and well refereed. It could've been more for Charlton but they got the most important thing....3 points.