Classy U13’s make a winning start

On a roasting hot afternoon in this Indian summer, Horncastle travelled to Waddington to meet Lowlands in their opening Mid Lincs league fixture. With an excellent pre-season behind them Towns supporters were full of optimism for a positive start to the campaign.

Horncastle started briskly playing neat and intricate football through the middle, Ellis Roberts and Josh Britchford at the centre of events. Lowlands were clearly intent on making this a physical game with some questionable challenges early on.

Town composed themselves with Ryan Woolard stretching the game, carving a slide rule pass for Conner Pinkett who scuffed his shot just wide.

The Wongers continued to press with Alfie Baird about to shot was pushed to the ground, the referee in no doubt awarding Town a penalty. Woolard spotted the ball and slotted the ball into the bottom left hand corner leaving the keeper no chance to save, 0-1.

The red & whites took control of the game, Kyle Tempest going close twice with long range efforts and Connah Toulson a constant threat down the left hand channel.

Lowlands were restricted to playing on the break, Town skipper for the day Aaron Smith calmly sweeping up through balls and setting the visitors back on the front foot.

Town continued to press for a second with further goal bound efforts from Pinkett and Wollard however with half time coming too early for the visitors to double their advantage, HT 0-1.

Lowlands started the second half with a point to prove, Town Keeper Peter Smith busy in the opening exchanges. Sensing their hosts new found confidence the Towns back line of Will Fawcett, Chloe Pickering, Lewis Howden & Smith were stoic in defence.

With the game opening up, Town once again pushed forward, a Pinkett shot falling to Toulson who stabbed the ball into the goal from close range, 0-2.

Once again Lowlands didn’t know they were beaten and pushed forward, reducing the deficit with a well taken goal, 1-2.

With Town looking to increase their lead Lowlands countered and sprung the offside trap, running in a goal past the stranded Town keeper.

With the game on a knife edge Town looked for winner, Roberts played a perfectly weighted through ball for Wollard, with the crowd on their feet, Towns new star lashed home the eventual winner, 2-3.

Town played out the remaining time wisely with Joshua Baxter shooting just wide from outside the box the last action of the game, the referee blew for full time, 2-3.

Head coach Bruce Baxter summed up a gritty Town performance, with special commendation for Josh Brithford, Ellis Roberts and Aaron Smith. It was however Ryan Woollard that was presented with the Man of the Match award for his brace on his excellent competitive debut.

Match report by Shaun Smith