Beverley Town Wanderers bounced back in style this week in a vigorous effort, full of strength and purpose.
GAME 1.
From the outset the Wanderers were immediately on the front foot when the impressive Mitch Bellotti won the ball well and released Thomas Smith who finished adeptly from just inside the area to take a very early lead.
The visitors however were soon back on level terms, as within a minute, they produced an unstoppable shot. Henry Green was as energetic as ever and after linking up well with Danny Prescott, his pulsating right wing run and cross was met by the left boot of Harry Armstrong, who duly despatched his effort low into the net for his first goal of the season. The half ended at 2-1.
The second half was a real cagey affair, as the Wanderers tried on numerous occasions to catch the advancing Shiptonthorpe on the break, and after a fine tackle by Mark Hudson, Smith almost extended the Wanderers lead but his chance sailed inches wide.
The Wanderers were now elegantly passing the ball around with flair and conviction as the midfield trio of Smith, Prescott, and Green were running their counterparts ragged with exemplary play.
With a couple of minutes remaining however, the visitors picked up a loose ball and and their striker scored to equalise once more against the run of play. Both teams then shut up shop and the game ended an entertaining 2-2 draw.
GAME 2
After a mammoth effort in the first game, the stylish Wanderers knew they would be in for a real battle in the next encounter. Exquisite defending by Bellotti and Armstrong gave the Wanderers belief to push on in the final third, and again Green supplied a telling cross to the far post which was met by Ethan Jacobsen, he chipped the goal keeper and the ball hit the cross bar, bounced down, and was followed up emphatically by Jacob Hodgson who smashed the ball into the net.
The visitors replied once more after a defensive clearance, fortunately ricochet off an attackers knee and some how found the net.
The Wanderers were now turning the screw, and after a fine save by Hudson in the Wanderers goal, the outstanding Smith collected the ball on the halfway line, and his penetrating run culminated in a spectacular crossfield strike from just inside the area, giving the keeper no chance; a magnificent goal. The half then ended again at 2-1 to the home side.
The second half, the Wanderers were still full of ideas, as strength, passion, and maturity were all key factors in the undoing of an organised Shiptonthorpe outfit. As the visitors went all out for an equaliser, Prescott and Armstrong were in dazzling form, thwarting any of the oppositions advances. Striker Bailey Young was then put through on goal by Jacobsen, and he was unfortunate not to score as his effort struck the woodwork.
With seconds remaining Young showed superb strength once more, playing in a deeper role to help out his back line, winning a tussle, and taking a knock for his team, and had to be replaced by Smith. The classy Wanderers then held on to take the valuable points in their bravest display to date, running out eventual 2-1 winners.
Man of the match went to Thomas Smith for a masterfull performance and 2 exquisite goals.
Reported by Karl Jacobsen.
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