Beverley Town Academy welcomed local rivals Hodgsons FC in a fixture that was switched to Longcroft following due to the poor condition of their Leconfield ground.
Both teams started well, with Town having a lot of the ball without creating any clear-cut chances. It was Hodgsons who took the lead after a poor goal kick by town was picked up by the Hodgsons midfield.
A fine ball was played into Joss Gilligan who showed a great piece of skill to turn Town’s defender Eric Gardham and finish coolly past keeper Ollie Thane.
Hodgsons then took a foot hold on the game and added a second goal on 30 minutes after Town gave possession away in their own half. The Hodgsons winger, Josh Davies, took full advantage of the mistake and curled a fine finish past Town’s keeper.
Beverley Town Academy started the second half really strongly, and the excellent Ryan Fitzgerald created a fine chance after only 2 minutes, but saw his 20-yard curling shot hit the post a rebound to safety.
Town continued to press for the all-important goal that would put them right back in the game. Aiden Fitzgerald was next to go close, after some excellent inter play with Danny Dawes. Fitzgerald was in on goal with only the keeper to beat. However, his shot was well saved. Town’s young side were on top now and Hodgsons had to defend for their lives to keep them from scoring.
Hodgsons keeper made a string of fine saves as Town created a number of chances, and against the run of play, Hodgsons broke down the right and fired a shot on goal.
Most of the players and crowd thought the shot had crossed the line and rebounded off the stantion. However, the referee controversially denied the goal!
Things evened up 2 minutes later when Town shot on goal, the ball appeared to hit the defender’s hands in the box, but the clear penalty wasn’t given.
Town continued to press, but Hodgsons defended well and held on for the win.
Town manager Rich Jagger was optimistic at full time, he said;
“I thought it was an fantastic game of football by two good local sides. Hodgsons played well first half, but second half, we were excellent and the lads gave everything to get back in the game.”
“The average age of our side is 19 years old. They have improved a great deal this season but in the end, Hodgsons experience helped them see the game out.”
Final Score: Beverley Town Academy 0 Hodgsons FC 2
