Keybury U7 Champions
Craven, Aire & U14 Champions
Wilsden Junior afc
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The start of the Easter holidays meant that Wilsden were without 3 key players for this quarter final clash, however they where not to be deterred. Wilsden started brightly with Tom Vaughan and Josh Arnfield making notable contributions. The opening goal was an outstanding individual effort from Tom Jagger, who received the ball on halfway, beat a man then outpaced the defence before clipping the ball over the keeper into the far corner. Thornton, who up to now had shown little, started to fight back and they were soon level when a half cleared cross was lobbed back into the box where two Thornton attackers were unmarked, Within 5 minutes it was 2-1 to Thornton, a very smart lob from 25 yards with which the ever dependable Ben Leach had no chance. Wilsden were having their worst spell of the game, but it didn't take long for them to settle, The skipper Callum Leach and his midfield partner James West started to win the ball and Wilsden soon came close to scoring through Michael Ruthven and Arnfield who grazed the bar with a great effort, the equaliser had to come and it did through Ruthven who scrapped for the ball on the edge of the box before lifting it over the keeper into the roof of the net. It was soon 3-2 when after some excellent work; Leach hit the post and it rebounded to Ruthven who could not miss.
The second half started brightly. The defence were at last looking assured with Michael Crowther and Harry Busby dominating the centre and winning almost every ball and with good distribution Wilsden had countless flowing moves. Half-time saw the introduction of Ryan Marsh, who used his pace to great effect and linked up well with Ruthven and in particular Arnfield. It was soon four: after some good link up play from Josh Rayner, it was the ever lively Jagger who stole in to score from 10 yards.
Thornton rarely threatened, however the pace on the left could have been dangerous if it had not been for the controlled performance of Joe Murphy; he and fellow fullback Rayner ensured little got through to B Leach. With Vaughan and Leach now controlling the centre of the field it was only a matter of time before there was another goal. It was Leach, instrumental in most things, who crossed inch perfect for Ruthven to head home and claim a deserved hat-trick.
Thornton kept going to their credit and scored a fine goal cutting in from the right with just 5 minutes to spare. West, who was now back in action, made a number of telling tackles late on to ensure the last minutes weren't nerve wracking.
Wilsden now must take on league leaders, Park Avenue, in the semi's. With the new found form and confidence don't count this lot out of going all the way!!!
Last updated: 1st April 2005