Beverley Town Football Club Academy went into this game full of confidence after a big win in their opening game of the season, but we’re under no illusions this would be a very tough test.
Manager Rich Jagger had to shuffle his pack due to the unavailability of Connor Garwood and Mike Bawn.
Adam Beasley slotted into the side at right back and Aiden Fitzgerald down the right hand side of midfield, both making their full debuts for the club.
Orchard started well, with physicality and tempo you would expect from a team that won the Hull Amateur League last season. However some what against the run of play Town took the lead, when Skipper Mike Martin latched onto an under hit back pass and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper.
Towns lead was short lived when 5 minutes later keeper Alex Curtis felled the lively number 10 in the box and a penalty was correctly awarded to orchard. Keeper Curtis made a fantastic save from the resulting penalty, however the rebound was pounced on by the on rushing striker and scores were levelled at 1-1.
AFC Orchard now had momentum and the young Beverley side were struggling to stay in the game. After a series of Orchard attacks a free kick was awarded just outside the box for what looked like an innocuous tackle by Ollie Harrison. The right winger for Orchard sized up the free kick and expertly drilled a thunderbolt into the top left hand corner, giving Curtis no chance in goal.
Town managed to dig deep, tighten things up in midfield, and finished the half strongly as the whistle blew a breather was welcomed by both teams.
Beverley started the second half with purpose, creating a couple of good early chances as both Ryan Fitzgerald and Mike Martin caused problems for the Orchard defence. Town really had the upper hand, and it seemed only a matter of time before the equaliser would come. Midfield maestro Ben Fletcher stung the keepers fingers with a powerful half volley, and Town went close from the resulting corner.
Orchard struggled to get out of their own half, but when they did they still posed a really threat. Thankfully the defence of Beasley, Gardham, Harrison and Spooner were all first class, and neutralised any threat from a now tiring Orchard attack.
Ryan Clarke was introduced to freshen things up for Town, and he caused havoc down the right wing, but unfortunately Town couldn’t find away through and AF Orchard hung on for 1-2 win.
After the game Town manager Rich Jagger added;
“This was a really tough game for us and I can’t tell you how pleased I am with everyone’s performance today. We deserved something from the game but it wasn’t to be. The attitude and application was second to none, the only thing missing was the result.”
Final Score: Beverley Town Academy 1 AFC Orchard 2
