Levens Battle Bravely At Bishopston

Following a disappointing outing to Bristol the previous weekend, the U15s probably had the worst fixture possible to attempt to find some inner strength from when they visited Bishopston, also from Bristol. Bishopston had visited Longford Lane earlier on in the season and had inflicted a ruthlessly heavy defeat on the boys. An improvement in mentality and attitude was definitely required in the face of very capable opposition.

The game started and Longlevens were immediately on the back foot with the hosts having the lion’s share of possession and chances. However, there was a definite resilience to the play by ‘Levens and they set about creating chances themselves. Ben was able to get in round the back on the left a number of times and Geyni and Jae were gaining success when challenging the Bishoptson defence. And this persistence paid off midway through the first half.

Jude found some space in the middle of the pitch and played a lovely ball through to Ben, who was heavily marked. His determination culminated the ball falling to his feet inside the penalty area and he was able to wriggle free from his marker before finishing into the far corner to give ‘Levens the lead. And it was well deserved, the boys gave everything and just as it looked that they would take that lead into the break, Bishopston countered and were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half time and went into the interval level at 1-1. The first part of the second half was just as closely fought with both sides having chances to take the lead, but unfortunately, the early vigour and energy of Longlevens had taken its toll and as the players tired, and as the game became stretched Bishopston started to dominate and they eventually took the lead.

This gave the hosts renewed momentum and they sensed weakness and tiredness in the ranks of the boys and added 3 more goals before the end. Longlevens remained committed until the end and Jae was able to finish off after a fine move on the right and a cross from new signing Ollie to make the score a little more respectable. A loss, but some positives to be taken in terms of attitude and mentality. Onwards and upwards with another 2 cup games in 2 days coming next weekend.