The first game back after lockdown 2 was eagerly anticipated by both teams. The Greenfriars were desperate to continue their winning streak whilst the Whitefriars, still smarting from their 7 goal hammering in the last game, were set on revenge.
Both teams started well with end-to-end attacking play, but it was the Greens who took the lead, a lightening strike from Rob Whittle giving the White’s keeper Martin Kendal no chance. The Greens nearly made it 2-nil following a rocketing short corner shot from Captain Kev Chester, his effort was disallowed however, as it contravened the Centenary Challenge rules on short corners.
The second half started with the Whites putting on the pressure. Veteran Pat Veasey’s sweeping shot was denied by the Green’s junior keeper Harrison Clarke. The Whites continued to push on with chances for Iggy Walton-Hayfield and Ewan Moorcroft but Clarke was determined to keep a clean sheet. With all efforts focused on the elusive equalizer the Whites were soon caught on the break allowing Atticus Walton-Hayfield to find the back of the net with a powerful strike. Lee Summers nearly made it 3 for the Greens with a dramatic top corner deflection, but his celebrations were short-lived as umpire James Pennington overruled the shot. Sensing victory, the Greens piled the pressure on and eventually found the back of the net again, this time an impressive volley shot from youngster Owen Denny.
Two wins on the trot for the Greens have closed the gap in the race for the 100 year old trophy, but with 4 wins for the Whites and one drawn match, the game is still very much on!