Men's 1st Team Vs West Bromwich 2

Yardley    4      West Bromwich  2nds    3

Two cracking goals from Ricky Morton, against his former club mates, enabled Yardley to clinch all three goals in a close-fought seven goal thriller.

Yardley began brightly on the front foot taking the game to their opponents right from the start, although it was the visitors who came closest to the opening goal. West Bromwich managed to exert a period of pressure although they were unable to trouble the Yardley keeper at this stage. However, it was the home side that struck first. A good attack led to Jeevan Chagger getting a shot on goal. It seemed goal-bound but Jahed Islam managed a final touch to help the ball into the net. Ricky Morton seemed to be at the centre of Yardley’s play against his former club mates – both defensively and prompting forward from midfield. West Bromwich continued to press forward at every opportunity but experienced several near misses from chances created. Eventually, with half-time fast approaching there was a sudden burst of two goals. West Bromwich equalised with a well taken goal, giving Neal Makepeace no chance. Immediately from the re-start Yardley re-gained the lead. Collecting the ball in midfield, Ricky went on a forward run that took him to the by-line. He cut in towards goal and put the ball over the advancing keeper for a brilliantly taken effort.

The half-time break gave Yardley time to reflect on chances created and how well their defence had coped with threats on their goal.

The second half warmed up very nicely, but the umpires needed to speak to the captains of both teams as things were getting a little too vocal. Both teams were still attacking at every opportunity and Yardley opened at two goal lead when Kyle Letts finished off a smart attack. Stung into further action West Bromwich looked for a way back into the game. Their efforts enabled them to pull one back, before their skipper produced a fierce shot to score an excellently taken equaliser. Both teams pressed for a winner, but with time running out, it was Yardley who grabbed all three points. A free hit into the D from out on the right wing was met by Ricky who met the pass and guided it into the net.

A close game with both teams playing well at times, it was Yardley who will be well pleased to have edged the win, leaving West Brom probably feeling aggrieved that they had lost out in the end.

Yardley’s next game is away to Barford Tigers 3rds in what promises to be the start of a tough three-match run in to the mid-season break.