Monday 15th April 2013 -- North Midlands U19 League Div 2 ko 7:46pm
A masterclass in attacking football from the Basford youngsters. They still some work to do before they can claim the league title, but this was clinical finishing at it's best, although you have to feel a little sorry for the Carlton lads.
Only a few cars in the car park when I arrived at 7:35pm - I wondered if there was actually a game on! Just two other spectators were in the ground when I entered - this did reach a peak of about 20 when the lads on the adjacent 3G pitches ended their session.
DAN JACKSON scored the fastest goal I have seen this season - firing home from the edge of the box after just 10 seconds ( verified by the linesman). JACKSON netted again straight after - this one a sweet shot that flew past the Carlton keeper - 55 seconds on the clock - again verified by the very helpful linesman.
We had a goal drought then - until the 11th minute that is, when KYLE KEETLEY picked up a loose ball and ran past the keeper before running the ball into an empty net. KEETLEY delicately lobbed the Carlton keeper on 19 to net the second of his 5 goal haul.
Jackson looked menacing all night, and with Keetley and Joe Brothwell his partners up top, the home defence was run ragged time after time. It was Jackson who set up goal number 5 in the 23rd minute, racing to the touch line before playing a superb reverse pass straight to BROTHWELL, and the striker made no mistake from 10 yards.
That man Jackson then set up KEETLEY for his hat-trick on 26 - a neat through ball that the no. 11 simply had to add a little pace to - keeper no chance.
Carlton then conceded a penalty with 34 minutes played - and CONOR NAYLOR shouted he was having it "I haven't scored all season" - he has now. A superbly taken spot kick leaving the home keeper watching in awe as the ball rifled past him into the net.
KEETLEY added his fourth with just a few minutes of the first half remaining - a perfectly placed shot from the edge of the box that flew inside the far post. H-T 0-8
KEETLEY added his fifth with just 20 seconds of the second half played - a neat flick header from a right wing cross. JACKSON deservedly completed his personal triple on 59, looping a header into the net after the ball was fired in from the left.
Anton Robinson replaced Jackson and set up the next goal for BROTHWELL, a simple prod home, then as the game drew to a close, ROBINSON got his name onto the score sheet, prodding home from close range after the keeper had block his initial effort. F-T 0-12
Carlton were not much in the way of opposition and I generally dislike such one sided games - but this Basford team has some talent and gave a totally supreme show of their attacking prowess.
Referee Craig Langton must rate this as one of his easiest games ever. Only had to chastise a couple of players over bad language - but I do think he needs a new stopwatch.... he will know what I mean!!!
Admission - no-one on the gate
Programme - no -- oops - probably a fine there!
Attendance 12 -- peaked at 20
