The clash at the top of the league failed to produce
a winner, as these finely matched teams battled out a draw, thus both
preserving their unbeaten starts to the season. Both teams were superb
in a pulsating game, and in the end a draw was a fair result.
Junior Blues had much
the better of the first half, and but for some excellent saves by Ashley
Sherratt in the Milton goal, Leek could have had this game sewn up by
the interval.
After two minutes, Paul Nutten's pass found Gareth
Allott, and his shot was brilliantly saved by Ashley Sherratt. Two minutes
later, he matched his first save, when this time he denied Oliver Edwards,
after fine play from debutante, Jamie Robinson.
However, the action was not confined to just the
one end of the pitch, as Jim Brunt also had to produce a fine save,
in the Leek Town goal. Mitch Shenton then
made a vital tackle on the edge of his area. His pass found Gareth Allott
and he in turn found Jamie Robinson, who forced another excellent save
out of Ashley Sherratt. Jamie Robinson then pulled his shot wide of
the far post, when through with just the keeper to beat.
But with five minutes of the half remaining, Blues'
pressure paid off. Gareth Allott was
the first to reach a lofted ball over the defence from James Brough,
and he finally beat Ashley Sherratt with a great finish.
There was still time in the first period, for more
goal-mouth action, As James Brough's shot was well saved - yet again,
but there was no further addition to the score.
H/T: - Milton 0 - 1 Blues
The second half carried on where the fist left
off, as Blues created several more chances,
but as the match progressed, Milton got more and more into the game.
Jim Brunt made two good saves, and twice Blues
had narrow escapes as the ball went over their crossbar. Blues,
though, still had their share of chances, but as before, they failed
to beat Ashley Sherratt.
Time was now beginning to run out for Milton, but
with Blues under constant pressure, you
felt it was not all over for Milton. And with three minutes left on
the watch, after a mix-up on the edge of the Blues'
box, the ball fell invitingly to Sam Cheadle, and he fired the ball
into the empty net.
Although Blues had
had the chances earlier in the game to put this match beyond Milton,
this was nevertheless a deserved equaliser for their never-say-die spirit,
and a fitting finale to an excellent game of football.
Although there was no result on the pitch, Junior
Football was undoubtedly the winner. This was junior football at its
best, and it was a credit to both teams, particularly for such young
boys.
Once again, these two sides are due to meet each
other four times in a season, and we are eagerly looking forward to
the next encounter.
The Britannia Building Society and
Protech Electricals, sponsored the match.