U18 MATCH REPORT: CRIBBS 1–3 BRISLINGTON

Brislington U18 were eager to put their FA Youth Cup disappointment behind them, and an away trip to Cribbs was the stage for the opening league fixture of the season.

It was a dream start. Barely a minute had passed when midfielder Frankie Chilcott threaded a delicious through ball for Ronnie Moore, who timed his run perfectly before coolly rolling past the onrushing keeper.

That early breakthrough buoyed the young Foxes, who took control of the game with Moore constantly stretching the defence. On the halfway mark of the first period, the lead was doubled when Charlie Latham produced a powerful solo run and finish to make it 2–0.

In truth, Cribbs rarely laid a glove on Bris in the opening half, and the visitors went into the interval with a comfortable cushion.

The second half saw a slower tempo, with both sides cancelling each other out until the hour mark, when Cribbs’ right winger burst down the flank and delivered a pinpoint cross that was tucked away to give the hosts hope. From there, the home side poured forward and it felt only a matter of time before they found an equaliser.

Then came the turning point on 80 minutes. Latham chased a ball on the counter and collided with the advancing goalkeeper. After consulting his assistant, the referee showed a straight red card, leaving a distraught Latham to make an early exit.

If the watching Bris faithful feared the worst, they needn’t have worried. The setback only stiffened the resolve, and seven minutes later the points were secured. Substitute Wearne lifted a clever chip into the box, and Chilcott was on hand to slot home from a tight angle.

A brilliant first league win for Brislington U18, capped by Fraser Rocke’s Man of the Match performance. The defender was immense throughout, especially during the spell when Cribbs threatened a comeback.