Totti to the Four!

With the first team not in action at the weekend, the second team took centre stage with a game against Panteg Reserves.  However, in view of the number of 16 year olds and recently signed young players currently playing for the club, it was felt that the title Development Team more accurately described the side's function and purpose and it would be described as such in future. Nevertheless, the limelight was stolen by Jamie Laurent, one of the experienced players universally known as' Totti', who was in the lineup to test his fitness after injury and he responded with a four goal haul in a 6-1 win.

The team's first goal came after only three minutes when a cross cum shot from recent signing Levi Boulter evaded the grasp of Panteg keeper Adam Sparkes. The lead was extended after nineteen minutes when a Boulter cross was swept home by Laurent only for the visitors to respond with a goal of their own only a minute later. Benji Clarke then came close to scoring with a well struck shot only to be foiled by a full length save from Sparkes. However, the lead was increased just before the half hour mark when a penalty was awarded for a handball and Totti stepped up to put the kick confidently into the corner. The same player then completed a quick fire hat trick only three minutes later when a steepling cross from Mark Hughes was met with an effortless looking first time effort placed past Sparkes. With the interval approaching, Laurent went close again before a fourth goal was scored when another recent signing, Scott Watson, scored from close range after a Kieran Dymond corner kick.

A fifth goal arrived only two minutes after the break and it was Totti again who bent a left foot shot past Sparkes from the edge of the area after a pass from Max Williams. Shortly afterwards, Laurent was wisely brought off after sustaining an ankle knock and was replaced by 16 year old Oli Shooter. There were no further goals but the match remained an entertaining affair and the Club were no doubt delighted to also see Ellis Morgan, Jacob Watkins and Taylor Kerry all on the field after stepping up from last year's Junior Section.

This weekend, the first team travel to face third placed Graig Villa Dino whilst the Development team are also away to Race AFC.