Today saw us play our first League Cup game of the season against lowly Shaw, who currently play in the third division. As usual the lads were asked to treat the game the same way they would if they were playing a top of the league clash and not to take anything for granted.
Five minutes into the game and ASC went 1-0 up when Ed slipped a lovely through ball into Benn who slotted home after rounding the keeper. This opening goal helped us to relax and play some fantastic football which resulted in 10 first half strikes and another 13 in the second period.
Benn got his first start since signing for us a few weeks ago and netted 5 today, completing his first hat-trick for the club within 11 minutes. Kezza also scored 5 times, his vision and the simplicity of everything he did today was a real credit to him. Ed had a very good game and played the first half in defence, but still managed to bag 4 goals and Jack was his usual busy self which resulted in a fine hat-trick for him. Josh and Perry both managed a brace, all very well taken and Aaron and Louis rounded off the scoring with a goal a piece. Danny, Ciaran, Joe and Jamie didn’t manage to get on the score sheet but never the less were impressive throughout and worked hard to enable us to keep another clean sheet.
It would be easy to say that today’s result was an easy and expected one against a team playing in a lower division. But the manner in which we achieved our highest ever win was fantastic. The ball hardly ever left the ground and the passing was quick and accurate, the finishing was superb and the way we kept our shape instead of all looking to score was very impressive. I feel the football this team is playing at present is probably the best it has ever been over the years, which is a good sign as we move into a period of playing 4 or 5 tougher matches.
Final Score: ASC Youth 23 – 0 Shaw