Matt Butler scored his first goal of the 20/21 campaign as North Camp comfortably beat Farnborough Youth FC Old Boys 2-0 at the polo fields on Sunday. The midfielder produced a brilliant finish following a flick on from Steven Schofield shortly before half time to give the home side a deserved lead.
Peter Jarmyn doubled their advantage just before the hour mark with a back-post header from a fine Nathan Davis cross, meaning North Camp made it three wins from three in preseason, and zero goals conceded from open play.
The game started with North Camp again looking to get the ball down and play it around for the most part, with the odd route-one ball thrown in for good measure.
Early chances came and went as the home side looked to capitalise on their dominance. A heavy touch when in behind from Schofield, a missed header from point-blank range from Butler, and a chipped effort that drifted just wide with the goal gaping from Chris Pike were all good opportunities that were passed up.
Farnborough Youth were limited to long balls and produced very little threat throughout the game, as the hosts’ defence again looked solid. There was one instance where they got in behind, but the shot passed harmlessly over the bar and the chance was gone.
At the other end, North Camp continued to look dangerous, and deservedly took the lead just after the half hour mark through a man who might be sticking around a bit longer than we all thought.
Just moments after defensive stalwart Joe Schoenwerth had berated his team for playing the ball long too often, keeper Craig Hughes launched the ball as far as he could down the field, Schofield flicked the ball on and Butler applied a majestic finish over the onrushing keeper to give the hosts the advantage.
While the brief build-up play was Sam Allardyce at his finest, the finish was reminiscent of Fernando Torres versus Blackburn as Butler volleyed first time into the far corner.
Half time again meant substitutions aplenty, as all 23 men in the matchday squad looked to stake their claim for a starting place in next weekend’s opening league game against Southwood Royals at Queens Road.
The home side wasted little time in doubling their lead after the break, as Davis got in down the left side and crossed for Jarmyn to apply an easy finish for his first of the season.
The wholesale changes that had taken place at half time could have led to a shift in momentum in the second period, but the fact that North Camp continued to dominate the game is a real testament to the depth of the squad this season, and something that will provide manager Dan Knight with serious selection headaches as the season progresses.
Webber's Man of the Match Ed Simpkin floated around beautifully, finding space and pinging passes to all parts, all while keeping that contented smile on his face that we’ve come to know and fear. Dexter Lieberman provided some quality hold up play, linking up nicely with Jarmyn in particular on the right side.
An offside flag prevented the hosts from adding a third, but in reality the game was all but over in terms of a contest by that point. Even some minging throw-ins from Ebs Mboob and Connor Garnett couldn’t detract from another superb all-round display from a side that will surely be targeting silverware come the end of the season.
To the league games we go...
Comentarios