By: Paul Waterhouse
The Avenue Reserve side made the short trip to Wortley last night for their second league fixture of the season and the second successive one on the road.
Only three minutes had elapsed when Wortley created their first chance, with Luke Morris collecting the ball at the second attempt. But, shortly after, the home side took the lead, and not for the first time in the game, Avenue contributed to their own downfall. They poorly gave away possession from a free-kick and the ball pinged across the penalty area before it was driven past a helpless Morris in the Avenue goal.
What followed was a period of 20 minutes where Avenue dominated possession, arguably their best part of the game and a free-kick by Max Walker flew across the home penalty area, just evading the foot of Tidiane Diallo. The midfielder came close with an effort, before he eventually found the back of the net. Appearing to beat the offside trap, he got to the ball before the home goalkeeper and prodded home, before the referee blew his whistle for offside.
On 21 minutes, Walker went close with another free-kick, followed by a close effort from Reuben Armitage. It seemed a matter of time before Avenue drew level, but they then contributed to another Wortley goal.
A series of challenges by the home side presented Avenue with another opportunity to test the Wortley goalkeeper. However, Oskar Wota lost possession from a throw-in and a quick counter-attack by the Wortley number 12, down the length of the pitch, led to a second goal for the home side, in the 29th minute.
With the eclipse nearing it’s partial peak, Wortley’s number was sin-binned and his respective staff warned by the referee for their protests on the touchline.
After the break, it was a more even affair.
Again though, Avenue contributed to the third Wortley goal on 58 minutes when the number 12, now back on the pitch, was brought down in the area by Morris. From the spot, the number 12 gloated in Morris’ face, after converting his effort to make it 3-0.
Frustratingly for Avenue, and the travelling supporters, it was very much a case of a pass being either over or under hit due. But, credit to the young BPA outfit, they never stopped working and they tried desperately to get themselves on the score sheet.
The nearest they came was in the 88th minute when Michael Douglas hit a shot from inside the area that looked a certain goal. The Wortley custodian made a wonderful one handed save, pushing the ball against the post.
In the last minute, Morris also produced a super save with his foot to prevent what would have been a harsh scoreline on Avenue.