Thursday night Paulton U18’s had their first pre-season friendly away vs Cheddar FC. It was a great opportunity to see some of the new young players in action.

With a squad of 21 two separate teams for each half featuring lots of retained players and also lots of new players.

The lads started the game very well, winning the ball back high up the pitch and creating a few early chances. Around 15 minutes into the game, Lewis Harrison was awarded a free kick on the right side of the pitch. An excellent delivery from Lewis-Bond Kendall was calmly met by the head of Blaine Lawrence at the back post to put the visitors ahead, 1-0.

Paulton continued to put the pressure on the Cheddar defence and after a nice combination from Blaine and Lewis Harrison. Lawrence scored his second goal of the game, with a very well taken finish to lob the keeper, 2-0.

The game opened up after this and Cheddar reacted by starting to come back at Paulton. A cross was then deemed to have hit a Paulton defenders arm and a penalty kick was converted.

After the break Paulton came out with a completely different line-up and dominated possession from the off. Mason, Jack and Tyler were dominating the midfield and moving the ball well however Paulton struggled to create any clear cut chances on goal. A 35 yard strike from Oakley Rawlings was very unlucky not to have found the net, instead bouncing off the crossbar and straight into the keepers hands.

Against the run of play, 10 minutes from time, the home team cleared the ball out and found themselves with space and time to start a counter-attack down the right side where
their frontman slotted the ball Home well to make the score 2-2.

Both sides played well however the Paulton lads feel as if they should have got more from the game.

A great game for the spectator & a good effort all round, thanks to Cheddar FC for hosting us.