City Under 16's take heart despite defeat

City delivered a vastly-improved performance in their second JPL fixture of the season but ended up beaten by a well-drilled Stourbridge side.

Following a heavy home defeat in their opening game, City responded with a hard-working, committed display from first whistle to last.

Indeed they opened much the brighter of the two teams, playing some neat football with Jamie Hill firing in a shot that the home keeper tipped wide.

The visitors continued to push their opponents and deservedly took the lead when David Ferreira played in Jesse Asomugha who slotted in at the near post.

The only threat on the City goal came in the dying seconds of the first quarter when Stourbridge were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the D but they shot tamely into the arms of Josh Reed-Jones.

Q2 started with City still on the front foot and a flowing move ended with the hosts' keeper pushing away a powerful Fabian Hook drive.

However after being in the ascendency, the visitors then found themselves behind at the end of the second quarter as they were firstly undone by a moment of magic as a Stourbridge player wasn't closed down and was allowed to smash a piledriver into the top corner from fully 35 yards.

The goal seemed to galvanise the home side and they brought a fine save out of Reed-Jones, who clawed another long-range effort over the bar. Unfortunately he was beaten moments later when a corner broke to the edge of the box and another good finish put Stourbridge 2-1 up.

The lead was increased at the start of the third quarter when the Stourbridge forward received a ball in from the left, skipped around a challenge and rolled in at the far post.

City continued to work hard but it was the hosts who created the better chances as they began to dominate - both times again down the left - heading over from a free-kick and then forcing Reed-Jones to save with his body at the near post.

City had a great chance to pull a goal back as the contest entered its final quarter. Hook skipped into the box but just couldn't the ball out from under his feet but it broke to Asomugha who brought another good save out of the Stourbridge keeper.

Another good move by the visitors saw Sam Cotton fire over a superb cross from the byline that Ferreira headed over.

With seconds remaining, Stourbridge pinched a fourth goal on the breakaway which was very tough on City after their endeavors during the game. Still every player can take great credit for a much-improved showing that they can hopefully build upon.