Almost this time last year, our newly formed Development Team travelled to Moreton Rangers and were blown away 6-0 in a game where we showed little competition. This was a great opportunity to see how far this group of players had come in 12 months and to assess how we compared against one of the title favourites.

In an entertaining and even game, it was fascinated to see the two different styles of play compare, from the experienced Moreton side against the youthful Clanfield side. Throughout the game, Clanfield appeared to have the better of possession but with Moreton constantly looking a threat on the counter attack. Two lapses of concentrating and clinical finishing meant Moreton took the three points in a 2-0 win.

In the first half, Clanfield looked dangerous when the ball was worked into wide areas, particularly noticeable when Jordon Thomas slid Tom Allen down the left hand side for his cross to be met by his twin Ben Allen who’s header was headed into the ground only to bounce agonisingly over the bar. This was shortly followed up by another chance where Bradley Evans’ effort was blocked on the line. Moreton then had a 15/20 minute spell where they had Clanfield pegged on the edge of our box which lead to their first goal. Unable to clear our lines from a deep cross, the ball found its way to the back post for their midfielder, arriving in the box, to take the lead. 1-0.

Before halftime Travis OConnor and Jordon Thomas linked well, only for Travis’s effort on the edge of the box to just go wide.

An injury to Holbie Clayton meant a change was made at halftime and Joe Hefferan was introduced. Clanfield continued to look for ways to get back into the game whilst Moreton looked to kill the game off on the counter attack. Another cross from Tom Allen saw Bradley Evans deflected shot just go past the post. This was shortly followed by a perfectly weighted Travis OConnor through ball to Karl Roberts who beat the goalkeeper only to hit the bar off his weaker left foot.

As it felt the equaliser was coming, Bradley Evans was disposessed on the edge of Moreton’s box as he went to have a shot and Moreton broke quickly. With Clanfield chasing the game, bodies had pushed forward leaving the Clanfield defence exposed 3 on 3. A defensive error resulted in Moreton having an opportunity that was clinically taken. 2-0 and the sucker punch.

Clanfield continued to push but without threatening the goal with Moreton’s experience and strong defence seeing out the game. A late Andy Barton header flew over the bar but that was as close as we came in the later moments of the game.

Plenty of positives to take from the game despite the result. A little more believe in the final third and this game could have panned out very differently.

All the best to Moreton for the rest of the game. Fantastic hospitality and a great curry!