Our Development Team hosted Newent Town Reserves in their 3rd league game of the season. After a tough start, Clanfield had picked up a draw and a loss and were in search for their first win and first goals of the season.

In the week leading up to the game the side lost Bradley Evans to work commitments and Travis OConnor who has chosen to step down divisions to play in the Witney and District. Cameron Foster remained injured but is edging closer to match fitness; Captain Harvey Savin was unavailable along with Dan Towsend, Harley Brewster, Joe Hefferan, Alex Bush, Liam Readhead, Redd Pratley and Ben Thomas. Jack Smith and Sam Orton returned to the squad with 16 year old Jaden Mole making his debut after impressing for our U18s.

Clanfield controlled the early parts of the game, moving the ball well but without creating too many opportunities. Around the 20th minute, Jordy Thomas linked with Callum Miler before beating his man of the edge of the box and sliding the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner.

After taking the lead, Newent had a spell where their determination and fight brought them back into the game. A long ball wasn’t dealt with and their striker went through one-on-one only to be saved by Luke Haley. A wake up call for the young back four.

Despite having the majority of the ball, Clanfield went into half time one-nil up but felt they had more gears to go into.

Clanfield started the second half sharply with Callum Davies instantly going through one-on-one with Newent’s keeper coming out on top. Our second goal came shortly after where a cross from the left was tapped in at the back post by Jack Smith. His second goal in three days having scored in the FA Youth Cup for the Under 18s on Thursday.

The tempo had been set for the second half where Clanfield had most of the ball in our oppositions half. Clanfield quickly responded with a goal by full back Tom Allen who drove into the box to calmly slot home. Newent were reduced to 10 men minutes after for foul and abusive language towards the referee.

An injury to Jack Smith meant Chris Cowley was introduced who immediately made an impact where a loose ball fell to him 20 yards out who hit it first time, on the outside of his foot, into the bottom corner. Jordy Thomas shortly responded with his second of the game making it five.

Playing his first men’s game, Jaden Mole came on where he settled very quickly. A bit of skill in the box creating Jaden some space which was followed up by a square ball to the arriving Jordy Thomas who completed his hattrick.

The game finished 6-0 to Clanfield.

A really professional performance from our young side today who carried out the game plan perfectly. Congratulations to Jaden who played his first mens game and to Jordy for his first hattrick for the club.

All the best to Newent Town for the rest of the season.