Our Under 23s got back underway this Wednesday at the Rivermoor to continue their 2024/25 campaign, facing joint top of the table side Westwood Wanderers.

Ahead of kick-off, Manager Sheldon Baptiste made seven changes to his side since last game’s clash with Woodcote, hoping to bolster his team’s defence with new additions.

The opening ten minutes saw City begin on the front foot, with attempts from Andrew Tafeni, Keigan Allen and City Captain William Longmatey, but all chances were cleared.

Our youngsters looked positive, creating a lot of chances and ending up in the final third often. The closest chance arrived for us in the 14th minute following a falter by the Visitors’ keeper. Striker Reiss Baker attempted to tap the ball into the net, but it flew just over the bar.

Westwood soon came into their own, with their number 11, Harrison Luffrun, and number 27, Ashleigh Artwell, getting close on the counter. Goalkeeper Alex Collie kept the back line strong however, allowing us to enter the break at a stalemate.

The last chance of the half fell to City’s Dan Smith, who struck the ball upfield to create an attack, but the ball rolled to Westwood’s goalkeeper’s feet. 

HALF TIME: City U23s 0-0 Westwood Wanderers

The second half gave both teams all to play for. Westwood’s side arrived with a high tempo, which saw Luffrun cross a fast-paced ball over to number 29, Sid Gbla. The ball eventually reached the net after a period of defence for us, but the linesman called it offside as it crossed the goal line.

City quickly began a counter-attack in high spirits, with the score line remaining goalless. Tafeni and Baker chased to create chances, but both came to nothing. 

A penalty was called for Westwood in the 50th minute for a foul inside the box, which was subsequently scored by Sid Gbla.

A City substitution came immediately after, which saw William Longmatey and Ernest Sturman exit the field of play, with Mickael Vaisset and Jamaal Whight replacing them. 

Our attempts to chase for an equaliser came frequently, but were unfortunately not clinical enough, with Baker, Tafeni and Vaisset all narrowly missing.

Sheldon Baptiste’s second double substitution of the evening saw midfielders James Ashu and Daniel Nderitu come on in place of defenders Keigan Allen and Cohen Benn.

City’s attacks were seemingly not enough to tear down Westwood’s defence, as shots from the midfield were blocked and removed from danger. 

Collie’s late-game strike reached the final third for another shot on target, but the ball was cleared upfield.

The referee blew his whistle after a third minute of added time to signal the end of our second fixture of the season.

FULL TIME: City U23s 0-1 Westwood Wanderers

A penalty separated the sides, but the Cityzens showed both excellent quality and technique in the build up, but just couldn’t get the ball into the net. 

We go again this Saturday down at the Atrium against local side Reading YMCA.