First half penalty and clean sheet give KYL U16s the spoils at The Belmont

After an earlier awarded home win against Tunbridge Wells saw Deal seal the KYL South league title, today’s game was all about the U16s keeping their grip on second place and beating their East Sussex opponents as the season begins to draw to a close.

In windy conditions at the Belmont, the U16s secured their seventh clean sheet of the season demonstrating yet again that they have one of the best defenses in the division conceding only 10 goals - the lowest in the league so far. The high and swirling winds played havoc for both teams throughout the game before both sides realised it was better to keep it on the floor rather than attempt any long reaching chances.

The game was a very close affair with neither team able to settle into their rhythm. U16s winger Jamie Lartice made a lively start on the left combining well with Alfie Mantle who was starting up front in the absence of Jake Salisbury. Mantle was doing well up top winning several free kicks and giving the Hastings defence plenty to worry about. Lartice broke into the box after six minutes but the Hastings defence was resolute and he was tackled.

And on the right wing, the U16s Sonnie Hemmings was also getting warmed up and had a good shot that was destined for the far corner before the Hastings keeper made a good save to prevent it from going in.

But it wasn’t all one-way traffic as Hastings looked lively on the break and demonstrated good technical flair. They broke at pace just before the ten minute mark earning a free kick outside the box but the wind took the resulting effort well away from the Whitstable goal.

The U16s continued to press, earning a couple of corners. Regular corner taker, right back Leo Cornhill, delivered quality balls into the box and when the Hastings keeper spilled one effort as it came in, the resulting shot was well blocked and the visitors escaped. Soon afterwards, the Hastings keeper made an error as he was adjudged to have handled the ball outside of the area but the U16s couldn’t put the resulting free kick away as the visitors again made further excellent blocks.

At the back, the U16s were as solid as ever with centre back Ollie Bunn making a number of important clearances. And with the high winds causing chaos, communication was key along the back line with fellow centre back Harrison Wade in full voice to ensure his keeper Stan Allom helped out whenever needed. Midfielder Alfie Hill was also showing his presence in the game as he continued to win the ball and create space for the team to play in.

As the game moved into the second 20 minute period of the half, Hemmings and Lartice swapped flanks and the U16s attempted to switch up a gear. But the away side were having none of it and left back Will Knoupe had to make a crucial tackle in the box as a Hastings striker was about to shoot and keeper Allom had to have his wits about him and come out of his box to head it clear on another occasion.

The U16s continued to press however and started to move the ball around freely and create more chances. Midfielder Callum Groom received a lovely pass from Lartice but was tackled as he moved into the box. Lartice had a couple of shots himself but one was blocked and another sailed over the bar. Hastings continued to create chances of their own but they didn’t manage to test Allom.

As the pressure increased on the visitors, Lartice played another great pass into the box that was initially saved by the Hastings keeper but he fumbled it and it fell to Mantle. The U16s striker had a fine effort but again the Hastings backline were resolute as another chance was blocked.

As the final few minutes of the half came into view, Cornhill played a ball over the top of the Hastings back line into Mantle who had drifted inside the box. As the Whitstable striker received the ball at his feet, the Hastings defender tried to recover his position but only ended up bundling Mantle to the floor and, for the second home game in a row, the home side had a penalty.

Mantle dusted himself down to take the spot kick and put it into the left hand corner to give the home side the lead. And with only a couple of minutes to go, Whitstable remained focused in order to ensure they went into the break with their lead intact.

Half time 1-0

The coaches rang the changes at half time as midfielders Alex Brownett, Will Derby, winger Dylan Richards and right back Ioannis Gayle came on to the pitch.

The changes gave the start to the second half a sense of increased intensity and the U16s created some early opportunities. Captain Archie Rumball had an effort on goal just a minute in and then Whitstable conjured a clear chance to go two nil up just five minutes later.

A cross into the box found Mantle at the back post whose effort hit the cross bar. As the ball fell back into the area the U16s had two follow up shots - including one from Brownett - but both were saved excellently by the Hastings keeper. It didn’t prove to be Brownett’s day as he came off injured five minutes later and had to be replaced by Hill.

Hill had a chance from a header soon after he returned to the fray but the Hastings keeper was equal to it while Richards also had an effort that went wide.

But Hastings were stepping up the pressure and Bunn and Wade were called upon several times to clear the danger as the visitors looked to get back on level terms.

The game then became a little stop-start in nature as several injuries and substitutions took place in quick succession. Knoupe came off and had to be replaced at left back by Groom before Bunn looked like he too may have to exit the pitch after he took a bad knock. Luckily for the U16s he was okay to continue as he made a critical clearance soon afterwards as Hastings threatened in the box. Wade continued to be tested as well and had to be alert to keep things safe.

In midfield Derby, Rumball and Hill were combining well and the U16s were creating opportunities whenever they shifted the ball out to Richards and Lartice, who had come back on. Gayle was also putting in a solid stint and never once gave up a ball.

But the chances to extend their lead were drying up for the U16s as they were forced to spend longer periods deep in their own half as their opponents continued to probe for an equaliser. Hastings thought they had their equaliser when they broke through the U16’s defence and a wicked cross was flashed across the box. Allom got finger tips to the resulting shot from the Hastings striker which then hit the post and then ricochet back into the Whitstable keeper’s arms. It was a lucky escape - as were a couple of Hastings efforts from free kicks outside the box as the home side appeared to tire.

But with only a minute or two left on the clock, Whitstable’s Lartice went on a mazy run down the left hand wing, beating three or four Hastings players. He moved into the box but lost his footing just at the crucial moment and his shot went wide.

It proved to be the last meaningful effort of the game as the referee blew for full time.

Next up for the U16s is an away trip to Tunbridge Wells in two week’s time before their two final games of the season - away to today’s opponents Hastings and home to Sheppey who they beat 3-1 back in October.

Full time 1-0

Team
Allom
Bunn
Wade
Cornhill
Knoupe
Groom
Hill
Rumball (c)
Lartice
Hemmings
Mantle

Subs:
Brownett
Derby
Gayle
Richards