This is an archive website preserved by the Dons Trust. It has been wrapped for modern browsers and is free of trackers and legacy scripts. The original content is unchanged as much as possible. Some links and features may no longer work.
Thursday 26 March 2009 Ryman Youth League, North East Division
A Pete Rapson Hatrick saw three points gained against Kingstonians at Cobham FC last night.
Without regulars Jack Stafford and Harry Knock both injured and with Charlie Clark-Gleave on the bench having played a school cup final AFC were forced to change their back line again. U16 Jack Williamson came in at right back whilst Josh Ayres reverted to the right hand side of midfield.
The early signs were of a tough encounter as both sides started pretty well. Kingstonian with a lone striker and five in midfield tried to dominate possession but failed to keep the ball enough. AFC looked strong at the back and as ever dangerous going forward. An early Billy manning corner should have been put away by Callum Wellburn. Manning set pieces were delivered with quality and another corner gave Jake Hill the chance to give AFC the lead but again the target was missed. Ks had a constant threat up front in their big, strong and quick striker but on the whole Jake Hill and Callum Wellburn kept him in check. Jamie Evans suffered a foot injury and had to be replaced after 21 minutes by Daniel Coveley who had a fine game. After 27 minutes the young Dons opened the scoring when a Callum Wellburn long throw fell to the feet of top scorer Rapson, his fine turn and shot found the bottom corner of the net. AFC then went to sleep as a minute later a cross from the left was centered to the right midfielder who drilled a shot past the unsighted Jack Turner in the AFC goal. Again AFC took hold of the game and after 31 minutes a Billy Manning corner grazed the head of Rapson before nestling in the top corner. Rapson then went one on one with the keeper but the home custodian made a fine save. AFC threatened to take the game away from Ks as Rapson again lost his marker before tamely chipping into the keepers arms.
Half Time 1 - 2
The second half produced less action as AFC dominated the possession whilst Ks looked to counter attack. The game was put out of Ks reach when Rapson completed his hatrick and 20th goal this season. A long kick by Jack Turner saw Rapson gain control out wide right before cutting inside and unleashing a right foot rocket the keeper could only parry into the net. Ks did respond and their big centre forward got away but failed to find the target. Rapson could have made the game safe as he skillfully lost his marker but an unfortunate bobble at the point of impact saw the ball go over the bar. AFC saw out the remaining 20 odd minutes as Timi Borges-Da-Silva replaced Rapson and Gary Tyson replaced Ollie Killick. There was a busy and impressive debut for young right back Jack Williamson who never put a foot wrong and looked comfortable all night.
