Campion AFC Dev vs Wibsey FC

Encouraging Start But Chances Spurned

With the waiting finally over there was trepidation ahead of the opening game of the 2015/16 season for the Development side. Having struggled the previous year, much had changed in the way of personnel, management and attitude and it would be interesting to see if these changes were going to pay off.

Ironically the visitors to the AA Van Hire Stadium were Wibsey FC, who had been Campion’s first opponents the previous season. Having finished mid-table last year, it was to be a good barometer of the season ahead and the progress that had been made.

Without a recognised right back at his disposal, the manager had opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with the confident trio of Jaden Powell, Carl Trenerry and Paul Davidson in a three man defence. Ahead of them Sadio Barry and Louis Etienne offered protection while Matthew Warden and Jordan Haygard manned the flanks. Offering striker Josh Ludford support was Damien Hields and Aaron Metcalfe in a more advanced central role.

From the off Campion took charge of the game. While Campion old boy Michael Burke gave the odd uncomfortable moment for centre back Paul Davidson, he quickly adjusted and began to take control of the duel. The domination did begin to pay off as chances were created, but could not be taken, in a script which looked remarkably similar to the previous year. This theory was given even more credence when Jamie Brennan latched on to a through ball and put the visitors ahead.

The home side remained dominant, and with Carl Trenerry in excellent form winning every single header and Louis Etienne all over the midfield the visitors were limited to their opportunities. On the offensive there was good work from Jordan Haygard who was successfully exploiting the left hand side. But it was to be one of the new men who was to have the best chance in the first half. A slide rule pass from Louis Etienne saw Damien Hields run beyond the high defensive line of Wibsey. But one on one with the keeper nerves perhaps got the better of him in his competitive debut and the ball was hit wide of the keepers left post.

Although going into half time 1-0 down, it was a good performance from the Development squad and there was certainly the spirit to want to get back into the game. Hields was brought off for Emmanuel Omojola which allowed Warden to come inside and give a better balance to the side with a right footed player on the right hand side. He had an immediate impact as he broke down the right hand side but was unable to convert the chance.
It was to be the story of the second half as chance after chance was created and yet not converted. Wibsey hardly had a look at the Campion goal except for a brief five minute spell after the break and were put to the sword by the home side.

It was eventually Sadio Barry who equalised, directing a header into the top of the goal from a Louis Etienne corner. Campion were firmly on the front foot and the chances came thick and fast. Macauley Haley replaced Louis Etienne who had returned from holiday that morning and slotted in at right back to offer more width to the defenders to work the ball up-field. Chances came from both sides as Jordan Haygard ghosted past defenders to hit a tempting low cross across the six yard box. Matthew Warden had an opportunity in the area on to fluff his finish. And Josh Ludford had a number of efforts which were hit with venom but not direction.

It was to be a draw in their season opener, but a draw in which they will be sorely disappointed they did not come away with a win. With the number of chances created there was encouragement that progress is being made and enthusiasm for the season ahead.