Cherrybrook FC And Astley FC Share Spoils In Thrilling Draw

In a gripping encounter at the West Way Sports Hub on 9th November 2024, Cherrybrook FC faced off against Astley FC in a league match that ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw. The match, which kicked off at 2:00pm, showcased the resilience and attacking prowess of both teams, leaving the small crowd of 30 spectators thoroughly entertained.

The teams held a well observed 2 minutes silence before the game, with the last post being played as a mark of respect on remebrance weekend.

Cherrybrook FC lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, a setup that emphasised both defensive solidity and attacking options.

As the match unfolded, both teams displayed their attacking intent, with Cherrybrook dominating the opening exchanges, but not making the most of their chances.

Astley FC took advantage with a penalty after 15 mins which was well struck into the bottom right hand corner.

They extended their lead with a free kick from just outside the box and added a third with a well taken goal from the excellent left winger who cut inside a curled the ball into the top right hand corner of the net.

Cherrybrook only had thereselves to blame as they lost control of the match and were lucky Astley did not finish the game off before halftime.

The second half kicked off and Cherrybrook gained the upper hand and hit the bar and post as they pressed for a goal.

They finally got one in the 58th minute when Harban lobbed the ball over the keeper.

The game swung when the Astley keeper was sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity. This led to a melee akin to a cross between strictly come dancing and the royal rumble. John Kelly, who was an excellent referee, allowed it all to calm down before issuing has cards.

Now down to 10 men Astley were up against and the pressure told in the 78th minute when Jack Thorogood pulled another one back with his trusty left peg.

The best was yet to come though, as he bettered it 2 minutes from time with a great strike on his wrong foot. 3-3!

As the final whistle blew, the players from both teams were left to reflect on a match that was as entertaining as it was competitive. The referee, John Kelly, managed the game effectively, allowing the flow of play to continue while keeping a close eye on the physical exchanges.

In the end, the draw was a fair reflection of the contest, with both Cherrybrook FC and Astley FC showcasing their strengths and determination throughout the 90 minutes. The match will surely be remembered for its thrilling moments and the spirited performances from both sides.