Krishna Avanti Primary School’s Year 2 team started the new Year 2 league campaign on Monday 4th November against a positive Evington Valley Primary School Side. The pitch was set up with corner flags gently hanging in perfect conditions for both sets of players to make their debuts in the competition.
Evington Valley won the toss and chose to kick off. Evington looked to pass the ball and trust each other, great to see for a young team. The initial stages of the game saw both sets of players following the ball too much which made it hard for Evington to prevent Krishna Avanti from taking the lead right on 5 minutes. A deflected clearance went straight into the path of the home team’s striker, Shiv Parmar, who managed to poke the ball past the Valley keeper.
Evington restarted the game and showed they clearly have some good touches and skill. The little midfield wizard on the visiting team dropped shoulders; performed drag-backs and neatly weaved his way though the crowded players to give the Valley a good couple of chances. The Avanti keeper however was confident and used his hands at every possible opportunity to snuff out the danger. The end to end game continued but it was again the home team that took advantage when Shaylan Bhatt doubled the lead in the 9th minute. He picked the ball up inside his own half and ran at the opposing defenders and beat them with his good control and pace, before slotting the ball past the advancing keeper.
The lead allowed Krishna Avanti to make three changes, bringing on Rishi Darbar, Advaita Joshi and Krivi Jethva. Evington also made a couple of changes. Being the first game, all players were keen to impress and they certainly worked hard to do so. Both teams continued to attack at every opportunity, sometimes with every outfield players going forward and leaving the keepers on both teams exposed. However, the half finished with Krishna Avanti two goals to the good.
The second half saw Kian Kava back on the pitch for the home side. Krishna Avanti kicked off and paid for the confident attempt to play calm football when Evington pounced and scored within 14 seconds – game on! Evington kept attacking, looking for the equaliser but whenever they did get past the Avanti defence, Sia-Aditya Thanki, the home keeper, thwarted the efforts with an assured display. In the 24th minute Bhatt again showed his skill and control, putting the ball into the back of the visitor’s net to make it 3-1 to Krishna Avanti. The game now seemed sure to remain as it was with lots of effort from both sides but the players looking tired.
When the final whistle blew, both teams congratulated each other, smiles on faces and lots to be proud of. There were some great pieces of skill shown and promise for a great season ahead.
