A fantastic goal from U18s player Conor Lewis was the highlight of a very difficult afternoon for Wanderers’ B Team against Salford City in the Central League.
With a host of regular B Team starters currently out on loan at various clubs, Andy Taylor gave starting opportunities to three U18 players in Emile Oliver, Sean Hogan and Conor Lewis, all of whom had to pit their wits against some season professionals in the Salford Camp.
The Ammies boasted the likes of Matthew Lund, Adrian Mariappa and Calum Morton who have all cut their teeth in Salford’s first team and in the higher EFL divisions.
Winger Kelly N’Mai was a constant threat all game and opened the scoring in the first half as his deflected cross found the tiny gap between Flint and his front post to give the hosts the lead.
Wanderers responded admirably with a sweeping move topped off by a classy finish. Matthew Tweedley played the ball through to Conor Lewis who lofted the ball over the onrushing keeper and into the back of the net, kissing the crossbar on the way in.
Lewis went close to putting Wanderers ahead moments later after good play from Trevon Bryan set Lewis up in the box but it was well saved.
Andy Taylor’s side went into the break on level terms and with a platform to build from in the second period, which they had earned through hard work in the first half.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t how the remaining 45 minutes played out with Salford taking control of the game starting off with two quickfire goals before the hour mark.
Wanderers had strikes from Conor Lewis saved by the Ammies’ goalkeeper to keep the two goal cushion in tact but a further three goals in the last half an hour put the game out of sight from the Whites.
Our B Team are next in action against Rotherham United next Tuesday (27th February) where they’ll look to bounce back in the Central League Cup. The fixture is away from home in a 2pm kick off.
Wanderers' team:
Flint, Matheson, Hogan, Trialist, Hayes-Green, Oliver, Tweedley, Sharples-Ahmed, Lewis, Lockett, Bryan.
Subs: Tutte, Loureiro, Lawrence, Toole, Abimbola