Gowerton started positively on the front foot against a very technical side who completed numerous passes early on. Gowerton managed to win some possession to set up an early chance for Cian Jenkins who dragged his attempt wide from the edge of the box. Gowerton maintained dominance andrestricted their opponents to long range attempts. Mershad Jafari was an excellent presence out wide creating numerous early chances. Finally there was a breakthrough as Charlie Morris slotted home from 20 yards after some good creativity from Lewis Roberts; 1-0, 21 minutes gone. Another Gowerton attack resulted in a freekick on the edge of the box – Cian Jenkins’ deflected effort flew narrowly wide. By this point Gowerton were in total control and doubled their lead when Jayden Fox’s excellent attacking run from midfield set up Cian Jenkins who slotted into the top corner; 2-0, 26 minutes gone. Gowerton maintained possession and comfortably saw out the first half, heading into half time with a deserved 2-0 lead.
Gowerton ensured squad rotation making 9 changes at half time. Ceiran Gratrix brought some intensity to the fieldthrough excellent pressing – he was nearly rewarded for his energy but his chance was well blocked by the opponents. Joe Brito went close hitting the post with a header after a pin point cross from Sol Richardson after some excellent trickery. 5 minutes later, Sol had a goal disallowed by the referee after colliding with the goalkeeper before tapping home. The hosts showed glimmers of promise in the 2nd half but Nino Romanello’s strength and discipline in midfield scupered the hosts from creating any clear cut chances. It was without question the best defensive display of the season with JaydenFox, Joe Barrett, Eddie Boorman-Jenkins, Joe Mordecai, Logan Roberts, Ryan Lillicrap, Luca Garner-Beynon and Corey-Jay Valente; all complimenting each other terrifically at the back. The resolute defensive performance meant that our opposition failed to register a single shot on target for the entire 90 minutes and meant a quiet day between the sticks for our goal keepers Kyle Hearn and Tom Rees.
Full Time – Gowerton: 2 Tarragona Gimnastic Infantil: 0
This was an excellent start to the tour and a real testiment to the togetherness of the squad. We go again tomorrow with a game against Tecnifutbol Salou Infantil.
