On Friday evening Ulster U16 Boys played the English touring side, Wessex Spartans, in the 1st of a 3 match series of friendlies at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown.
The Spartans were the more composed from push back, spraying passes around and moving defenders, out of position. On 10 minutes Jonty Friend was picked out from a byline pass and guided the ball home, from close range for a 1-0 Spartans lead.
Both sides had chances, but the 1st quarter ended with the Spartans 1-0 up.
In the 2nd quarter the Spartans continued to threaten and after 22 minutes Friend was, on hand to score his 2nd goal and double the Spartans lead. It was against the run of play that Seb Holley drove into the circle, before unleashing a thunderous shot, which found the net. The Spartans led 2-1 at halftime.
If there is an equivalent of a full court basketball press then the Spartans applied it, after the break. They defended high up the pitch, suffocating Ulster’s midfield and starving their forwards of possession.
It was no surprise when Archie Armstrong slotted in a close range goal at the far post to give the Spartans a 3-1 lead. The Spartans continued to press for the rest of the quarter and the 4th quarter but couldn’t add to their total. In the closing moments a promising Ulster attack was foiled when Riley Marney’s shot was deflected wide.
The 3 match series continues with matches on Saturday and Sunday.
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