Match Report: Ball Haye Green Reserves vs Keele University 2s

Green Edge Five-Goal Thriller Against Keele University 2nds

Saturday 28th saw Ball Haye Green Reserves host Keele University 2nds at Waterhouses. Following a quick pitch inspection by the referee, the game was given the go-ahead and Green were ready for action.

Once again, availability proved a challenge, with 14 players missing through injury, holidays and other absences. Managers Marco da Silva and Ryan Dakin turned to the club’s U16s to complete the squad, giving several young players an opportunity to step up to senior football.

Green started in typical fashion — pressing high, retaining possession well and creating a number of early half-chances. The opening stages were disrupted by an injury to Ash Barker, who was replaced by 16-year-old Theo Siwiec.

The breakthrough came after half an hour. A deep Rory Knipe corner was headed back across goal by Tom Edwards, allowing captain Joel Asplin to fire home from close range to give Green a deserved 1–0 lead.

Green continued to push for a second, but the momentum shifted late in the half. A long diagonal ball from the Keele right-back in the 40th minute was spilled by goalkeeper Phil Bruce, leaving the striker with a simple finish to level the score at 1–1. Minutes later, Keele struck again, a direct free kick finding the top-right corner to send the visitors into the break ahead at 2–1.

At half-time, da Silva urged calm, reminding the side to trust the system that had seen them control large periods of the match aside from a brief spell of chaos. Ryan Dakin made way for another 16-year-old debutant, Arthur Banner, making his first senior appearance.

Green responded perfectly. Five minutes into the second half, a long clearance from Bruce was brought down expertly by Asplin, who laid the ball into the path of Knipe. The midfielder unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike into the bottom-right corner to level the game at 2–2.

The hosts continued to create chances, with opportunities falling to Matt Knight, Siwiec and Asplin, but the Keele goalkeeper produced several fine saves to keep the scores level.

The winning moment arrived in the 70th minute. Asplin surged down the right wing, beating two defenders before pulling the ball back to Siwiec. His first effort was scuffed, as was the second, but a fortunate deflection looped the ball over the stranded keeper and into the net — 3–2 Green.

The final 20 minutes were managed professionally, with Green controlling possession and limiting Keele to no clear chances. Fresh legs from Upton and Clowes helped see out the victory.

Full Time:
Ball Haye Green Reserves 3 – 2 Keele University 2nds

A strong all-round performance saw Matt Knight and Rory Knipe complete their first full 90 minutes following long-term injuries, while young defender Arthur Banner impressed on his senior debut.

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Squad:
P Bruce
R Birchall (J Upton)
F Horvath
T Edwards
M da Silva
J Sheps (J Clowes)
R Dakin (A Banner)
R Knipe
J Asplin
M Knight
A Barker (T Siwiec)