This morning U14 Lazio welcomed Ampthill to the hallowed turf of Linslade Middle for their latest league fixture. Having only played each other two weeks ago both teams were certainly familiar with each other and Lazio were keen to redeem themselves for a below par display last time out.

Ampthill looked the more confident team in the opening stages, dominating the early play. The pressure told after 10 minutes when Ampthill broke the deadlock with a well worked goal, although Lazio will be disappointed they didn’t defend it better. 1-0 Ampthill.

Lazio didn’t let their heads drop and were level within five minutes. Josh picked up the ball on the right wing, just inside the Ampthill half, then slotted a lovely through ball to pick out Blake’s run through the middle of Ampthill defence. Blake powered through on goal, before calmly slotting the ball home to make it 1-1.

Lazio were visibly buoyed by the equaliser and enjoyed a good five minute spell, with the front four of Alex, Alfie, Josh and Blake all looking lively.

However, after withstanding this passage of play the game seemed to swing back in Ampthill’s favour and they had their own period of pressure. The Lazio back four of Joe, Abdul, Tycho and Kiro stood firm though and ahead of this the midfield two of Kingy and either Adam or Oscar were working overtime breaking up play.

Lazio were rewarded for their hardwork at the back when a few minutes before the break they grabbed the lead. Again Josh was the creator, this time playing a flighted ball over the top of the Ampthill defence that picked out Alfie’s run down the middle. Alfie latched onto the bouncing ball and smashed it past the Ampthill keeper to make it 2-1 Lazio, which is how it stayed to halftime.

The second half was a tight affair.

Lazio had half chances to extend their lead early on, Blake in particular with a well struck effort that the Ampthill keeper did well to save. But after 10 minutes of the half Lazio shot themselves in the foot by giving away a scrappy goal from a mis-hit Ampthill corner. 2-2.

The game was up for grabs now.

Ampthill were pressing forward having alot of the play but without creating too many clear cut chances. Chris was called into action to make one diving save but otherwise the Lazio backline defended well, making countless blocks and clearances.

At the other end Lazio’s pace up front was still causing problems for Ampthill but when the next goal came, it was slightly more basic. Lazio won a free kick around 30 yards out. Blake floated an effort towards goal, the Ampthill keeper saved it but could only push the ball upwards. Right on cue, there was Tycho who leapt like a salmon and nodded the ball home to make it 3-2 Lazio.

I’m not going to lie, the last 10 minutes were tense.

Lazio faced a barrage of corners, free kicks and long throws to deal with but defended for their lives. And in fact it was Lazio that had the better chances in the closing stages. Alfie and Josh both came close, not to mention a driving run from Tycho that started deep in his own half and ended with him through on goal.

After what felt like a lifetime, the final whistle finally went to give Lazio a hard fought and well deserved 3-2 win.

Excellent display by Lazio today. This wasn’t a free-flowing game of beautiful football but the boys did exactly what was needed, showing real heart and desire to pick up the points.

The Gartec Player of the Match was tough and genuinely all 12 of the boys could make a case. Two of them got the nod in the end though. Firstly captain for the day Kingy, who was outstanding holding the midfield. Secondly Josh ‘call me Kevin De Bruyne’ Green, who set up two goals and was a constant threat all day. Well done both.

Well done to our lino today as well, Steve, big thanks as always.