AFC Res/U21s fell to their first defeat in four matches, as they lost 3-2 at home to Braintree Town Reserves.
AFC had an early attempt in the opening minute, as Ross Brazitis sent a ball into the box towards Mark Ray, who turned and shot the ball straight at Braintree goalkeeper.In the third minute, Danny Bloomfield sent a high ball into the box, towards Ross Brazitis, but he was unable to reach the ball, which rolled out of play for a goal-kick. A few moments later, Jordan Brazitis had a cross cleared by Flynn Tarman.
However, AFC were forced into an early substitute, as Ben Judge picked up an injury, and was replaced by Jordan Brazitis.
Braintree’s first attempt of the match came in the 7th minute, as Keelan Sorrell delivered the ball to Regan Pelling, who saw his effort cleared by Johnny Kerridge.
The Iron, in an all-orange strip, could have taken the lead in the 12th minute, as Luke Mallett made a solo run from the halfway line, and was released into the box, where Louis Johnson was on hand for AFC to retrieve the ball.
In the 17th minute, Town won a free-kick, as Joe Chester pulled down Mallett outside the penalty area. Alfie Walker quickly took the free-kick short to Regan Pelling, who curved the ball into the box, but the effort was deflected away for an AFC goal-kick.
Louis Johnson made an excellent diving save in the 24th minute, to deny Roberto DelBorello.
Ross Brazitis made a good run down the right wing, and saw his cross sent out for a corner for the Yellows: the ball was crossed in by Joe Chester, but Iron skipper Joe Moore headed the ball away.
Regan Pelling saw his effort in the 28th minute blocked, before Luke Mallet saw his effort, two minutes later, caught by Johnson.
The visitors took the lead in the 37th minute: an AFC attack was marked offside by the linesman. The resulting free-kick, taken by Town keeper Luke Banner, was sent goalbounds, and was picked up by Jack Tyrer, who slotted home from close range.Five minutes later (41’), the Iron doubled their advantage, as Regan Pelling set-up Matt Baxter, who easily finished past Johnson.
AFC did not give up however, and had a good chance to get back into the match, as they earned a free-kick: Joe Chester fired the ball into the box, which was blocked by Flynn Tarman, and a rebounded effort bounced off the crossbar, and Connor Smith easily cleared the loose ball.
Half-time: AFC Res/U21s 0 Braintree Town Reserves 2: AFC made their final two alterations at half-time: Connor Field and Chilli Wolf came off for Jordan Kiwana and Tom Wingfield, while Craig Avery played out the remaining 45 minutes, with a unnumbered shirt.AFC got right back into the match, as Harry Seal perfectly played a ball to Jordan Brazitis, who fired home from close range, in the 52nd minute.Jordan Brazitis continued to make an impact, as he set up Ross Brazitis who was unable to clinch onto the loose ball, which was claimed by Banner. At the other end, Braintree’s Mallet was put into a one-on-one position with Louis Johnson, who ran out and caught the ball.
There was some good defending from the hosts as Mallet’s shot was blocked by Kerridge, and Jack Tyrer’s shot was blocked by Chester, in the 63rd minute.
Sudbury survived a scare in the 66th minute, as Craig Avery headed the ball back towards Pelling, who curved the ball towards Mallet, who saw his shot blocked, with Tyrer’s rebound effort hitting the back of the net – however, the offside flag denied the visitors from extending their lead.The Iron made their first sub of the afternoon – as Regan Pelling made way for Joe Copping.AFC had an excellent effort as Avery sent the ball down the wing to Bloomfield, but his shot was headed away.
Braintree looked to have sealed the win in the 79th minute, when Alfie Walker was released, and coolly finished past Louis Johnson.However, AFC got right back into the match, as Harry Seal scored his first Reserves goal, with a fabulously taken free-kick, which he deposited in the top right corner of the net.
Skipper Joe Moore had a curving effort, from a corner, blocked in the closing stages.
In the 90th minute, Luke Mallett was replaced by Jake Gilder, in the late stages.AFC pushed everyone forward in injury time, when the Yellows earned a free-kick: Harry Seal sent the ball into the box, which was picked up by Mark Ray, who saw his shot blocked by Braintree – AFC gave calls for hand ball late on, but the referee awarded nothing.
SUDBURY: Louis Johnson, Craig Avery, Ben Judge (Jordan Brazitis 5’), Craig Field (Jordan Kiwana 45’), Johnny Kerridge, Harry Seal, Chilli Wolf (Tom Wingfield 45’), Joe Chester, Mark Ray, Danny Bloomfield, Ross Brazitis. Unused Subs: Jack Pidgeon, Sam Ross.
BRAINTREE: Luke Banner, Flynn Tarman, Roberto DelBorello, Keelan Sorrell, Connor Smith, Joe Moore, Regan Pelling (Joe Copping 76’), Matt Baxter, Luke Mallett (Jack Gilder 90’), Alfie Walker, Jack Tyrer. Unused Subs: David Lefider, Lewis Soraf.
MATCH DETAILS:
Attendance: 83
Referee: William Case