Somerset County Schools FA under-16s picked up a 1-1 draw in their first ever Southwest Inter County Championship game with Dorset at the home of Shaftesbury FC.

An energetic start by both sides as each team looked to establish control. captain Jack Anthony, Charlie Sidhu, Oli Kemsley and Zach Ford linked up well, weathering a few early balls looking to exploit their flanks.

Sammy Scott’s movement up front was excellent alongside George Geraghty who was looking to build central attacks.

George Bellis and Adam Samuels had to contend with a rotation from the flanks, whilst Connor Cussans, Kamil Rozalski and Ronnie Johnson connected the defence to attack.

As the game panned out, Somerset started to stretch Dorset's backline more, Scott won a number of corners from where he’d wriggled past his marker requiring some emergency defending.

And the visitors got their opener from one such set piece with Rozalski's delivery expertly put away by Geraghty.
 
The game was well balanced and within a short period Dorset responded with a good counterattack to get back in the match when a couple of missed interceptions allowed a nice delivery for their equaliser.

 Fortunately, this served to stiffen resolve and Somerset reacted positively.

 Aron Stevens Wong and Rocco Pardon were then introduced, with both adding value as the teenagers sought a second goal.

 After the interval the hosts sat deeper, possibly looking to counter or arguably to deny Somerset areas they had previously exploited.

Johnson, Scott, man of the match Cussans and Pardon came close with a few strikes from excellent play, but the Dorset goal stood firm and resolute.

Ford had a few moments to deal with, however, he had the much quieter half as Anthony managed the defensive line well, supported by Sidhu and Kemsley.

 Michal Eames and Charlie Fee came on to add fresh legs along with Samuels going upfront seeking the winner.

 This almost happened as a delightful pass found Samuels whose electric run got beyond the Dorset defence but unfortunately his strike fizzed wide of the goal.

A few minutes later a similar move released Samuels whose timely run and strike was well saved.

Edging the game and finishing strongly Scott was found coming from out to in with a fine piece of play and with the Dorset defence called into action Scott’s strike went just over as both sides settled for a draw.

Dorset would like to pass on a big thank you to Mark Crawley Stafford & Coomber Electrical Contractors, their kit sponsor, plus Team BTC Bridgwater & Taunton College who support their training venue and transport.