This weekend the Ability Counts senior team played in the first round of the South East Regional 11-a-side Cup.
A squad of 14 players travelled to Basingstoke to play at Hampshire FA’s Winklebury Football Complex against Reading Deaf FC and Caulkhead Strollers.
The two other teams played first, with Reading Deaf FC running out 4-1 winners of this game. AFC Bournemouth were then next to play Reading Deaf FC.
Despite the game ending in a loss, it was only through a couple of quick goals, very early in the game, that Reading took advantage. However, AFC Bournemouth were able to settle into the game and build their play and in the last 15 minutes looked to find their form and dominating possession.
Next up was the match against Caulkhead Strollers. In the opening moments of the game, Caulkhead took the lead as their striker went in one-on-one with the keeper to slot the ball home.
After a clumsy challenge by the Caulkhead centre back, Louis ‘Titch’ Moody’s free-kick had gone around the wall but bent just outside the top right corner of the goal. A number of other chances for Bournemouth came and went before, against the run of play, Caulkhead doubled their lead.
However, it was not long before AFC Bournemouth were back in the game, with a great strike coming from Sam Harrod, his long-range effort flying over the keeper and nestling into the top corner.
Unfortunately, the equaliser didn’t come and time ran out, leaving the AFC Bournemouth players out of the cup competition. However, a great team performance did secure a place in the plate.
After the games, Ability Counts coordinator Katy Shephard spoke to afcb.co.uk.
“All of the squad played well today, they were unfortunate for a few of the goals, but they never let this get them down and all enjoyed the day.”
