Stratton close in on treble

UNDER 15 LEAGUE CUP FINAL: Stratton Juniors dreams of a league and cup treble got off to a good start as they comfortably defeated Swindon Soccer Skills 3-1.

Soccer Skills were thankful that keeper and man of the match Jason Lewis kept the scoreline down as he pulled off some magnificent saves to scupper numerous Stratton attacks.

In the first five minutes, Lewis denied both Lewis Chatwin and James Prictor after they had both breached the Skills' defence.

Soccer Skills then squandered three good chances.

Eight minutes in, an outstretched Callum Finnigan failed to turn in a Dane Tregoning free-kick.

Four minutes later Andy Bilko turned his man and shot from 12 yards but Stratton keeper Adam Miller was able to tip over.

Another dangerous Tregoning free kick created another Skills' chance in the 18th minute.

Tregoning played the ball to the front post where Bilko squared for Imman Bains, but he could only hit wide.

In the 26th minute, Chatwin's pace allowed him to get in behind the Skills defence once more. However another good chance went begging when he blazed wide from 15 yards.

A minute before half-time he made no mistake. Steve Groom chipped a free kick from the right into the box and Kris Worley was able to force a parry from Lewis from 15 yards, allowing Chatwin to blast home the rebound.

Two goals in six minutes from Stratton put the seal on the game.

On 53 minutes, Prictor helped on a long Luke Uzzell throw and George Drewitt controlled the ball with his chest before poking calmly home from close range at the far post.

Prictor then got one for himself, coolly slotting into the bottom corner after a swift Stratton attack.

Jake Lloyd reduced the deficit two minutes later, calmly slotting past Miller and Lewis kept his side's faint hopes alive by making a crucial save from Prictor with his feet.

However, Stratton's defence led by the solid Steve Keir held out comfortably and a win over Trowbridge Town in the County Cup Final on Tuesday will see them complete the treble.

Man of the Match: Jason Lewis (Swindon Soccer Skills)

Report & picture courtesy of the Swindon Evening Advertiser. Read Grass Roots each and every Tuesday to keep up to date with the North Wilts & District League