A "FAULTLESS performance" gave Juniors victory in their first match since December 12 – and avenged a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the same opposition earlier in the season

Juniors dominated the early stages, but Repton broke at speed and a well-struck free-kick was superbly saved by Juniors keeper Joe Evans.

At the other end, Brandon Alkins danced past his marker before playing a superb ball into the path of Edward Groves, who struck the ball from 20 yards which flew narrowly over.

After two further saves from Evans, Uttoxeter clicked into gear. Groves forced a fantastic one-handed save from the Repton keeper before Benedict Green went close from the corner.

Groves then took the ball in his stride, controlled with his first touch, and hit a trademark thunderbolt that flew into the bottom corner for 1-0.

At the start of the second period, Uttoxeter were under the cosh, but it was from a Juniors corner that Repton broke to force the equaliser. Evans got a hand to the initial strike, but the Repton forward carried on his run and tapped into an empty net.

Juniors responded and were back in front within minutes. Groves held his marker off before playing a neat pass into Conlon, who struck the ball high into the roof of the net.

Groves then clipped the outside of the post before forcing another save. The same player was also unlucky not to win a penalty in the final seconds.

Coach Leon Scallan said: "This was a faultless performance and we have set the standard for the remainder of the season.

"Alkins covered every blade of grass, and Groves is starting to believe in himself and that will only lead to a better future for both him and the team."

Uttoxeter Juniors man of the match was Joe Evans.

Juniors take on Heather Juniors in tomorrow's game. Kick-off is 10.15am at Shobnall.