Report

In our final match of U12’s we took on YMCA in the Hogan cup final at Bloomfield Rd. In a repeat of the final last year at U11’s we were in good spirits as we entered the Home changing room, just as we had 12 months earlier. The mood in the changing room was a mix of excitement and nerves and as the game got closer and instruction was given out the lads seemed determined to shake off the previous day’s disappointment at Wembley with a win of our own.

After handshakes all round YM kicked off toward the North Stand as they did a year ago and just like last year we were under pressure from the start. Within 3 minutes we were 1 – 0 down after a misunderstanding in the defence led to normally reliable Lee letting the ball run across him. Oli was on hand at the far post to clear but, in another unique second, Oli missed the ball completely to allow the YM player to knock the ball in. Obviously rocked by this lapse of normal solidness at the back, we kicked off with player taking it upon themselves to change position, This hope helped an hindered us to a certain degree and our game plan went out of the window. We battled hard and almost got an equaliser after Charlie found himself 1v1 against the YM keeper, but the shot was saved and the rebound just bounced beyond Ben who had to snatch at the rebound, which went agonisingly wide. The game ebbed and flowed mainly through midfield, but we could not find a way through on the large pitch and well drilled defensive line on YM. Changes were maid and Brett, Andy, Tom & Ross all came on to try and change the game, but as we approached HT the score remained 1-0.

The second half kicked off with renewed desire and for 5 mins we penned YM into there half but we only managed a single effort on goal that again the YM keeper just did enough to stop Ross from equalising after good work from Steven. The lads and coaches were sensing it just wasn’t our day and to make things harder, YM went down the other end in a sweeping move to score a goal to make it 2-0. We now decided to go 3 at the back to make it 3-4-3 but as the defence were sorting out the re new rolls another shot from YM was saved by Lee but the ball was dropped and again no luck was afforded us a s the ball dropped to a YM player to make it 3-0. With player visible upset and sensing another cup final loss (3 in 3 years) We decided to make sure all the lads got a decent run out, whilst still attempting to get back into the game. So substitutions were made which stopped the flow of the game, YM scored another late on to make it 4-0 on the day. YM were deserved winner on the day, they seemed to have more energy and coped better with the larger pitch.

POM went to Elliott, who was substituted for a tactical reason although playing really well, but close behind was Dec, who as usual always gives a master class in his role. As for the season lads it was our best ever despite today’s result. You should be proud of yourselves, as your parents and coaches are. Next season we will come back bigger and stronger and hopefully with a bit of luck, with some good results.