The End of an Era
18 Apr 2011

After 14 years as members of Ise Lodge Youth FC success in wining the Countywide League Cup Final on Sunday 17 April 2011 was a fitting culmination of loyalty.

Ise played Higham Town Colts in the Northants Countywide League Cup Final at Thrapston Town's Chancery Lane. On a warm sunny afternoon a good game was produced by both teams with good attacking and passing football. Ise took an early lead when Luke Smith converted a pin point accurate free kick from George Savory. Higham equalised just before half time. Ise went back into the lead when Oliver Tilley finished from close range and then Ise Man of the Match Danny Bird made it three to win the cup. However, despite having a player sent off Higham kept battling and should of scored their second which would have made the last few minutes very tense.

This final was the culmination of some loyal service to Ise Lodge with some players having started at the age of four.

Later in the afternoon Ise Lodge held a presentation. Awards as follows:
Most Improved - Jack Cooke
Clubman - Joe Gosling
Runner Up Player of the season - Oliver Tilley
Player of the Season - Nick Edwards
Player's Player of the Season - Harry Johnson

The current Ise Lodge Under 18's team is part of the Ise Lodge United Football Club which has been going since 1978.

Three members of the current squad, Joe Gosling, Nick Edwards, and Lee Gibson have been with the team since the age of 4. Also Danny Bird and Luke Smith started at Ise at a similar age.

Since moving into the 11 a side game at under 11's the team has had a number of diiferent head coaches but Bob Edwards has remained with the team throughout to give a certain amount of consistancy. Although success in the Weetabix League and Cups has yet to be forthcoming the team remained in Division 1 and has progressed well in the cup competitions. Two seasons ago saw the arrival of Ben Watts as Manager, much to the relief of Bob. Ben provided a high level of coaching and management mixed with good humour, a sense of fun and professionalism.

When Ben Watts felt that he could no longer give the team the attention they deserved there was only one person Bob would turm to - Steve White. Steve had coached the Under 16's from season 2007/8 and was keen to get back into football so jumped at the chance.

As the team was Under 18's Steve was able to call on a number of his old team plus lads who he had coached when with Ise Lodge Eagles. Also with the Bishop Stopford Recruitment Agency working again and a nucleus of the under 16's still keen to play the squad looks very strong.

A good position in the 2009/10 League resulted but silverware success came in the plate final in April 2010 when Ise beat Kingswood 1-0 with a goal from Ollie Tilliey.

Steve with the continued help of Craig Johnson entered the 2010/11 season with great hopes but due to a lack of consistency in both form and fitness a disappointing 6th resulted. However, this disappointment was very much overcome with the cup success.

Where the lads go from here next season is unknown. Some are going off to uni, some already play for senior clubs but hopefully the rest will find a suitable team in which to continue their career.