Report

After a title winning season and a successful Minehead tour, could the lads follow it up by winning the final of the Merit Shield. The Managers and players looked very smart in their club shirts and ties as we all boarded the coach at The Gigmill to take us to Bilbrook for the Final against Perrywoods. The lads got changed into their kits and they looked very sharp as they warmed up. Kieran Hall was missing today due to family committments. The game kicked off and Withy had about 80% of the possession but it looked as if it was going to be one of those days as chances were missed or saved by Perrywoods quality keeper. Rich's header hit the bar after a fine cross from Connor the flying winger. Adam was dominating the midfield with Darragh showing great touch along with Dan Moore who was playing some lovely football in midfield. A clever and skillful one two between Darragh and Joe saw Joe finish from a tight angle to make it 1-0 at 15 minutes. The lads surrounded Joe to celebrate as his hansom Father looked over with a lot of pride. Calum For Connor. Perrywoods had a chance from a corner but the back line of Liam and Pinky were not going to be beaten. Withy had a few corners of their own and one paid off when an imaginative routine between Joe an Darragh set up Dan James to score his cup final goal. 2-0 at 26 minutes. Kieran and Andy looked very happy on the sidelines. Half time. Carl, Josh and Luke for Rich, Joe and Darragh. Withy started the half looking for a third goal but Perrywoods had the better of the first 10 minutes of the second half. Luke Made a strong tackle from right back and passed to Calum who took the ball all the way down the pitch but his cross shot was well held by Perrywoods keeper. Ben's first save was a difficult catch just under the bar as Perrywoods looked to tap in if Ben dropped the ball. Good concentration from Ben. Josh played Jordan through but his shot was well saved. Pinky then cleared from his own half and the ball fell right into Jordan's run and he made sure with a good left footed finish. 3-0. Joe, Rich and Darragh for Dan Moore, Jordan and Pinky. Dan James was always strong in the tackle and was warned by the ref to stay on his feet. This didn't effect him as his left footed pass found Carl whose pass was perfect for Joe to score his second from another tight angle. 4-0 with 10 minutes left. Joe was not only congratulated by his own team mates but also by his friend from School who was playing for Perrywoods. Joe returned the compliment when his mate scored a consolation goal from a freekick. 4-1 and full time. Some good performances today especially from Dan Moore, Adam, Joe, Pinky, Connor, Calum, Dan James, Ben, Liam, Jordan, Carl, Josh, Luke, Rich and Darragh. In fact they all played their part in a good cup win. A game played in a good spirit between the two teams. A thank you to the Gigmill for being great hosts with our breakfast and a buffet at dinner time. A big thank you to Kieran and Andy for a great successful season from all the lads and their parents.