Y11 Boys Semi Final report
Y11 Boys Football
County Cup Semi Final – Away at William Robertson High School, 07/03/2012
This afternoon the boys travelled to William Robertson High School to play the semi final of the county cup. The boys have not lost a game all season and have shown great discipline and tenacity to get to this stage. With the regular ‘Gaffa’ (Mr Pearce) away (Mr Fearn playing the stand in Stuart Pearce role), and striker Dring out injured the squad was down to the bare bones of 12.
The wind was strong, blowing straight down the pitch, the sun was low above one goal and a sizeable hill all favoured the home team in the first half – a great decision by captain Divver after winning the toss, which would tell in the second half.
Priory started the game well, keeping the ball and making life difficult for the opposition. On 20 minutes a rare break from the opposition forced Oldham into a fantastic save at his near post. Against the hill, wind and sun the first half was drawing to a close, Priory were looking comfortable and had spent around 70% of the half camped in Will’ Rob’ territory. After 25 minutes Priory lost their central midfield rock Green to an injured ankle after landing awkwardly. With 2 minutes to play in the half the ball was run into the Priory area, 2 missed challenges and a third that bundled the centre forward to the floor resulted in a penalty. 1-0 to the home team and right on half time, but considering the conditions probably a score line we would have accepted at the start of the game.
The second half began with the conditions now favouring Priory, the boys started strongly showing great determination. This was rewarded after 10 mins with a penalty as Freeman motored into the opposition area only to be brought down. Adams converted the penalty confidently, 1-1. During the next ten minutes blows were exchanged but neither team was able to create a clear-cut opportunity. With 10 minutes to play a harmless ball over the top was half cleared by the Priory defence, but not made safe. The opposition broke down the right wing, crossed and finished with ease. 2-1, was their enough time to recover? It was beginning to look unlikely as Will’ Rob’ started to pile on the pressure. With 5 minutes to go they had a clear chance to win the game but blasted over the cross bar. Priory started to pile men forward and take advantage of the high wind, Oldham and Divver punting the ball long, deep into opposition territory. With one minute to go, and hope fading, Hallworth shoots from 30 yards, the ball is travelling wide, but Adams beats the off side trap to nip in before the keeper collects the ball to redirect it towards goal. It hits the near post, travels along the goal line, hits the inside of the far post and ripples the net, 2-2. The last play in the second half and extra time beckoned.
The first half of extra time saw Priory again playing against the conditions, 7.5 minutes passed without real event, neither team able to create a clear opportunity. As the second half started Will’ Rob’ made a strange decision to change their goalkeeper. After 2 minutes this decision proved costly as a great ball into the area from Burrows, a perfectly timed run from Adams and a hesitant goalkeeper resulted in a Hatrick from Adams. 3-2 with a well placed lob over the keep. 5 minutes to play and it was now the turn of Will’ Rob’ to pile men forward, and pile them forward they did. It took some heroic defending from all 11 men on the pitch, and the use of any (legal) body part to keep the ball out of the net. But keep it out they did!
Final Score – Priory win 3-2, and a place in the County Cup Final had been secured.
Congratulations to all the boys, they played and at times battled really hard to remain unbeaten this season. We will keep you informed of the times and dates for the final as it will be good to see you there and we would welcome your support.
SQUAD
Oldham (gk)
Pearce
Divver
Grice
Burrows
Ndlovu
Kemp
Green
Higginson
Adams
Hallworth
Freeman