Saint Hill Blues U14  7       Hurst Hornets U14   5      (4–2 penalties)

Team:  Lee, Luke, Alex, Oscar, Billy, Jack, Conall, James (Cpt), Lewis,

Rob, Liam, Joe, Louis, Sam

MoTM:  Lewis & Sam

Goals:  Oscar 2 + 1 pen, Lewis 1, Conall 1 pen, Liam 1 pen, Luke 1 pen

A brand new pitch, the sun was shinning, the boys were positive and vocal and within minutes of the whistle we were 1-0 up. Jack had placed a lovely ball deep into the left hand corner, Rob had laid back perfectly to Oscar whose right foot effortlessly put the ball in the net. It looked set to be a good morning!

However we seemed to take our foot off the peddle almost immediately and Hurst were up for the fight. They were determined and took the game straight to us. We conceded a free kick just out side our area and a swerving ball found the right hand corner 1-1. Despite some good periods of possession we couldn’t find any gaps through, but then they did and the ball also found a rut (pitch not so good after all) which took it around Sam’s boot and Hurst took the lead 2-1. A free kick to us just before half time, brilliantly taken by Oscar, left things all square 2-2.

The second half was when things got really dramatic. Lots of early Hurst pressure and you felt they were building to something, and we couldn’t quite get things together. However we seemed to be hanging on but about half way through they once again found a hole and neatly put the ball away for 3-2. Despite almost palpable Saints determination and will to equalise it looked all over as the ref announced 10 seconds to go as we had a final throw in deep in their half. The ball flew in, then out, then back in and a dramatic hand-ball - a penalty! Unbelievable for both sides. Lewis, bravely, stepped up on his debut for us and calmly struck the ball home for 3-3.

Extra time showed a momentum shift to us, with Hurst still threatening on the break and despite some beautifully taken corners by us we couldn’t convert any thing, but neither could Hurst.

It all came down to penalties and our boys Conall, Oscar, Liam and Luke all found the net with ease, almost showing no nerves and Sam got hold of 2 of theirs to make it  4-2.

It was great to see the boys so ecstatic with their eventual win. It was a long morning on the pitch! It was also nice to see the relief and “almost” smiles on Steve and Gary’s faces.

Well done to Lewis for a great debut on the left and that superb equalising penalty and  Sam for pulling off some important saves.

Thanks to Neil for lino today and managing extra time.

Jenny Jackson