Earlestown Athletic JFC

                        

Under 11’s B Team Cup Final Match Report

19^th April 2008 Victoria Park

 

Team

 

1. James Smith

2. Daniel Scott

3. Nathan O’Keefe

4. Cameron Woods (Captain)

5. Billy Dale

6. Jack Whalley

7. Tom Corcoran

8. Luke Skeech

9. Charlie Preston

10. Zach Swift

11. Robbie Meadows

Subs:

12. Adam Harrison

13. Matt Collins

14. Lewis Barnes

 

Started the day 9.30am picked up in the mini bus covered with the club name, and started our journey to Victoria Park.

 

Arrived 30mins before kick off, all the kids in great spirits and excited to be playing in a great ground with a stand, lots of supporters had made the journey to spur the lads on.  After a light warm up and 10mins team talk in the dressing room, both teams lined up and were cheered onto the pitch to the match of the day theme tune, I even found myself with a lump in my throat.

 

Myself and Ian took our seats on the touch line, which we were informed by the linesman we where not allowed to leave during the game, this in itself was a challenge. The lads started brightly enough if only a little in awe of the occasion; it was obvious early on that we were up against a strong side, who played good passing football.  After conceding an early goal quickly followed by a penalty we where soon chasing the game, but the team showed great spirit to keep challenging and never gave up.  By half time we where 3-0 down.

 

In the dressing room at half time heads were down but as I told all the kids what a great achievement it was to get to the final and just go out second half and enjoy themselves, that’s what the day was all about.

Two changes were made a half time Adam Harrison and Matt Collins were brought on in place of Billy Dale who had an injury and Luke Skeech who had worked none stop in the first half.

 

The second half started and we continued to chase every ball and challenge in all areas of the field.  Robbie Meadows the lone front man ran endlessly, Jack Whalley and  Zach Swift fought bravely through out the game.

The whole defence played well with Nathan O’Keefe calmly stopping a lot of attacks.  Captain Cam had his usual solid game, and Daniel Scott and Adam Harrison competed for everything and where up against fast wingers.

Tom Cocoran worked his socks off all game.  Also Matt Collins and Charlie Preston worked well on the wings but we struggled to trouble their keeper.

James Smith on the other hand had plenty to do and did it brilliantly as usual.

Lewis Barnes was then brought on for Daniel Scott, after a well earned rest Luke Skeech was back on for Charlie Preston who deserved the rest.

We conceded 2 more goals in the second half but the spirit shown by all the lads was a credit to them and the club.

 

Medals and a great trophy where then awarded in the stand to the cheers and applause of a great crowd, who had brought banners and great support through out the game.

 

After a short team talk and photo taking it was back on the bus were the hurt of the defeat was soon lifted and singing and chanting lasted all the way back to the sunbeam pub, were the lads where greeted to a standing applause from parents and friends, and food and a well earned drink was waiting.

 

Once again well done on being the first Earlestown Athletic side to get to a cup final, Ian and myself are very proud of you all.

 

Paul and Ian

Manager and Coach.

 

Special thanks to S&K taxis for the bus and driver and Jane and Bill from the Sunbeam pub for the food.