Under-13s [Reds] 1-0 Plantation Youth
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!!!!
A huge game awaited our U13 red team on Tuesday evening, where victory would confirm the league title! However, standing in our way of silverware was a very strong Plantation Youth side with the best defensive record of any other side in the league!
The boys worked very hard in the first half and worked the ball into some great areas, however the final ball lacked at times and Plantation were a threat on the break, creating a few half chances of their own. Some great play towards the end of the first half resulted in Hayden being tripped in the opposition box - penalty to Cottenham! Hayden then bravely stepped up to take it, but unfortunately hit it just past the post (on what was a very bobbly pitch to be fair to him). The lads picked each other up after the miss and battled hard to get to half-time at 0-0. We had edged it, but hadn’t quite carved open that one clear-cut chance against a very strong defence.
At half-time, we called for calm heads and for the lads to relax and just play the same simple attacking football we have done all season. Within 2 minutes of the second half, we finally seized our chance, with Hayden cutting in from the left-hand side and leathering the ball into the bottom left corner past the goalkeeper. 1-0 and there was pandemonium on both sidelines!
The boys continued to put pressure on the Plantation goal, with many chances flying just past the post or into the keeper's hands. We couldn’t quite find that second goal, so had to cling on to our 1-0 lead. Towards the end of the match, Plantation hit a rocket of an effort from long range towards goal, which swung in the wind. It was destined to be the equaliser until Ollie pulled off an incredible match winning save! Towards the last few minutes of the game, we had to endure what felt like the longest and nerviest 5 minutes ever!
Plantation were piling the pressure on, sending many long balls forward. Thankfully, the lads at the back held on and an impressive team defensive effort at the end of the match sealed us our league title! Man of the match could have gone to any of the lads for their incredibly hard work, but had to go to Ollie for keeping our lead intact with his fantastic save.
We are so incredibly proud of how well these boys have done this season. After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, they have shown such a great attitude and work ethic to go and finally get the promotion they deserve.
Well done boys - enjoy this moment, you certainly won’t forget it!
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