U10 Scorpions Bite!
SPL U10 Intermediate Cup Final: Sunday 23rd April 2017, Stoughton Rec
WRFC U10 Scorpions 3 – 1 Abbey Rangers Youth U10
On Sunday 23rd April the U10 Scorpions played Abbey Rangers Youth in the SPL U10 Intermediate Cup Final. After some close matches in the earlier rounds, including a tense penalty shoot-out, there were a lot of nerves in the days leading up to the Final; not at all helped by playing in front of a much larger crowd than normal.
The first half started at a frantic pace with Abbey dominating possession and pinning us back into our own half. Midway through the half, Abbey broke through and looked certain to score, but Sonny sprinted back and made a very brave goal-saving tackle, injuring himself in the process.
Despite the first-half pressure, a great defensive display by Ajay, Alex and William limited Abbey to only a few chances and Alfie never really looked troubled in goal. Tyler’s header from a corner was our only real attempt on goal; we’d need to improve in the second half to stand a chance of winning.
The second half started much more promisingly with Tom linking up with Alfie, who got a couple of early shots on goal. This seemed to give the players much more confidence and we started creating more chances. It was still a tight game and it looked like the first goal would win it. Then came the break-through: Amelia passed to Ibrahim who managed to jink through and run on goal. The goalie came out to block the shot but Ibrahim unselfishly played the ball across to Tom for a tap-in. 1-0 and looking good.
But Abbey were not done yet. A strong attack down the right-hand side and a great strike into the bottom corner meant the game was all square. This looked like it might go to penalties.
As the half progressed Ibrahim’s dominance in midfield was beginning to show and his shot from the edge of the box put us 2-1 ahead with 10 minutes still to play. Nail-biting stuff!
Abbey started applying more pressure until eventually they broke through, shooting past Sonny in goal. The Abbey fans started cheering; but the shot flashed past the far post. That was close!
Samuel added some strength in midfield and a few minutes later Ibrahim jinked through the defence again. In what was almost a replay of the first goal Ibrahim drew the ‘keeper and passed to Tyler for another tap-in. 3-1 with not long to go and we were beginning to think we could do it.
Abbey threw everything at us but Samuel dropped back to assist Ajay and Alex and there was really no way through the defensive wall. After an agonising last few minutes the referee blew his whistle and that was it; we were champions!
A great team display with everyone playing their part. Abbey were fantastic opponents and pushed us all the way. Ibrahim was deservedly awarded the SPL Man of the Match trophy then the rest of the team were presented with their Winners’ medals. When Ajay raised the Cup the crowd went wild!
A great end to the season and a justified reward for the players’ efforts this season. Together with Dani, Felix, Harvey, Joseph, Luca, Oscar and Tahmid, who played in the earlier rounds, the team have gone from strength to strength and thoroughly deserved their victory. Andi (Manager) and Steve (Coach) are incredibly proud of them and the entire squad.
Well done boys … and Amelia!!