News Article
u11 League Cup Final - LGCE Yellows 1 Baldock Templars 3
On a glorious sunny morning the Letchworth Garden City Eagles (Yellows) Under 11's met at the leisure centre to board the coach to take them to their first (hopefully of many) 11-a-side cup final, in their first season playing 11-a-side football; a commendable achievement in itself.
With most club representatives and all players suited and booted, the boys were in a buoyant mood and looking forward to playing a good Baldock side. Both league encounters had been tightly contested draws and both times Letchworth had led, so confidence was high.
After inspecting the bumpy pitch, noting the full sized adult goals, the adult sized pitch and following the obligatory team photo, it was down to business. Letchworth were quickest out the blocks and started well.
Good forward runs from Jake G and John were thwarted by the Baldock defence. Baldock seemed to adapt better to the large pitch and began to grow in confidence. Vital interceptions by Connor R and Chris R kept Baldock at bay, as did brilliant goalkeeping by Daniel B. But after Baldock missed a couple of good chances, their luck changed, and when Letchworth failed to clear their lines they were punished and Baldock took the lead. Letchworth responded well and from the restart pushed Baldock back into their half, with some good attacking play. With half time approaching, Liam B's dangerous chip into the Baldock area was headed into the net by a Baldock defender for the equaliser. Once again these teams were level and as any Chelsea supporter will tell you, it's always good to be level when the opposition has been the better side.
So the signs were good...a below-par performance from the boys and they weren't losing! With some motivation from the coach at half time the boys only had to play the way they had in the league and the game was there for the taking. But maybe the assistant manager being sent home for not looking smart enough at the beginning of the day, was more of an omen!
Letchworth started the half well and pushed Baldock back. Within 5 minutes of the restart, Cameron raced through on goal only to see his lob fall the wrong side of the upright. Then a similar move 5 minutes later saw John race through, but again, he couldn't convert the high bouncing ball and the Baldock keeper saved. Letchworth stepped up the pressure, forcing several corners, but dogged defending by Baldock kept them out. Letchworth's frustration grew and as Baldock soaked up the pressure, they began to look more dangerous on the break.
A promising Letchworth attack saw Cameron dispossesed and a fast Baldock counter attack saw them get hit by the proverbial sucker punch;
2-1 to Baldock. Then within the space of a minute, a missed interception down Letchworth's left let Baldock race into the box and a cross to an unchallenged midfielder saw another Baldock goal, which looked to be -and was - the clincher.
Baldock were deserved winners. Maybe the occasion affected the Letchworth boys more who unfortunately could not replicate their league performances - even the ones against Baldock in the league - but nevertheless, the day and experience will have been priceless and should only make them stronger.
Well done to Jeff and the boys for reaching the final and more importantly, for ending the season a far better team than when they started it!
May 2008