News Article
Hertfordshire U11 County Cup Final
Champions!!
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………….1 Welwyn Pegasus Royals……………………….0
(Harry)
After several years of trying, the Letchworth Garden City Eagles Under 11 Blues finally became the champions of Hertfordshire on a never to be forgotten occasion as they defeated Welwyn Pegasus Royals 1-0 in a tense County Cup Final. On a brilliant day, and not just because of the warm sunshine which bathed the FA County Ground this Sunday morning, our magnificent group of players put up the performance of their lives to beat the current leaders of a very strong league and a side that had previously only lost one match this season. Our boys played with such commitment and determination not to get beaten, it was truly fantastic to witness and in lifting the trophy, there was a sense that they were reaping their reward. Over the past few seasons, those witnessing the Eagles play have had the strong feeling that few teams, if any of this age group in Hertfordshire have been as good at passing and overall teamwork and yet they have fallen in this competition after some mighty performances that have promised so much. Today wasthe day when it all came right and the moment of victory and its aftermath were both sweet indeed for all the Blues and their enthusiastic fans thronging the County Ground stand.
From the beginning of the day, the whole occasion was memorable one for all involved. The boys, in their smart new personalized tracksuits, whisked away into proper changing rooms, having their details and exploits listed in the souvenir programme (superb pen portraits of each player Phil!), coming out of the tunnel and being announced individually to the crowd and gazing into the crowd in the stand with scarcely disguised excitement and pleasure. Their supporters, gradually swelling in number as they packed out the seats on the halfway line, roaring their approval at the appearance of our team (“Eeegalsssss..”), waving their Yellow flags enthusiastically and having a million and one conversations as they soaked in the atmosphere of the buildup to the big match – there was even a small scale Mexican Wave! It was great to see so many extended family members there, along with other friends and players of L.G.C.E. and nerves and excited anticipation jostled in equal measure as the kickoff time of 10.30am drew near. Welwyn Pegasus looked strong and determined, their players and supporters not used to losing and we could only speculate on how these two titans would match up as they approached kickoff – the remaining two teams in the competition out of a massive initial entry of 142!
The Blues lined up with Sam in goal, a defensive back four of Oscar, Charley, Matthew and Tommy, Stan, Cam, Stuart and Harry across the middle and Reuben and Ethan up front – on the bench were Marcus, Alfie, Jake, Myles and Luke. Our boys started really well – how important it is to settle quickly and take control of the game – and immediately took the play to Welwyn by pushing forward. They didn’t let their opponents settle and the first impressions settled many of the nerves in the stand for we had the better of the passing and were using the wide open spaces of the pitch to good effect. Welwyn then came more into the game and began to launch balls forward but the Blues were definitely having more of the possession and were creating more openings. What was impressive was how focused and determined each of our boys was – Cam and Stuart battled strongly in the middle to win tackles and the Blues began to spread the ball out wide for Harry to push up the line and Ethan to run onto down the centre. Chances were getting closer and then, after 20 minutes, the crucial opening came as we had a corner and in the following scramble in the Welwyn box, Harry drove the ball low and hard into the net with his right foot to give the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead. Pandemonium in the stand, celebration on the pitch and now something to hold onto. The rest of the first half unfolded with more even play and Welwyn pushed forward for the equaliser but Sam didn’t really have too many saves to make. Our boys continued to pass the ball and were strong in the tackle and the defence was superb - nullifying any threat and everyone making the right decision by clearing the ball when danger threatened. It was vital not to concede before half time and despite a couple of scares as the long ball was launched in from free kicks, the score remained at a thoroughly deserved 1-0 at the break.
The second half was pulsating and tense but our boys were magnificent throughout. Welwyn are a very good side – one can see how they will probably win their league – and they upped their game and had us on the back foot for extended periods but our defensive back line never wavered and were quite superb, the bedrock of our victory today. Time after time they closed down attackers, cleared dangers and put the ball out if necessary. Welwyn’s dangerous forwards were completely shutout and when they did get a sniff at goal, Sam came out in usual confident fashion to clear his lines. One time when a Welwyn forward did get in the clear, his shot was from too far out and lacked power and went safely into Sam’s arms and our excellent keeper was vigilant too with long and high balls coming in on goal, watching the flight of the ball closely and handling assuredly. After being under some pressure, the Blues came back at Welwyn as the second half progressed and we created spaces as play became stretched and players tired. Jake and Harry went very close to extending our lead but we had a heart stopping moment at our end too as a shot flashed across our goal and wide – in the stand for a second it looked like it had gone in. Every member of the Blues’ squad made vital contributions to the game as all players got on as the rotation policy was used to good effect. Injury time seemed to go on for an eternity but at last, as fingernails had disappeared and we were starting on fingers, the referee blew his whistle and our boys had won the cup!
Sam – a terrific display again today – sure and safe handling and giving so much confidence to the defence in front of you, knowing that you are always alert to any possible dangers.
Oscar – you gave a fantastic defensive display, with well timed, determined tackles and looking to release balls forward.
Charley – your was a captain’s performance full of strength and power and you were a rock in the centre.
Matthew – the other towering central defensive pillar - you timed your tackles to perfection and showed your usual poise and balance.
Tommy – outstanding on the left in defence – cool and calm, no Welwyn forward could get past you at any time.
Cam – winning so many tackles in the middle and you had such great power with corners and passes spreading the ball wide.
Harry – you tormented the Weywn back line with your thrusts down the line and by being a focal point for balls spread wide. You proved your value as a goal scorer and your versatility by scoring with your right!
Stan – you were a powerful and thrusting presence in the middle today.
Stuart – your energy and commitment thrusting down the centre set the tone for the whole team today.
Reuben – you were a constant threat up front today, showing 100% effort and commitment and leading the line so well.
Ethan – sharp and hungry and ready to run onto any ball passed forward. No goals today but some lovely touches and selfless movements which were as important to the team.
Marcus – your movement and awareness today was possibly the best ever – one curling defence splitting pass for Harry was genuinely world class.
Alfie – you were a vital piece of the Blues’ jigsaw when you came on – you let no-one pass you and made some excellent passes.
Myles – You slotted into the team smoothly and made some vital interceptions to deny the opposition space.
Hanney – Welwyn couldn’t keep up with your speed of movement and you made some superb passes spreading the ball wide.
Jake – you carried your excellent recent form into the biggest match of the season and almost set up a second goal for the Blues.
Billy and Alistair – you unluckily didn’t play today but both of you contributed to the team’s success in the Cup by making important contributions in earlier rounds.
Congratulations to each and every one of the boys for their superb performance today. The Blues can play better in terms of goal creation and scoring but what couldn’t have been improved today was their heart, commitment and determination which together created the mindset that they refused to be defeated. Well done to Welwyn Pegasus Royals who are a very good side and who have done so well to get to the final and the match was credit to Under 11s football. The match too was played in an excellent spirit, with generosity shown in both victory and defeat and in some cynical and unsavoury times for football, this was heartening to see.
Congratulations and thanks too to Phil, Steve and Gary for all their hard work and dedication which came to fruition so gloriously today – you richly deserve to enjoy this achievement which is quite something in our boys’ first season at 11 a side.
Very well done boys – it was huge pleasure and privilege to be there – what a day!
Our thanks to Eamonn Fitzerald of DE Photo for the following photographs - if you wish to buy copies please contact him directly on Tel: 07739 468 461, eamonn@DEphoto.co.uk, www.DEphoto.co.uk
Sunday 22nd March 2009