Team:

• Kyle Denham
• Jack Morris
• Robbie O’Donnell
• Craig Dale
• Tom Marshall
• Ryan Shield
• Macaulay Kilpatrick
• Connor Bartle
• Chris Cockbill
• Dylan Farrow
• Max Pashley
• Will Gill
• George Carline

Match Report:  

Firstly, “Thank You ”; to Kyle for stepping into the breach in goal (following Liam’s untimely injury) and to Craig for giving up the chance to go and watch his favourite team Spurs play in the cup final at Wembley. This was a massive decision for a young lad to make; I wonder how many of us would put Attenborough before Wembley (no disrespect to Attenborough)?

I am writing this report in Dublin and I have been up for more hours than I care to remember so this is only going to be a short summary of the match.

First half was a stalemate; Attenborough took the lead after 15 minutes. To be fair it was deserved - we didn’t get going really and created very little.

The Attenborough goal seemed to spur Cotgrave on and Connor scored after 25 minutes with a well taken goal that gave the Attenborough keeper no chance.

As the half came to a close Cotgrave pushed for a second goal and almost scored it on a number of occasions. However it wasn’t to be and the half finished as it begun; honours even.

The second half saw Cotgrave playing better football and creating more chances. That said today we seemed to lack the hunger to go on and win in too many areas of the pitch.

Attenborough took the lead again with 5 minutes gone. Some determined running down the left involving Connor and George saw Dylan pick up the ball out wide (on the left); the striker ran infield with the ball and then despatched the equaliser to score a goal that I find difficult to explain (great vision or good luck – either way it seemed to defy some of the rules of physics as it found its way past the Attenborough keeper); as I always say “every goal is fantastic” – especially in the quarter final.

As the game wore on it looked like Cotgrave would be the only winners; but as so often is the case in football sometimes it doesn’t go your way. Today was one of those days. Late in the game Attenborough scored what proved to be the winner. On another day this was a good we could have (and should) have won. This takes nothing away from Attenborough who were well organised and hardworking.

Fulltime – 3 – 2

Summary:

Remember last week’s cliché; this week is “we will now concentrate on the league

I have just read the comments of our club chairman on the Under 14’s match report;

“ .When any individual or sporting team cross the white line onto the sporting arena the manager nor spectators can't do much to help them,it is down to individuals and the team to show grit, determination and a stronger willingness to win than the opposition. I did not think Interski were any better than you on Saturday,but perhaps they showed a little more self belief.Did anybody see Berbatov take the penalty ? that is what i mean by self belief nobody in the ground thought he was going to miss least of all himself. Chins up”

There are a number of points in Ian’s comments that are relevant to some performances on Sunday. We certainly could have (and probably should have) beaten Attenborough today; yes we were forced into some personnel and tactical changes but that does not account totally for the defeat.

Determination is perhaps the biggest asset a footballer needs. Skill and ability count for little if you don’t apply yourself fully in matches and training.

It was disappointing for the lads to loose in the Quarter Finals but the team’s time will come again and next time perhaps the opportunity will be taken.

Well done to Kyle for a sound debut – he was not at fault for any of the goals. Well done to Macaulay who played for the majority of the game despite not being 100% fit – his ability on the ball was a problem for Attenborough in the first half.

Finally (and sorry to the Chelsea fans) I am pleased that Spurs won the cup – it is fitting that Craig (as a Spurs fan) should have one victory to celebrate given his dedication in missing the final to play.

Training is on Friday as usual.

Alan and Mark.

p.s. thanks to Brian for running the line today.