| Date | Home team | Score | Away team | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Apr 2009 | Focus Ferrers Tigers | 1-2 | U12s Lions | League Cup Final |
SUPER LIONS BRING HOME THE CUP
Blackwater&Dengie League - Dengie League Cup Final
Focus Ferrers Lions u9s 2
Focus Ferrers Tigers u9s 1
Rare indeed to have two teams from the same club in the final, throw into the mix that they are also incredibly well matched, and you have the recipe for a colossal encounter. Both teams travelled to the wonderful Burnham Ramblers stadium with great expectations and a fair degree of nerves. The large crowd cheered on the boys as they took to the pitch with both sides having enormous respect for each other. Battle commenced, with the Lions a little subdued at first but they soon clicked into gear. Ben B found some excellent space on the right and put in James who fired a shot just over the bar. We then saw some wonderful twists and turns from Ben P who tried to outfox the strong Tigers defender Connor. The Tigers were making progress down the right and Nathan and Jamie were showing excellent touch and concentration, as they defended on a high line and surged out from the back. The Lions put together some crisp combinations involving Ben P , Tom and James before Ben B fizzed a shot just over. The first goal came on 12 mins as Nathan picked up a stray ball in midfield and looped it into the Tigers area. The conditions were firm , and the ball took a wicked bounce over Lukas in goal, leaving James with an empty net to bundle the ball home. The tempo increased, despite the heat , and Ben B had another shot which just went wide. Jamie was having a superb game at the back and was sweeping up all of the long balls that were coming at him. But the Tigers had the confidence of title winners, and on 20 mins Jake cracked home the leveller as his shot came down off the bar and just crept over the line. Within a minute the Tigers were back for more as George swept into the area, only for Alex to make an excellent reflex save with his feet. It was however the Lions who finished the half stronger with further chances for Lucas , James and Jack who had quickly adjusted to the pace of the game. The second half was remarkable stuff as both teams gave their all. Callum put in Tom for an early chance and then Tom had another shot blocked after great work from Ben P and Ben B down the right. The Tigers had some early corners but the boys had worked hard on their defensive set up and Alex was marshalling them well. It was fitting that a fabulous goal should edge a fabulous match and it came with just over 10 mins to play. Jack made a fantastic midfield challenge and advanced a short distance before sweeping a through ball for Tom. He had much to do with the Tigerish Connor on his tail, but he pulled away from him then caressed a magnificent shot into the far corner leaving Lukas with no chance. It was now just as much a battle of nerve. Callum and Lucas held the ball expertly in midfield , where the tireless Ben B had taken a much needed breather. Some edgey moments came and went but the boys could have grabbed a third at the death when Ben P and Tom set Lucas away down the left. "The Fellas " skill took him to the by line and his cross just evaded the left peg of Ben B. The final whistle came, and brought celebrations for the Lions as they lifted the cup in front of some very proud friends and family. The Tigers had contributed fully to an epic match up, and the evidence was there for all to see as to why they were the Dengie league winners. The match was played in a tremendous spirit, and great thanks must go to the B & D league for hosting such a great event. Huge congratulations to the Lions for a wonderful display and a deserved victory. Ten young heroes of whom we are all very proud.
TEAM:ALEX,NATHAN,JAMIE,BEN B, BEN P,JACK,CALLUM,LUCAS,JAMES,TOM
GOALS: JAMES (12) TOM (39)