Notts FA U10 Challenge Shield
Sunday 5th October, 2008
Sherwood FC 5 v 5 Ernehale Colts aet
Ernhale win 3-4 on penalties
Too many matches start at 10.30am sharp and end at 11.30am dull . . . but not ones against Ernehale it would seem. Having tried desparately to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory last week we finally managed it this week.
In the first half we were completely in control and cruising at 4-0 up courtesy of two goals each from Finn and Buckly. Our passing play up front between Buck and Finn was sublime, we were dominating the midfield and defensively we looked strong with Harry mopping up as capably as usual and George dominating in the air. At half-time 3 changes were made to give everyone a go and, I thought, to make us even stronger. Sadly this wasn't to be as Ernehale deservedly clawed their way back into it. By the final whistle it was all square again and when Ernehale took the lead in extra time it looked like the game was up. However a rather shell-shocked Sherwood managed an equaliser just one last time and it was on to penalties.
Since we missed two and Ernehale only missed one they progressed into the next round. It's always disappointing to lose, and it's doubly difficult when it's on penalities particularly for the player who misses the last one. But, once again it was a very sporting affair and this really helps to sugar the pill. It was very telling that the first thing the opposition manager did as our last player slotted the ball wide was to make sure he spoke to him in an effort to take the edge off his despair.
Once again this was mini-soccer as it should be - sporting, fair and not a little skill on display. I'm not sure the nerves can stand another match against Ernhale!
Special mentions today for Buck and Finn for their forward play and to Harry W and George at the back - particularly Harry W who showed a Captains courage in stepping up to the plate for the last pen. Some great saves from our keepers that kept us in the game at the right times, and well done to a midfield that won plenty of tackles and passed well. Man of the Match goes to Tom who I thought made the biggest difference in midfield, getting stuck in to win tackles when needed and putting through some great passes for our forwards to latch on to. I know we lost, and I know we rather threw it away but I genuinely enjoyed it and well done to Tom for just shining out in a good team performance.
