Our under 13 A side played the game of their lives on Friday up in Wesley in the A league semi final only to lose 4-3 in a penalty shoot out.
The squad: In goals Marvin Muller. Right back Tom Simms, sweeper Eoghan O Connor, centre back Ethan Levins and left back Andrew Wyatt. In midfield on the right Daniel Barker, centre mid Louis Murphy and left mid. Denis Popov. Up front on the right 6th class primary wing wizard Tristan Molphy, centre forward Hugo Heisterkamp and left wing Gabriel Cullivan. On the bench Michael Borodin and Gregory Weafer.
We went 1-0 down after two minutes and then Hugo Heisterkamp immediately broke clear and hit the post. He then was winded after colliding with the keeper and went off for the rest of the half. We held Wesley out until half time.
Mervyn changed to a 4-2-2 with Michael Borodin going to right back, Ethan going to centre midfield alongside Louis and Hugo returning up front.
The change worked a treat as we scored straight away to level at 1-1. We were all over Wesley and our midfield worked their socks to close down Wesley. Louis was terrific at winning ball, Ethan was charging forward. Denis Popov was tackling like a tiger and Daniel Barker made some glorious runs. At the back
Eoghan O Connor was as cool as an ice cube coming out to cut out danger and clearing balls away. Michael Borodin and Andrew Wyatt at right and left back were working hard keeping the Wesley wings from breaking through. Tom Simms was smashing balls away and Marvin Muller was clearing the shots away if needed.
Up front Tristan Molphy was dazzling and turned the left back inside out. Hugo’s physical presence and strength allied to his great stick worked caused Wesley all kinds of problems.
With five minutes to go Ethan and Louis combined to win a ball and swept a delicious pass behind the Wesley back four and Hugo was away and storming into the circle. He smashed the ball in and it clipped the post and rebounded away.
Despite all our pressure we failed to get the winner.
Extra Time
Both sides had chances but the game ended all square and so to penalties.
We lost 4-3! Our boys were fantastic and in the second half played brill. And had most of the possession.
Talk about unlucky with Hugo hitting the post twice when it looked certain the ball was going in.
Our boys gave their all and no more could we ask. Heroes all!!
This team have a great future.
Man of the Match: It would be unfair to pick a man of the match. So team take a bow.
Goal of the match: Hugo Heisterkamp
Tom Parsons Head Coach
