U13s Win St Neot's Tournament
The Under 13s were invited to their third tournament of the term as they looked to finally pick up some silverware at St. Neot’s 6-aside.
The first match was against the unknown Bearwood College A team who proved to be a strong challenge with some excellent players. After going 1 nil down Daneshill fought their way back into the game and after a powerful strike from Richard from the edge of the box they drew the match 1 - 1. Their next game was against St. Edward’s who had been demolished by Bearwood A 8 – 0 and the team knew they had to better that score to progress at the top of the group. Although there was never any doubt who was going to win the game the St Edward’s keeper put in a sterling performance and at the final whistle we came out 3 nil winners after goals from Kieran, Harry and Freddie. This meant that all we could hope for was to end up the best 2nd placed team from the 3 groups, which we were.
In the semi final we faced St Andrew’s Pangbourne who were viewed by many as the pre-tournament favourites. The game was fiercely competitive with Kieran battling hard in midfield against their strongest player. Daneshill were creating all the chances though and when Harry was brought down inside the box we were awarded a penalty. Adam stepped up to take it and slotted it home to put us 1 nil up. After some nail biting minutes and a couple of fantastic saves from Richard the final whistle went and we had made it to the final.
In the final we were up against Bearwood College A team who had knocked Thorngrove out in their semi final. The match was of a very high standard and produced some brilliant football from both sides. After 2 periods of extra time the sides could still not be divided which meant the dreaded sudden death penalties. After both sides had missed 2 each Freddie stepped up and scored a classy penalty. The Bearwood keeper then stepped up to keep them in it but after another great save from Richard the cup was heading to Daneshill.
Huge congratulations to Adam, Freddie, Harry, Kieran, Richard, Sam, Tom and William for a magnificent performance. As ever they played with true grit and determination and displayed a spirit of resilience that can only be admired. Well done boys!