On Wednesday 2nd October the U11 boys football squad travelled to Bedales Prep to take part in the Hampshire ISFA football tournaments. With 15 other schools taking part from all over Hampshire the schools were split into 4 groups of 4 teams for the group stages. We were drawn against Twyford, Churchers College Junior School and St.Neots.
The boys started strongly with a convincing 2-0 win over Twyford before dismantling Churcher’s 5-1 in the next game. Arguably the next game was a pivotal moment in the day as St.Neots came out all guns blazing, knowing if they beat us they had a good chance to qualify for the quarter finals. They turned us over 1-0 and deservedly so, showing how important mindset is in these situations. Nevertheless we topped the group on goal difference and progressed to the quarter finals, where we faced Surbiton.
The inclement weather didn’t affect our performance and we came away with a 2-0 win. Ditcham Park had played some great football all day and pushed us hard in the semi-final but a wonder goal in the top right hand corner saw us through to the final. On the other pitch St.Neots were in a tough battle against PGS eventually winning on a penalty shoot-out. Going back to the earlier point about mind-set Mr Mac was not going to let the boys go into the final against St.Neots undercooked! The boys were fantastic playing a brand of football way beyond their years. Our passing game was on point and two great finished saw us through as champions.
The team now qualifies for the National finals at St.George’s Park in May. Congratulations to the whole squad for their a herculean effort throughout the afternoon, the traditional beeping of the horn on the mini-bus whilst singing Championi, Chanmpioni, on our return to Prince’s Mead was the icing on the cake!
Results:
Group Stage:
V Twyford – Won 2-0
V CCJS – Won 5-1
V St.Neots – Lost 1-0
Quarter-Final v Surbiton – Won 2-0
Semi-Final v Ditcham Park – Won 1-0
Final v St.Neots – Won 2-0