PMSL Subsidiary Sheld Winners 18/04/2010
19 Apr 2010

We arrived at Norton United on a beautiful sunny morning. The question was were we up for the cup today the nerves on show and the complete rambling sentences that fell out of mouths would suggest so. And that was just me.
The turnout of support for both teams was a welcome and fitting tribute and set the scene nicely for what would hopefully be a great Subsidiary Shield Final.
After warming up and registering we were required to line up shoulder to shoulder with Shamblers and were led out by the officials to a deafening round of applause. We lined up and faced the parents before the national anthem was played aloud as the Chairwomen met the teams and officials alike. All this may have seemed a little over the top but I think the lads enjoyed it as it all added to the experience of being in a final.
And so we began, both teams looked up for it, but it was us who were starting to knock the ball about with some good passing and a good pass it was from Finney to Sandy who then crossed the ball, the oncoming Freddie did just enough to put off their keeper to see Sandy's cross come shot trickle over the line to open the scoring.
Fair play to Shamblers their heads didnt drop and as we launched waves and waves of attack they kept coolly soaking up whatever we threw at them.
And so came a quick rest and Harvey Wood came on and almost immediately he set up the second when his square pass found Sandy who cut inside his man and, from outside the box, curled home a cracker which had the excellent Shamblers keeper flapping. 2-0 we were in complete control.
UNTIL.....against the run of play there was hope for Shamblers. We were too negligent in getting back quick enough to snuff out a quick break and Shamblers were fortunate to see a ball spilt by Farr and they popped it into our net to make it 2-1.
Shamblers played some good stuff and it was now a pretty even game both teams were battling well with Liam and Harvey and Harley all chipping in with the dirty work.
Freddie broke quickly and was fouled between th edge of their box and the halfway line. Hopkin stood up to take the free kick and smashed a piledriver into Shamblers bottom far corner. 3-1.
Shamblers were now looking a beaten team. Credit to them they kept on battling but looked despondent in attack. It was now our job to just wind down the clock and the cup should be ours?
The Shamblers keeper was outstanding on the day and as Hopwood ran through in the second half he shot at the keeper who parried it back into his path and Lewis got our 4th by coolly rolling the rebound past the keeper. The game finished 4-1. Yes......WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS.........WHOOP WHOOP.
Firstly I have to commend Shamblers and their coach Dean for their sportsmanship and gracefulness in defeat. It was how a final should be competitive, exciting and fair.
The officials were good and I feel they got everything right on the day.
You parents and grandparents and other family members were fantastic in your support of every player.
I would like to mention Kevin and Jason who we couldnt have done this without.
But most of all:
Will, Ethan, Liam, Jack H, Jordan, Jack S, Harv, Lewis, Freddie and Finney you played your hearts out today and yes at times it wasnt pretty and at times it was but you did what you had to do, what you wanted to do which was put our 3rd trophy in as many seasons on the table. And for that you are all heroes.
It is a commendable achievement that everyone in this current squad has now won a trophy in their first season of competitive football with Red St Eagles. Lots and lots of teams go through their footballing lives without so much as a runners up medal. So we are clearly a team of winners and next season we will be expected to cast our greedy little eyes on those bigger prizes......Watch out Madeley and Foley we are coming to get you!