SHEEN LIONS PRIDE UNDER 10’s 2 v 1 MAYFORD ATHLETIC TIGERS U10
Four weeks ago the final was postponed due to heavy snow. Today it was 26 degrees and too hot. Regardless, the boys from Sheen Lions were ready for action and ready to take on Mayford TIgers in the final of the Under 10 Surrey Youth League Euro Cup. With Head Coach Michael running the warm up there were no excuses and we were ready. Having beaten two teams from the league above we had to do it again to win the trophy.
Playing on a 3G surface, both teams played some wonderful passing football but it was Mayford that had the early control and twice the outstanding Davide in goal made brilliant blocks to keep the score level. The Pride had their chances with George S forcing a great save from their keeper. Both defences were strong with few real sights of goal until Brandon blocked a clearance and Massimo span and fired past their keeper. 1-0 at the break.
It was Michaels 1-0 game. Don’t concede and you win. The boys knew he was right but there were 25 big minutes to play. Mayford made changes and put their best player up front. Will and Harry J had their hands full but it was a big ask. As the heat took its toll the game opened up. Harry A started to run with the ball and stretch their defence. One great run and pass saw Brandons shot blocked. Brandon then leapt 5’ in the air to head over from a corner. So close.
Mayford were playing more direct and it was no surprise when their forward found space and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner. How would the boys react? They were against the ropes as Mayford pressed for the winner. A low cross caused havoc in the Pride defence but Davide smothered the shot. The Pride broke and Massimo knocked the ball forward for George S. It seemed to take forever for the ball to drop but that trusty right foot did the rest and buried the ball in the back of the net. The boys went mad but there were still 5 minutes to go.
Mayford threw bodies up front. Munir was running on empty but dropped deeper to defend for the team. Charlie fired in from distance then Massimo broke clear on goal but fired wide. One minute to go. The ball was on the edge of the Pride box, their player shot but Munir blocked. The ball broke for their player to shoot and George A threw himself in the way. Heroic stuff. The ball was cleared and the Ref finally blew. The Pride had won. A massive team effort and the boys rightly celebrated their victory.
