Camden Football League Semi-Finals

Last night the Boys 5/6 Football Team played off in the semi-final stage of the Camden Football League at Talacre Sport Centre. After a tremendous season, the boys were prepped for a big evening which included 3 games against some quality opposition.

Their first game of the afternoon was against Kingsgate who topped their own respective pool in the regular rounds. The game started at a phrenic phase as nerves were at an all time high. Charles and Sean started strong, tackling and applying pressure at all opportunities. Shortly after, a contentious tackle was made on Sean right in front of the goal mouth. Unfortunately, it wasn’t awarded in our favour and we missed a vital chance to go ahead 1-0. At half time it was clear that we were in control as Archie M looked solid as a brick wall in goals. It was moments later that an unfortunate mistake cost our all star defenders a free kick. A momentary lapse of concentration saw a quick pass behind the wall result in an unlucky goal in the bottom corner putting Kingsgate ahead 1-0. The boys continued to battle through the second half as Ezekiel and Ivan were controlled and calm in the back half. Sadly, an opportunity to score didn’t arise and Kingsgate walked away with a narrow 1-0 win.

The second game of the afternoon was against a powerful and extremely confident team in, Torriano. From the first whistle they out muscled our boys and had us on the back foot. However, it was the resilience and toughness of Danny who led from the front and inspired our team to fight back. Danny tirelessly battled for the loose ball and gave Oliver W and Ezekiel a few opportunities up front. Moments before the halftime whistle the Torriano stiker penetrated our defence and scored, leaving us 1-0 down at half time. The second half was completely different as we started strongly and took it up to the physical game style that Torriano played. Again they were too classy and were able to score again, winning the match 2-0. The Boys were disappointed but walked off the pitch with their heads held high due to their exceptional sportsmanship.

This now meant that it was impossible for the Boys team to progress further in the Camden competition. However this didn’t deter them from giving ‘their all’ in the final match against Richard Cobden. From the first kick-off they were dominant all over the field, showing their true character after 2 tough defeats. Sean and Danny starred with their creativity and calmness, slicing through the opposition’s zone defence. Ivan, Charles and Archie M were again solid down back as they kept Richard Cobden scoreless. It was 2 brilliant goals to Danny that ensured we walked away with an extremely satisfying 2-0 win after a very tough evening. Despite the season being over before kick-off the boys showed how far they had improved this season in this 2ominute match.

I was extremely proud of their efforts and they should feel exactly the same way. Well done on a great season, Boys.

Mr Bennett