HOLLAND 2004

Under 17's European Champions

ST Albans City Youth sent two teams to Holland to take part in football tournaments during the Easter period.

The Under 17’s East travelled to Cromvliet FC, near the Hague, to play four teams in a one day tournament. The opposition was made up of Stortford FC from England and three Dutch sides.

Meija spot kick on target

In the first game the Under 17’s played HMSH. Joe Meija nearly  opened the scoring for Saints but his shot was blocked and the rebound struck wide. Stephen Pyke also hit the side netting while Saints ‘keeper Danny Goodchild made a good save. Joe Meija was then tripped from behind as he went to shoot and, despite his effort being blocked, the referee awarded a penalty. Meija took the spot kick him­self and found the right hand corner of the net. HMSH clawed their way back with an equaliser late on to make the final score 1-1.

Joe Brame gave the young Saints the lead in their second game against Stortford FC. They were again pegged back but this time the speedy Joe Meija had the final say with a late goal after Danny McCafferty played him through. The Saints Under 17’s won 2-1.

Meija got his third goal of the tournament when he raced clear and rounded the keeper as the Saints beat Cromvliet 1-0 in their third game. Saints only needed a draw from their last game with Zoetermeer to win the Trophy.

Meija turned provider when he crossed for Mark Savory to sweep the ball home at the near post. Saints pressed for more goals but the 1-0 scoreline proved enough.

Adam Stanley lifted the cup for the Saints Under 17’s who were unbeaten, winning three out of their four matches.

However the Under 17's performance on the football pitch may have had the right result, but when it came to the evening sport of a game of Pool, against an Under 17's ladies football team they were not up to their usual standard.

The boys done good 

The Under 16’s East went to Rotterdam to compete for the Tinus Homburg Trophy at RSV HION. For the Under 16's to  finish sixth in an Under 18's Tournament was an excellent result ,but did not go home empty handed. They got off to a great start by beating the Youth team of Dutch league side Excelsior 2-0. Tegana "TJ" James scored a superb solo goal and Dominic Haynes netted fine second after James and Daniel Pienaar combined to set him up. The Under 16’s then lost t RKAVV in their second game 2-I and were beaten 1-0 by LMO. In their play off for fifth place the Saints were pipped by MsV7I 2-0.

Tegana "TJ" James took home a trophy after he was named the Saints Player of the Tournament by former City Youth chairman Mervyn Morgan, who, along with David Wray, Club Fundraising Manager, were guests of the host club RSV HION. One final mention,  Alistair Hill was outstanding goal.