U17 LEAGUE CUP FINAL

 Under 17's West   3    Hemel Rovers   1

With tackles flying in from the first minute it was clear this would not be a game for the faint hearted, but City gave no quarter and took revenge for their defeat in the final of this competition last season.  A flowing move saw City take the lead on 6 mins, Jefferies and Clark combining to release Gray. His pass was flicked on by Jaravaza, and Ferdinand stepped round his marker to hit a low drive beyond the ‘keeper.

At 1-0 City then had to weather some intense pressure from Hemel, Kosky saving well to touch a drive onto the bar, and then punching clear under pressure.  Phillips did well to dispossess the Hemel forward when he was through on goal, and Patterson picked up a booking for a late challenge. With Hawes and Rhodes marshalling the defence, it looked as though City might contain things, but a short clearance on 26 mins allowed Hemel to knock the ball back in for the right-winger to shoot under the diving Kosky.

The game turned again, as City pressed Hemel hard in every area of the pitch.  Clark and Jefferies now dominated, and a sharp passing movement between them and Bailey set Patterson free down the right. He ghosted round two defenders before slotting an excellent ball into the box.  Ferdinand dummied, leaving it for Jefferies to strike low into the net with his trusty left foot.  With 10 mins still to go before half-time, City now pressed Hemel back, winning three corners in quick succession. From the third, swung in by Gray, Ferdinand and Rhodes put the ‘keeper under pressure, and the ball dropped for Jaravaza to smash home from five yards.

At 3-1 City played out the second half with cautious tactics and solid defending.  Looking to catch Hemel on the break, Clark twice set his forwards free, but the goal that would kill the game just wouldn’t come.  With Lattuca and Johnston on to consolidate the midfield, City soaked up the pressure. Stout defending saw Ferdinand and Hawes pick up yellow cards.  Rhodes made two superb clearances under pressure, and in the dying minutes, as Hemel threw everything forward, and magnificent tackle from Anderson snuffed out their last chance.  Between the sticks, David Kosky made two tremendous saves, one from a point-blank header, the other a fine dive to touch a scorching free-kick around the post.  For this contribution, he richly deserved his acknowledgement as Man of the Match. 

It was a great end to a season that just got better as it went on.  We just can’t wait for pre-season training ……….

U17 West: Kosky; Bailey, Hawes, Rhodes, Phillips (Anderson, 73); Patterson (Johnston, 87), Clark, Jefferies, Gray (Lattuca, 70); Ferdinand, Jaravaza.

Not playing: Bristow, Minton

Report by Dave Anderson