On a stunning, sunny afternoon in November, with the echoes of ‘The Last Post’ still ringing in the ears of all those who attended a remembrance service, Ashford BU12 hurriedly gathered at Old Kingstonians for a tournament.

Ashford had entered two teams, with half the boys being involved with Remembrance parades, there was a mad rush for people to get there in time for the first game. Ashford 1 were drawn with Slough, Guildford and OK3.

First up was Slough and Ashford 1 were immediately on the front foot, producing wave after wave of attacks before Sami eventually broke the deadlock. Another fine piece of skill from Sami down the left created another chance which was calmly finished off by Lewis to seal a 2-0 win.

The next game was against Guildford 1 and with chances at both ends the game finish in a 0-0 draw, with some quality defending from Luca, Jack and Jamie and some good saves in goal from Olly.

The final group game was against OK3 and although Ashford missed several good chances to win the game, some fine tackling from Abdul and Shanjeet enabled a third clean sheet. The game finished 0-0 which mean Ashford 1 qualified for the semi-final in second place.

Ashford 2 were drawn with Guildford 2 , OK1 and OK2.

The first game was against Guildford and with Ashford still waiting for a 7th player to turn up when the game started and played all bar the last minute a player down. This did not stop Ashford being in the ascendancy and Jake put Ashford ahead with a brilliant reverse stick shot. The defence never looked troubled but were well marshalled by Olly B and Ryan H.

The second game followed in similar fashion, with Ashford dominant but unable to score even with some great chances for Jake,Ethan and Ryan S. It took a late goal from Zach to break the deadlock and secure the points.

The final game against OK2 Ashford needed to win to top the group. They did this in some style, winning 6-0 with 4 goals from Jake including an outrageous penalty stroke and two goals from Zach B. Further chances were missed but the result meant Ashford 2 would face Ashford 1 in the semi final.

Semi - Both teams played really hard and fairly and no quarter was given, and it was unfortunate that one side had to lose.(the game would have been a fitting final) The game finished 0-0 but Ashford 1 won the game after sudden death shoutout.

Ashford 2 played Guildford 2 in the 3rd and 4th playoff and without their injured talisman Jake, Ashford pulled together and fought hard but could not score. After a 0-0 draw the game again went to shoutout and this time Zach scored for Ashford in the 1 on1 with the keeper.

Guildfords reply was brilliantly saved by Luke in the Ashford goal to ensure Ashford 2 took the bronze!

FINALS

Ashford 1 took on Guildford 1 in the final in a rematch of the group game. The teams balanced each other out with chances and fine saves at both ends. The game hinged on the last minute. Ashford who were defending their goal with a minute to go gave away a penalty stroke for a foul. So Guildford with the time now run down had a stroke to win the final, but Olly made a lovely save with his legs to keep the penalty out and ensure the game went to shoutout.

Sami went first for Ashford getting deep into the D and firing into the corner to put Ashford 1 up.

Olly then had to face the Guildford player, and he shot off his line, closed the Guildford player down and then saved the shot from Guildford to win the final for Ashford.

So The U14 boys finshed 1st and 3rd in the tournament which was a tremendous result and really shows the strength in depth that we have in the age group.

Ash 1- Sami, Lewis, Abdul, Jack, Shanjeet, Luca, Olly A ,Jamie.

Ash 1 –Jake, Ryan S, Ryan H, Zach B, Ethan , Olly B, Luke.