Under 11s v Mallinson

Benfica won their second successive league championship with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Mallinson FC.On a rainy muddy day in Regents Park the team knew the title was out of their hands with results in other fixtures to wait on. Fortunately those results went their way as Kentish Town beat Regents Park to leave Benfica needing only a win to secure top spot.The first half saw some of the best football played all season as Luis, Nyeem and Ethan combined expertly up front, finding spaces in behind the Mallinson midfield and moving the ball quickly between them. After only 27 seconds Luis scored from the right hand side to catch the keeper out, but, despite carving out multiple opportunities, they could not add to that goal. Ethan, playing his best game of the season, had several efforts go close while Nyeem raced through on goal but put his shot just wide of the right post. Luis and Ethan switched sides at half time with Frankie pulling the strings in an all action midfield role. However, Mallinson were able to capitalise on one of their rare breaks forward to outnumber Benfica and score with their first chance. Rather than letting their heads go down, Frankie combined with Luis who immediately rifled home an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area to go 2-1 up. Inexplicably though, Mallinson equalised with another break forward as Emerson and Giovanni found the conditions tricky to deal with and were outnumbered. They even almost took the lead when Charlie momentarily lost the ball but he was alert to turn and stop it from rolling over the line under pressure from a forward.With Oliver working hard to find space up front and Samuel energetic on the right of midfield time was ticking away. As the team pressed forward a scramble in the box led to the goalkeeper bringing down Luis for a penalty. Not just any penalty... The first penalty...To win the game...And the league?  Frankie immediately volunteered to take it, and stroked home to the right of the goal to give the keeper no chance. Shortly afterwards Luis surprised the keeper with a long range shot which was too hot to handle. Another hat-trick for the in form forward.Nuno came on to protect the lead and made some good interceptions whilst Marcel rampaged down the left and almost got a good cross in. There was still time for Oliver to nearly connect with a cross to get the fifth, but the Under 11s were delighted to win and secure another league title.Well done to everyone on another great effort over the season.Captain - CharlieMan of the match - Frankie/Luis