The core of the team that met Denby Grange in the Charles Rice U9s Cup Final at Upton today, James Lockwood, Robin Stanley, Hayden Train, were last here in a final two years ago, which they lost 1-0. So, if the lads were a little nervous today it didn’t show much in their attitudes in the pre-match warm-up.

Sunday morning got off to a quirky start with coaches, players and families having to arrive at Upton’s ground before 9:15 for a 10 o’clock kick-off due to a two-hour road closure for a local fun-run. The early arrival gave both teams a little extra time to warm-up and parents to exchange notes about what parents exchange notes about!

When the game got underway the slightly overcast morning meant the conditions were good for running around the pitch which as usual assisted Hayden’s and Sammy Amaefule’s energetic style of play. It wasn’t long before Thornes U9s established what modern football pros call a ‘high pressing’ game with a handful of scoring opportunities going over or wide. However, in the fourteenth minute in a crowded Denby Grange area, Sammy dribbled his way into enough space to volley the ball into the keeper’s right. Sammy almost scored another from a medium range shot on the twentieth minute which hit the crossbar and dropped into the eager path of Harrison Shepherd, who scored Thornes’ second.

But the game didn’t look like it was going to be a rout for Thornes as when Denby Grange did break they did so at pace, though most forward runs were matched by James on the right wing, Hayden in the middle and Robin on the left. Denby’s long-range shots were easily caught by Thornes trusty keeper Lewis Goff. At the only point of the game when Denby left Thornes defenders behind was following a period of Thornes pressure in the second half, scoring at close distance in the thirtieth minute.

In contrast to this second half setback Thornes’ had engaged in a far more flowing, passing game following the break, making their game look a lot easier. Henry Corbett came on for Harrison and quickly fell in with the pace, tackling and passing style of Thornes’ game. Thornes final goal came from Jake Gallimore who shot from just outside the area following incisive passes from Hayden and Sammy.

Charles Rice League Secretary Willie Russell cheerfully gave each player a winner’s badge while team captain James received the trophy