Y9 5 a side 12/12/16
Sirius West Y9 Boys 5 a Side Tournament
Squad:
Lewis Wilson (GK)
Harry Blackham
Layton Petherbridge
Omali Mukelenge
Ali Alshariafe
Charlie Shooter
Leon Stewart
In the pre-tournament press conference, there was a clear sense that Mr Gordon was haunted by the events of last years edition of this very tournament. In which his troops were left heartbroken after falling at the final hurdle, he was determined to avoid the same result.
In a bid to avenge that result Mr Gordon had been ruthless in his selection policy, leaving out several key 11 a side men to bring in more craft, guile and quickness in a number of positions.
“They were some of the toughest choices I have ever had to make” the experienced manager told his backroom staff en route to GOALS!.
Time would tell if they were the right choices…
Game 1 v Winifred Holtby Academy
Crash, bang, wollap what a start as the aggressive and physical style of play of the West Men proved too much for a hard working but outmatched Winifred. West ran out comfortable 5-2 winners. With confidence high the boys were eager to get into the next fixture and continue the momentum.
FT Sirius 5-2 Winifred
Game 2 v Trinity House Academy
This had much more ebb and flow as both teams had the lead at various stages of the game. Mukelenge was constant thorn in the side of Trinity who, although had a fair amount of the play, looked hamstrung by their odd selection choice of leaving arguably their most potent threat on the bench for large periods. Eventually the dancing feet of Mukelenge wrestled the lead back for the West Men who were able to cling on for a 3-2 win.
FT Sirius 3-2 Trinity
Game 3 v Winifred Holtby Academy
Mr Gordan rung the changes for this 3rd fixture giving starts to the, thus far, fringe members of the squad. Perhaps it was the settling in period which allowed Winifred to take a shock lead going into the final moment of the game. 2-1 down with mere minutes to play!
They say cometh the hour, cometh the man and that plea was answered by Leon Stewart who finally sparked into life and turned into a rampaging Mastodon, throwing opponents off like a falling leaf off an autumn branch. 2-2 GAME ON. A draw would leave room for doubt going into the final group game. Luckily a draw it was not as Mukelenge jinked and jived to hit a clean strike passed the inform Winifred keeper. 3-2 victory…Gordon’s men, meant business.
Game 4 v Trinity House Academy
The strange aroma of McDonalds in the air had Mr Renier dreaming of a celebratory Fillet o’ FIsh as the lads took to the field knowing a draw would be good enough to see them advance into the top half of the 2nd round fixtures. However it would take a 7 goal thriller to decide who topped the group. Again the lead exchanged hands on several occasions with Petherbridge, Stewart (2), Alshariafe all getting on the scoresheet. With a 4th straight victory sealed and a place in the next stage secured, the mood quickly changed, there was no room for mistakes now.
FT Sirius 4-3 Trinity
Group Stage 2
Game 5 v St Mary’s
The irresistible force meeting the immovable object doesn’t do justice to the big match feel there was, as last years final was to be repeated. This the opportunity Mr Gordan had hoped for to rid himself of the demons he’s carried since last years tournament. The sense of urgency was apparent as again the West Men flew out the traps with pace, power and passion in abundance. The steamrollering Stewart continued his good work as he grabbed an early goal, 1-0. Tastefully executed fist pumps from Gordan and Renier highlighted the importance of the goal.
Unfortunately for the West Men St Mary’s were able to rally back and score 3 goals in quick succession. With time ticking on, the greens dreams looked to have a glimmer of hope as Mukelenge grabbed a late 2nd. It was, however, too late. St Mary’s had the title in their grasps and the West men knew it.
FT 3-2 St Mary’s.
Game 6 v Malet Lambert
With their fate sealed the West men were able to come out and play with more freedom in the final game of their hard fought campaign. Free flowing yet hard working play gave the boys a 4-1 win which gave them a 2nd place finish once again.
It was tough to swallow that 1 loss all evening had cost the boys victory. But their heart, commitment and quality shone through and the boys should all be proud.
With the Y10 tournament certainly a target to hit next season the Y9 Sirius West boys team left the tournament with a chilling message for ext years opponents (and channelling their inner Terminator)…
“We’ll be back”
