11 May 2008 - RESULT - u13s PROMOTED!!!!!

BRANDON GROVES  3-6  THAMES GATEWAY

Promotion to the Premier and runners up spot was secured in this entertaining match.

In brilliant hot sunshine, we were slow to start with the exception perhaps of one or two of our players (notably early on, Webster), and Brandon Groves made their early attacks pay off taking the lead 1-0.  Minutes later a Dibble corner was met by the leaping Berry who headed home a fantastic goal 1-1.  From then we began to find our form and Wells cut in from the left and despite the attentions of a Brandon Groves defender he steered his shot cleverly past the keeper to make it 2-1.  Brandon Groves continued to attack and Hill made two or three fine saves before Dibble made it 3-1 when he pounced on an opportunity following another corner.  Top scorer Cole then scored our fourth ending another slick passing move with a shot that gave the keeper no chance.  Just before half time, Chapman was injured in the build up to a Brandon Groves attack and Brandon Groves capitalised on the influential Chapman’s absence making it 4-2 on the stroke of half time.

The half time team talk was about the importance of scoring the next goal and this was clinched shortly after the restart with Cole getting his second of the game 5-2.  O’Connell, Maffia and Bodimeade (from within his own half) all went close with shots from distance.  Man of the match Baker was asked to take a penalty awarded for a foul in the area and he coolly struck the ball home 6-2.  This was certainly not one way traffic and Brandon Groves had their fair share of attacks and scored a third late on, 6-3.  We were awarded our second penalty shortly after and Webster took this one and forced the Brandon Groves keeper to make a great diving save.

At the final whistle the players from both sides congratulated each other for a great game, played in the right spirit.  Brandon Groves are an improving side following a not dissimilar path to our own under 13 team, they are good friends of ours and we wish them well for next season.

After the game Paul and Steve played tribute to the players for their tremendous effort this year which has been rewarded with promotion and League runners up medals but both Team Managers agreed that watching every player develop individually and collectively as a Team has been most rewarding.

“Premier League and having a laugh!”  Well done to each and every one of our great 2007/08 team.