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UNDER 14's BLUES WIN HERTS COUNTY CUP

Tuesday, May 18 2010

Hitchin Under 14s Blues clinched the Herts U14s County Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Watford’s Sun Postal FC at the County Ground in Letchworth on 7 May. The game was a repeat of last year's final, where, despite coming under a great deal of pressure from a physically strong Postals side, Valley (as they were then known) had sneaked a 1-0 win.

Friday's game started much the same as last year with Sun Postal dominant in the first half, deservedly taking an early lead, and pressing for the remainder of the half. Hitchin defended for their lives, with Rob Norman and Hayden Dormer leading the rearguard and 'keeper Conor Dobbs making a spectacular save midway through the half.

The management team were happy to go in at half time just one goal down, and asked the boys to try and press higher into the Sun Postal half, hold the ball up front better and most of all, believe in themselves.

The second half saw a completely different game. Sun Postal had their chances, however the game was dominated by a resurgent Hitchin side, confusing and tiring their opponents  with wave after wave of attack. Tom Gardner went close on two occasions, before the equaliser finally came after good work from Gardner and a great run and cool finish from Jamie Black.

The last 10 minutes were frantic; this time Sun Postals held on and had their 'keeper to thank for taking the tie into extra time.

The lights came on, the crowd grew more excited and both sides slugged out an outstanding extra time period in which either side could have won, Sun Postal relying on their strength and Hitchin playing their good passing football given the time they had been playing and the pressure of the situation.

Extra time didn't produce a winner, so the game went to the lottery of penalties, and the drama increased as the five brave volunteers from each side stepped forward to take a pen.

Hitchin immediately handed the initiative to Sun Postals by smashing their opening kick against the bar and Sun Postals converted. Both sides then scored their second, Hitchin scored their third and Dobbs then levelled things up with a good save for Hitchin. Both sides scored again, Hitchin bagged their last, and finally secured the victory as Sun Postal’s final kick went wide.

Vice captain Callum Rennie received the shield, and skipper Rob Norman raised the Cup for the second season, and the boys (and parents) celebrated long into the night. As was the case last year, Sun Postal made a massive contribution to the game and were again very gracious in defeat.

The Hertfordshire County Cup Under 14 winners are: Conor Dobbs, Callum Rennie, Elliot D'Souza, Rob Norman, Hayden Dormer, Harry Busbridge, Alex Condon, George Atkinson, Billy Lannon, Jack Large, Kieran Barton, Jamie Black, Tom Gardner.