Hitchin Town Youth Football Club
An FA Charter Standard Development Club
Shefford Saints u10 v Hitchin Town Firesharks
Saturday, January 21 2006
Hitchin Towns finest, those feisty "Firesharks" won a tense, close semi-final against Shefford Saints, to progress to the final of the CJ7's League Cup. A fantastic achievement in Firesharks first season in the CJ 7's which at the start of this competition saw 38 U 10's teams all in with a chance of competing for the trophy.
A sunny morning on a good sized pitch saw Firesharks go into an early 1-0 lead following a superb right wing run and strong cross put in by Joe M which was converted by the excellent Dominic to put us firmly in control. Balance of play in the first half was more in Firesharks favour although Ryan was required to despatch some through balls by Shefford firmly away via feet and also made an excellent save.
Saints came out the stronger in the second half and we were getting caught by Sheffords speedy forwards on the break. Andy was outstanding today in snuffing out any Shefford plans to advance past him on our goal. However Saints equalised with a strong run and cross to the box put away by a gleeful unmarked Shefford player. Good goal for them - very below standard tracking back by us.
Very nearly a repeat some minutes later saw Kayne clear just off the line and so we made a few changes. The match could have gone either way and this time.....it went our way!! The fantastic Nick ran from his own half and from yards outside the penalty area let fly with a ripping volley which cracked the underside of the bar and bounced on the line - Courtney proved again just how special he is to us by reacting strongest and fastest ...to hit the ball to the back of the net. Major celebrations and ten minutes to go. We could have had another from Courtney but the Saints keeper made an excellent save.
Superb team effort from all the boys today - the parents could'nt separate them to choose a Man of the Match and neither could I as they were ALL 'Man of the Match' .
At the final whistle we could relax and enjoy our success. We now look forward to a Cup Final on 11th March against Eaton Bray .
Firesharks would like to say a big 'Hello' to Mike Hayes.............our long distance web fan !!!!!!!
Result
Shefford Saints 1 Hitchin Firesharks 2 ( Dominic Courtney)
Man of the Match - The Whole Team 
Firesharks celebrate at the end of the game
Cup Finalists !