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U7's Claim First Silverware

Sunday, July 13 2008

The U7's lifted their first trophy after an impressive and well deserved win in the Shefford Saints Summer Tournament on Sunday.

They topped their group with four wins out of four and held their nerve in a close, tense final against Baldock Templars to win 2-0 and round off the year in style.

Hitchin won their first two matches 1-0 against Letchworth Yellows and Buntingford Cougars and a 2-0 win over Baldock Crusaders set up a crunch game against hosts Shefford Foxes – the winner would reach the final. Two goals from Sam Hartnack put Hitchin in control and although Shefford pulled one back, Sam completed his hat trick to clinch the win.

There were standout performances all over the pitch. Sam Hartnack scored all the teams goals – 9 – to win the unofficial Golden Boot. It was as good a display of finishing as you are likely to see at any level of junior football and his last-minute winner against Buntingford – a curling, dipping left-foot volley into the top corner – was the goal of the tournament.

William was everywhere – including in goal for two games! He was busy, competitive and showed good vision and unselfish passing to set up a number of Sam’s goals. Joel showed good discipline in an unfamiliar defensive role and sprang forward to support the attacks - his dead-ball work was consistently good. Sam Henshaw kept three clean-sheets and made two crucial saves in the final while the score was still 0-0. Jonathan was a tigerish tackler in midfield and was unlucky not to score when a great shot clipped the outside of the post. Vinay showed great composure and increasing confidence with some lovely drag backs and stepovers. Patrick was the team’s anchorman and defensive lynchpin – only 1 goal conceded in 5 games.

Congratulations to all the players, coach Iain Alderson and manager Peter McKnight – a great performance and well deserved win!

The Under 7 Team and Coaches.