Hitchin Town Youth Football Club
An FA Charter Standard Development Club
Hitchin Town Youth U15 v Hemel Aces U15
Sunday, March 9 2008
HERTS COUNTY CUP SEMI-FINAL
Hitchin Town Youth U15's were drawn in the Semi-Final of the Herts County Cup this week, the same stage we got to last season! We were drawn at home to Hemel Aces, who over the past couple of season's have had numerous meetings.
Hitchin Tonw FC kindly offered us the use of Top Field to play this extremely important game, for which all the boys are extremely grateful.
Everyone knew this was going to be a hard fought game with both sides doing well in their respective leagues. With the weather holding off, from the outset the tempo was fast. Hemel Aces were strong, especially in defence with some good leadership from their Captain. Hitchin were also strong and fought hard for every ball. Defensively, Matt Morley, Josh Millet, Aaran Goldsmith and Josh Cook had to be on form and as usual they were, denying any attemps at goal from the visitors.
Midfield of Ross Bates, Dabby Blachard, Kyle Ronald and Gareth Hedges did well with some fantastic passing through to the forwards of Bryn Reynolds and Liam Toomey.
Both sides had a few attempts at cracking the opposition defence without any luck at all. Both keepers were not really called upon and and half time the scoreline was a fair 0-0.
Both Hitchin and Hemel Aces cam out from half-time fighting and of course, as in every semi-final the game got very physical, which both teams seemed to deal with extremely well. Slowly but surely Hitchin began to get on top of the game and had a good spell of pushing forward. A great through ball to Bryn Reynolds saw him slot the ball over the line, much to the delight of the Hitchin Town supporters.
Hemel Aces kept their heads high and got themselves back into the game and in turn started to look dangerous. A few changes were made which saw Matt Aherne and Jordan Armstrong come on into their respective positions. Hemel Aces had a few shots at goal which were in fact cleared off the line, but as the final whistle beckoned Hitchin grew in strength and character to see themselves through to the Final.
This was a good game of football, full of passion and commitment from both sides. It must be said that a few Hemel Players were gracious in defeat and were extremely sporting in their best wishes for our players.
Well done to each and every one of you, you did exactely what you needed to do, and unlike last year we are in the FINAL :-)
Thank you to Hitchin Town Football Club for allowing us to use the facilites at Top Field , it made the experience even more memorable.
Hitchin Town Youth U15 1
Hemel Aces U15 0