Hitchin Town Youth Football Club
An FA Charter Standard Development Club
Hitchin Town Youth U15 v Wormley Youth U15
Sunday, April 13 2008
HERTS COUNTY CUP FINAL - U15's
Hitchin Town Youth U15's were playing away at the County Ground this weekend to compete in the Herts County Cup Final with Wormley Youth.
The day started well as we managed to hire the first team coach to take all the players and families over in style! We all knew this was going to be a tough game as, on paper, Wormley were probably the favourites to win as they had not lost a game in 3 years... BUT they had not ever come across Hitchin Town Youth U15's and we were not going to sit back and let them take control. Both teams arrived in good time for pre match warm ups and Hitchin Town prepared themselves for one of the most important games of the season.
Hitchin Town were led onto the pitch by Herts FA officials and were announced individually to the cheers from the vast amount of supporters who had travelled over to support the boys, with all the formalities done the boys took their places for the start.
Hitchin Town started off fast and in control with some good passing football. The midfield of Jordan Armstrong, Ross Bates, Danny Blanchard and Kyle Ronald did well and fought for every ball in the middle of the park. The defence of Matt Morley (Captain), Josh Millett, Josh Cook and Arron Goldsmith were, as ever, strong at the back and calmly dealt with any attacks. James Holland (Keeper) was on top form and dominated his area when need arose, taking the pressure off the back four.
Good passing through the field of play was seen over and over again and Wormley seemed to get a little frustrated at times. Hitchin looked the better side and did well to feed the ball up front to Liam Toomey and Bryn Reynolds. Unfortunately, only 15 minutes into the game Matt Morley aggravated his recent hamstring injury and was unable to take any further part in the game. This saw Matt Aherne come onto the field of play and Josh Millet take the captain's armband. Matt Aherne was strong in defence and gave 100%.
Hitchin were showing there true grit and determination to dominate the play all over the pitch, but Wormley were pushing hard to get a goal. This saw a rare chance for them to blast the ball towards goal which was headed off the line by Josh Millet, Pheeew! As the half time whistle loomed Hitchin and Wormley fought for everything and it was evident that Hitchin were getting the upper hand. 0-0.
At the start of the second half, newly signed, Josh Corkhill (aka JC) replaced an injured Ross Bates for his debut game. JC took his place in left midfield. After some great football and some speedy footwork JC found himself in front of goal and took his chance to slam the ball into the bottom left hand corner to give Hitchin the 1-0 lead we needed. The whole pitch descended on JC and he was lost in a tower of Yellow Shirts.
Hitchin began to show Wormley exactly what they were up against and after another injury Michael Evans saw himself come into the field of play alongside Jordan. The partnership seemed to work and after Jordan hassled the Wormley midfield they lost the ball and, as usual, Liam Toomey was exactly in the right place at the right time to snatch a second goal 2-0.
With only 10 minutes left to go till the final whistle, Hitchin stepped up another gear and continued to push forward. It has to be said at this point that Gareth Hedges who is an extremely important player in the team was unable to take part on the field due to the nature of an injury sustained 10 days ago, but as they say it's a team game and Gareth was very much part of the winning team.
Well done boys for a fantastic win, you truly deserved to bring home the silverware !
I could go on and on, every single player played with 110% commitment, we are all extremely proud of you.
Hitchin Town Youth 2 (Josh Corkhill, Liam Toomey)
Wormley Youth 0
Matt and Josh, above.
County Cup Winners 2008