NOT THIS TIME

Subs

• Stanley

• Stokes

• Hay

• Cardall

A terrific day all round for everybody concerned with the Ravens under 14s.  The result may not have been quite the fairy tale ending that we were hoping for but all of our players gave their all against Central Warwickshire ’s best.

The build up to the game was as tense as it could be possibly be.  I woke up nervous for the 1st time since I quit playing.  It was a new experience for me as it was to most of our players.  The lads seemed to enjoy the little touches that were put into place to make this day memorable.  The coach ride was fun and Bill, Zena, Tracy and Co had worked wonders with the dressing room.

The warm ups were over and whilst naming the team 5 minutes before kick off it became very obvious that the vast majority of our players were suffering very badly with nerves.

This was then reflected at the whistle when for 5 or 10 minutes we were running around like headless chickens.  Often missing or slicing the ball.  The adrenalin was simply too much for us in our 1st final against a Cadbury team that play these big games every season.  A goal looked inevitable and it came when we missed a few clearances before the ball was knocked across the box for a simple tap in.

We continued to struggle but battled away commendable until the 2nd goal went in.  A long throw bounced in our box and the forward chested and volley into the net.  The subs bench looked as nervous as the pitch itself so I decided to throw a few on to get all of our squad into the game.  This did pay off to the extent that we started to play more in the opposing half.  Sonny and Ryan linked with Dylan and Mark had a couple of shots from distance.

At half time the nerves had gone and our lads believed that they could get back into it.  Our player’s response was tremendous and we started to look more like the team that had had many big match wins this season.  Dayle and Halloran were imposing themselves on the match.  Rob had kick started himself into the middle battle and we were now winning the 50 50s and headers.  Cadbury seemed unsettled and eventually our pressure paid.  Graham’s through ball saw Halloran volley a cracker past the keeper. 2-1.

We continued to press and the belief and football grew all of the time.  Long range shots were off target but we were playing the game in the Cadbury half.  Cadburys always looked good on the break and it was a shame that we conceded the 3rd goal when the game was starting to get interested.  A long ball set the Cadbury player free.  He scored and I was told by several people shortly after that he was offside by a distance. 3-1 and the game petered out to its inevitable end.

If we are honest Cadbury deserved their win but I have to praise our lads for the way that they competed for every tackle until the very end.

This time it wasn’t to be but without the nervous start I felt we competed on an even keel with the best team around.  Cadbury were very complimentary about our players and supporters and I believe that we will be a welcome addition to the Premier Division.  We can look forward to more battles like this one on a more regular basis next season.  I for one can’t wait to have another crack at them.

Steve