Under 14’s - Round 3

Harpfield FC 1 Shire Oak Saints Strikers 2

Shire Oak Saints Strikers following a strong start in Division 1 of the Lichfield & District Recreational League, continued to raise performance levels and knock out Harpfield, the U.K National Champions (2006 Tesco Cup) - from the Cheadle League, in a game played in great spirit by the players and parents of both sides.

The first 10 minutes was totally dominated by Harpfield but some dogged defending allowed Strikers to gain confidence whilst the score remained 0 – 0. Strikers self belief increased even further after creating several good chances and restricting Harpfield to one or two long range efforts late in the first half which Strikers goalkeeper, Terry Gunn collected safely.

Going in at half time 0 – 0, both sides new they had a challenge on but it was the strikers determination that finally broke the deadlock with 15 minutes to go. The move started in midfield when a 50/50 ball was won by Dave Meddings and came out to Ryan Jobbins wide on the right who played the ball upto James “The Assassin” Middleton whose exquisite first touch allowed him to round two defenders and calmly beat the Harpfield’s goalkeeper.

Immediately after, Harpfield a team not use to defeat, piled on the pressure and would have equalized almost immediately if it wasn’t for a fine one handed save at the base of the right post by Strikers keeper. The continued Harpfield pressure was finally rewarded when a lose ball, just on the edge of the six yard box was stroked into the corner of the Strikers net on 60 minutes.

As play settled following the restart, extra time looked a distinct possibility, however, Strikers Jermaine Lewis on 65 minutes thought otherwise and unleashed a powerful shot following a cross pitch run which was too much for the Harpfield goalkeeper to keep out.

Strong performances from Jarred Goulbourne, Luke Rogers (M.O.M) in midfield and Gino Engle(Merit Award) in defence were key to Strikers win all but a match saving tackle by Brad Trowman in the dying moments.