U15 in SuperCup NI

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I've just watched the U15s win their first game in this year's SuperCup NI. I'll do a report on my Blog before Beddy Bies. But, first - To The Beer ....

 

[georgethecat]

I had hoped to attend but couldn't make it in the end. My dad took my wee lad though. Good start to the tournament, hopefully they can do the business tomorrow and I'm going to take in the game on weds afternoon.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U15 started their campaign in the Supercup NI Junior section against First Choice Soccer at Riada 2 in Ballymoney, another scorching day and a very good playing surface.

United took the game to their opponents , Capello with a strong run down the left hand side earned a corner, decent delivery but didn't find a red and white shirt. A second corner followed again decent delivery but nobody got anywhere near the ball. From a free kick again a searching cross found Josiah Brown who could only glance it wide of the right hand post. A tricky run followed by James Oliver, which took him beyond the defenders and the keeper managed to parry it away and a defender cleared the danger. Another corner, this time taken short didn't work the clearance was fed back in found Ryan Viggars who hit the ball against the keeper the ball spun agonizingly over the bar.

United were having the better of the game and Frankie Maguire was the next player to have a shot but it flew well over the net, Oliver again went on a mazy run but failed to find a team mate. A defenders mistake let Viggars in but w7th goalkeeper beaten it hit the foot of the post rebounded out but Brown couldn't quite get to it. A free kick in a dangerous area was wasted by Capello who volleyed it high over the bar,

First Choice were neat and tidy but didn't cause our defenders any serious problems, it was a competitive game nevertheless on balance United had the better chances but couldn't convert them, all to play for in 2nd half.

Again the Blades had the first opportunity, a free kick outside box , central Capello and Oliver stood over it Oliver took it and again didn't test the keeper. Maquire went into the book with a late tackle, which he later repeated and was lucky to stay on. Capello had been quiet but burst into action, went past the defender keeper to beat, who could only parry it into the path of Viggars who had a simple task of rolling it into the net to give United the lead. Gordon and Skerritt the two centre backs weren't giving the opposition forwards a sniff of a goal. United picked up another booking with Sean Mcevoy joining Maguire in the book.

United had a good period of possession on the left, finally the ball was knocked a defender coul only direct his header to the feet of Oliver who from the right side of the box volleyed it across the keeper into the left hand corner to give the Blades a 2-0 win.

Pemberton made two substitutions taking off Capello and Maguire off replaced by Javelle Clarke and Bailey Conway. United safely controlled the game to the final whistle to complete a good start in the competition . Tomorrow we play Club NI at Castle Rock got to have fish and chips at the seaside.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I see derryblade has posted an excellent report. My report on the Blog highlights the difficulty for Blades youngsters of having an apparently exotic name. You know. Like Diego or Angelo. Oh, and some NI Beer.

Link here

http://ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/exotic-name.html

 

[GallonofMagnet]

I see derryblade has posted an excellent report. My report on the Blog highlights the difficulty for Blades youngsters of having an apparently exotic name. You know. Like Diego or Angelo. Oh, and some NI Beer.

Link here

http://ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/exotic-name.html

Enjoying a bit of peace and quiet this time round Phil?

 

[EddieColquhoun]

Pemberton made two substitutions taking off Capello and Maguire off replaced by Javelle Clarke and Bailey Conway.

I must have missed something. I didn't know Pembo was back.

 

[BushBlade]

I must have missed something. I didn't know Pembo was back.

Max, I assume.

 

[larkymasher]

Max, I assume.

It is John Pembertons eldest son. Its not Max.

Can' remember his name but he has been coaching at the academy for quite a few years now.

 

[EddieColquhoun]

It is John Pembertons eldest son. Its not Max.

Can' remember his name but he has been coaching at the academy for quite a few years now.

Thanks larky, as ever.

Looks like it's John jnr:

https://twitter.com/johnpembojnr?lang=en

U-12s getting some press over there after a 13-0 win

 

[BushBlade]

It is John Pembertons eldest son. Its not Max.

Can' remember his name but he has been coaching at the academy for quite a few years now.

Oh, I knew it was one of his kids.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC played their 2nd game in the Super Cup NI against Club NI at Castle Rock on another sunny day on a great playing surface.

United didn't have a great start a poor clearance from England our keeper found the NI number 14 who calmly volleyed it into our goal a poor goal to concede in the first 3 minutes. NI came again and Gordon conceded a free kick outside the box and earned himself a booking, the free kick flew over the bar thankfully, United needed to dig in and get some possession. A free kick for United on the right was met by Gordon but he headed it wide of the left hand post the Blades first attempt on goal after 15 minutes. Viggers was clipped in the box but the referee saw nothing in it, the NI lad had another nibble at him outside the box which the referee awarded, the free kick found a Blade but the NI keeper scrambled it around the post for a corner, cracking chance.

NI responded with a clever free kick down the side of the wall but United cleared the danger. The game was littered with free kicks both sides guilty of late and unnecessary tackles. NI had our keeper scrambling again but the ball went past the post. Capello and Oliver swapped wings to try and create something going forward, Capello had a good position but over cooked the cross with no United player anywhere near.

United had got off to the worst possible start but slowly grew into the match but created very little certainly had to improve 2nd half.

United made a better start to the 2nd half another free kick chipped into the box created havoc, three chances to convert but couldn't score. Still on the front foot United through Capello delivered crosses into the NI area but they didn't find a Blade. Again a free kick conceded outside the box resulted in England again having to concede a corner, United we constantly giving NI opportunities .

The game continued to be littered with free kicks, this seemed to disrupt United's pattern of play while NI just got on with it. Despite this United had another golden chance another free kick three bites of the cherry to score none taken. The 9 and 14 of NI had caused our centre backs problems all day, both small in stature but not short of skill earned numerous free kicks. From one of these a tremendous shot and a good save resulted in the keeper parrying it to his left, NI were quickest to react and a delightful chip over the keeper and towards the right hand post ended up in the net and was credited to the number 10 or NI.

Long way back for United now, they needed a goal quickly, they huffed and puffed had a few good opportunities but just couldn't capitalize on them. United made two substitutions bring on Conway and Clarke to try and get back in the game. Conway showed his frustration with a late tackle, this resulted in a handbags at dawn scenario with a NI reacting to the tackle both were booked.

Overall NI took the chances United didn't, NI sharp tackling and the tactic of hunting the United player in possession in packs certainly ruffled United's feathers and they couldn't get a real foothold in the game. Important game tomorrow against Chivas Guadalajara who won their 2nd game today 4-1 against Plymouth a game we really need to win.

 

[derryblade]

Chivas Guadalajara from Mexico were SUFC next opponents, they had won their previous two games without conceding a goal at Clough near Ballymena on another sunny day but windy on another great playing surface. Two United players were missing through injuries Capello and Mcevoy leaving a very lean bench one outfielder and the reserve keeper.

Cagey start both teams having shots but didn't trouble the keepers, Holt the United 7 broke into the Chivas half and with other options available he shot high and wide over the bar. Same as yesterday United game away a free kick just outside the box, the free kick was blasted through the wall bringing a good save from the Blades keeper. United had a free kick on our right, chipped and to the annoyance of the bench a United gave away a foul. Chivas had the best chance of the half a strong run down the left resulted in a cross across the area our keeper managed to scramble the ball away off the line.

First half had very few chances to either side but was well contested by both teams.

Chivas looked to have stepped up the pace of the game, quicker passing pushing United back. A quick passing movement released the Chivas centre forward who turned his defender and forced another save from the Blades keeper.

United had to withstand a great deal of pressure but defended well as a team, they needed some possession and for the ball to stick up top but it just kept coming back, wave after wave of attacks by Chivas. Brown the full back made a great tackle when the Chivas player was bearing down on goal, another last ditch tackle sent the ball over the net rather than in it.

The Blades made a change bringing on Tyler Foster for his first game replacing Clarke who was clearly tiring having put in a tremendous shift. On a rare raid up front Viggars brought a great one handed save from the Chivas keeper , from the corner Tristan Skerritt made a strong run and powerfully headed the ball past a helpless Chivas keeper, to the great delight of the Blades players and bench.

The goal was definitely against the run of play but it gave United and another strike brought a repeat save from the keeper again finger tipped over the bar, corner wasted Chivas broke but again the Blades defence snuffed out the danger. United had to soak up more pressure but to a player they all did their jobs and saw the game out.

Hard earned victory, back to the walls on occasions but they hung in there and with the shortage of replacements on the bench it was even better result. There were some bruised and tired players at the end but they certainly celebrated a cracking win at the final whistle.

After the three games United find themselves in the SupercupNI Globe semi-finals against NC Elite tomorrow at Broughshane Ballymena.

 

[georgethecat]

I attended the game today and the detailed report above accurately reflects how the game went. Against a strong, athletic Chiva's team the young blades dug in and earned an impressive result. The highlight for me though was not the result but the attitude and warmth displayed by the staff and players towards my 7 year old lad (Noah). I had been unable to attend earlier games in the week but my dad had taken Noah on Monday and he had worn last seasons home kit with his name on the back . When we arrived at the venue shortly before kick off today we were approached by the coach ( John Pemberton Jnr?) who asked 'where's Noah?' This was despite not having had any communication with us earlier in the week! Upon spying Noah in last seasons way kit he then invited him to be team mascot for the day. Noah got the chance to lead the team out, complete the handshakes and participate in a pre game team photo. After the game the players came over to see him again to give high fives and enquire if he enjoyed himself. The staff were fantastic and took my email address and sent me some photos. The whole experience and how the players and staff conducted themselves was superb. I have sent the photos to plenty of friends on what's app and they are amazed by the way the staff and players went out of their way to make a total strangers day. Just reaffirms what a fabulous football club we have.

 

[derryblade]

Wishful thinking yesterday I put United in 2nd best trophy knockout the Globe they are actually in the Vase the third best, but still a chance to win a trophy. The semi-final was against NC Elite an American side at Broughshane Ballymena, very good pitch again, sunny but cloudy. Before kickoff Noah was introduced as the Blades mascot and had his photo took with players.

Another cagey start Elite having the first attempt on goal but was adjudged offside, United responded with a cracking shot saved well by the keeper but again offside was given that was the only action after 10 minutes. A quick break by Elite resulted in their number 9 hitting a shot that was always going wide, this was followed by a cross from our right that our keeper scrambling but Gordon was the first to react and volleyed it away.

Elite were getting a good deal of possession now moving the ball quickly looking for an opening but as yesterday the stood strong as a unit and managed to repel the attacks. United in a rare attack broke Oliver sprinted into space moved the ball to our left and quick thing by our wide player switched the ball to our right finding Holt in space, despite having two shots at goal the Elite defender managed to crowd him out and the chance had gone. 1st half of few chances but all to play for in the second half.

The blades made a substitution at half time bring on Capello who was limping yesterday but obviously was now fit to play Clarke going off after putting in a good shift. Capello had an instant affect on the game a deep corner found Foulstone running in header back across goal Gordon first to react with a header that unfortunately rebounded off the cross bar to safety. United had a setback when Maguire was unable to run off a knock and had to be replaced with McEvoy. Another good run by the left back Foulstone found him in the area to the goal line and no United player made a run to the near post and Elite cleared for the corner. From the corner which was driven in we won a header back across goal shot came in but was charged down and wacked away. Good period for United Oliver had a searching 20 yard run but then had a rush of blood to his head and volleyed well wide with players in better positions not happy with him.

again Elite picked the pace again and were now getting a lot of the 2nd balls, possibly United were feeling the effects of the game yesterday, they had a great chance to take the lead a cross and a header had our keeper at full stretch, he spilled it but quickly recovered to smother the ball. United needed a spell of possession to push Elite back, another cross by Elite had our keeper diving again pushing it away from goal and still managed to stop it going out for a corner.

Again the Blades were defending well as a unit with Elite trying to win the game before it went to penalty's. United then broke quickly down the left Elite conceded a free kick which was volleyed away for a corner. the corner was driven in and Capello making a late run crashed the ball into the net to give United the lead late in the game. The blades made another substitution Oliver clearly running on fresh air with Tyler foster coming on. Elite brought their keeper up for a corner which was surely the last action of the game, United smashed the ball up field with the keeper in our area and in a foot race the Elite defender reached the ball first ands the ref blew for time.

Great tem performance by the players dug in and grabbed the only goal, after the game yesterday it was a great effort. Tomorrow we play North Dublin SL in the final of the Vase, they won the other semi against Cherry Orchard on pens. Good luck to the lads and staff.

 

[georgethecat]

Blades comfortably won 2:0 against Dublin SL today to win the NI Supercup Vase. Across the course of the week they played 5 games, winning 4 and keeping 4 clean sheets. Well done to a involved.

 

[derryblade]

The final of the SupercupNI Vase SUFC v North Dublin SL at Riada Stadium Ballymoney, fantastic playing surface and another sunny day in Ireland unbelievable. The teams included their mascot Noah in the pre match photo shoot.

United had the first shot from a corner but flew harmlessly over the bar, Dublin responded with a free kick which went wide of the left post. The United team and coaching staff that had played at Linfield trooped into the stand to give lads some backing, Geary, Dungworth, Binnion and a few more nearly as many coaching staff as players.

Capello took a corner which found Foulstone our full back he hit a rasping shot which was charged down which he picked up but blasted it over the bar. Again Dublin responded and the number 9 shot but it flew safely over the crossbar. Oliver caught a ball that was running out for a goal kick played it back to McEvoy who played it in but couldn't find a Blade. Dublin gained a free kick just outside the area but couldn't capitalise on a good position.

From another United corner the ball again dropped to Foulstone who this time brought a decent save from the Dublin keeper. United player went on a mazy run, past a defender who grabbed his shirt outside the area the ref played an advantage but the player grabbed him again the ref was going to give a free kick outside the box but the linesman called him over and after a brief discussion the ref awarded United a penalty, which Capello took sending the keeper the wrong way to give the lads a lead just before halftime.

United had a lion's share of the possession but few chances created for either side.

The Blades started the better and a free kick by Capello found McEvoy at the back post but he couldn't direct it towards goal, the same scenario happened again from a corner but the ball was hit too hard and McEvoy was late in getting there. Dublin had a chance with their number 9 having a header which was collected by our keeper.

Another corner for the Blades, delivery had been decent and again the ball found Foulstone who volleyed over the crossbar decent chance. Gordon was booked for a late tackle on the Dublin centre forward who was always looking for the ball but wasn't getting a great deal of service. united made a change bringing on Clarke and Oliver going off he had played in all the games and always put a shift in.

Game was a bit disjointed now to many fouls breaking up the flow of the game, McEvoy was the next Blade in the book again a foul on the Dublin centre forward. Dublin made three changes in an effort to get back in the game, but it was united who created another chance, Capell caused problems on the left fed in Conway who swivelled and unluckily saw the ball rebound of the left post.

Time was running out for Dublin and when they gained a free kick just inside our half the Dublin keeper came up for it United cleared the danger and Foulstone ran onto it and from our half volleyed the ball towards the Dublin goal the defenders couldn't get back and the ball rolled into the net to the delight of the players and staff 2-0. Dublin had another corner but the Blades saw the game out to the final whistle.

Thoroughly deserved the win today and collected the Vase trophy and medals for the players. Great fortnight for SUFC the U12 won the Cup in the Foyle competition last week and now the U15 have collected the Vase trophy in the SupercupNI. Hopefully some of these players will advance to the first team, only my opinion but the U12 could provide a few but well done to all the players and staff over the last 2 weeks they have been a credit to themselves and the club.