Foyle Cup NI 2019

[derryblade]

SUFC have three teams competing in the Foyle Cup this year, planned to watch the U13 at 3pm and the U12 at 5pm, unfortunately United's bus broke down at the airport resulting in both kicking off at 5pm. Opened the Foyle Cup programme to discover all three age group squads were not listed in it, the coaching staff confirmed this was due to delay in new kit, and to make it worst there were no numbers on players shirts. Coaching staff gave me names of goal scorers when needed, not ideal but hey ho.
SUFC U13 v Killea U13 at Ardmore, weather is almost tropical. Cagey start to game, but on Utds first real attack the ball broke to Oliver Storr on edge of box who calmly slotted it into the bottom left hand corner. Utd were now well on top and had two shots flash narrowly past the post. Again good interplay between the Blades resulted in Sonny Bennett receiving the ball on the edge of the area which he dispatched into the right hand corner to make it 2-0. The movement of the Blades was causing Killea all sorts of problems, shots were peppering their goal constantly . A free kick on the edge of the box was driven into the wall, luckily the ball broke to Oliver Storr who hooked it over the keeper for the third. From the kick off Utd nicked back the ball which Brad Taylor latched onto and found the right hand corner for the fourth.
The second half continued as the 1st Blades well on top, pass and move football which Killea couldn't compete with. The corner count continued to rise, the majority played short and Killea never got to terms with. One corner resulted in the fifth goal played one two from corner laid back to edge of box for Nile Ayub to rifle into the net great strike. Good play down the right found Tobias who struck the ball into the left hand corner another well worked goal to get the 6th.
Fair play to the Killea players kept going and didn't resort to fouling the young Blades, the keeper making a good half dozen decent saves to keep the score down. One such save resulted him only parrying the ball away but Brad Taylor was on hand to tap the ball home for the seventh . Apart from a rare Killea corner it continued with the Blades pushing for further goals, but the keeper kept several attempts out and the score finished at 7-0. Controlled performance from the Blades, there will be sterner tests as the tournament continues.
The U12 also managed to win their first game 3-0 against St Oliver Pkt and the U14 play their first game tomorrow, hopefully I can report on all three games tomorrow.

 

[raul]

Always enjoy these annual reports, thank you.

 

[AnglesWithDirtyFaces]

Cheers Derry, nice report. Let's hope the lads can keep those performances up.

 

[Berkshire Blade]

A couple of kids from down here are with the blades in NI I believe. Guessing we use it for try outs.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U12v Lansdowne Boys U12 at Wilton Park another grand day for football. Slow start but Utd soon started to take hold of the game balls over the top and down both wings causing Lansdowne problems, one ball sent Kiwania away down the right he rolled it across the 6yd box for Richards to have easy tap in. Kiwania went close again before a cross by Donaldson for Kebe to score the second. One way traffic now keeper spilled the ball Blades recyled the ball to Kiwania who crossed and found Hoochy free who gleefully put the ball in the net. A great piece of play found Hoochy who did everything right except sliding it the wrong side of the post. Kiwania continued to cause problems , Utd well on top just not clinical enough, Appleyard was awarded a yellow card which was very harsh.
The Blades continued to boss the game in the 2nd half, a break down the left worked into box pushed out by keeper but Kebe reacted the quickest to slot over the line for the fourth. A clearance by Lansdowne only fell to Lemar who found the net with a rasping shot great technique 5-0. The high press by the Blades pinned their opponents in their own half for long periods and Lemar benefited from this volleying another great shot into the net to make it six. The goals continued to flow with Spence with a snap shot increasing the lead to seven. A great weaving run down the left resulted in a penalty which Kiwana dispatched into the goal for a 8-0 score line. Lansdowne kept going but struggled against the Blades movement. I apologize if the names are spelt wrongly but team sheets aren't available the official site also gave the score as 9-0, must be the sun frying my brain.

U13 and U14 reports to follow.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U13 v Draperstown U13 at Ardmore good surface for football, Blades on front foot from the start , a searching ball found a Utd player who eased it onto Burke who found the net with a easy finish for 1-0. An offside flag saved Draperstown from going two down, Blades continued to attack down both wings great interchange and movement by the lads with crosses flying across the box, just need players to time their runs better. Short corner routine, ball played to edge of box Burke again on hand to finish in top right corner to make it 2-0. Another mazy run on the left into the box drew a foul cert penalty which Ashton casually stroked home to make it 3-0. Burke again causing problems, only denied a goal by a full length save by the keeper. Good first half should be further ahead but movement and work rate top notch.
Second half began as the 1st half all Blades pressure, Coupe picked the ball up outside the area looked up and rifled an unstoppable strike into the bottom left hand corner for number four. It continued to be the same story Blades dragging their opponents all around the pitch, shots going wide or decent saves by the keeper. Good play down left side, defender turned inside out, ball fell to Coupe who calmly slotted it the net for a fifth goal. Another attack slick pass and move resulted in Burke drilling the ball home for 6-0. Draperstown battled to the end but the movement by the Blades was too much for them.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U14 v Enniskillen Ranger U14 at Brooke Park another good pitch for the players. No messing about the lads straight on the front foot , quick break down right early cross found Green who calmly stroked the ball home for a 1-0. Down the left this time, beat defender to the bye line rolled back to Clarke who found the net to increase the lead to 2-0. Attacks were constant now down both wings and down the middle Rangers were under the cosh now, Hall benefited next from a crisp move leaving him to pick his spot to make it 3-0. Lucian was the next to latch onto a fast attack which he rifled into the net with the keeper scrambling 4-0. Fidler drilled great ball for Samby who drew the keeper and slid it into the right hand corner another cool finish 5-0. Attack versus defence at the moment using the left side again, Stafford beat the fullback, Beagria like but found Waldron who's crisp shot nestled in the net for 6-0.Game already over but plenty more goals 2nd half if they want them.
Second half started as the 1st another searing move down the left, another cross, Chapman accepted and volleyed home for 7-0. Plenty of water breaks now the heat was serious, certainly affecting Rangers more than the Blades. Rangers were struggling now with the conditions and the fast interplay of Utd. Samby collected another goal 8-0. with a neat finish from a slide rule pass Samby collected another goal with an intricate move that left him with an easy tap in, a short corner routine again created space for Samby to get the 10th. Still Utd poured forward Lucian brought down in box penalty awarded, our keeper came up to take it but it must have been a "keepers union thing" as he drove it straight at the Rangers keeper.
One sided game Rangers huffed and puffed but couldn't get into the game, enjoyed the movement and work rate of the young Blades looked a great unit.
Again I apologize if the players names aren't spot on, onwards and upwards for tomorrow, as yet we haven't conceded a goal while scoring quite a few.

 

[Blade for Sale]

Sounds like the Irish teams are well below the required standard this year. 8, 9, 10-0 wins are of litle beneft to anyone, especially at the ages of 12-14. The losers are more inclined to fall out of love with the game, the winners learn the square root of fuck all.
The organisers need to have a long hard look.

 

[blademanc]

Samby sounds like a very good finisher.

 

[derryblade]

Sounds like the Irish teams are well below the required standard this year. 8, 9, 10-0 wins are of litle beneft to anyone, especially at the ages of 12-14. The losers are more inclined to fall out of love with the game, the winners learn the square root of fuck all.
The organisers need to have a long hard look.

There are over 400 teams entered over various age groups so you are going to get a difference in quality of the players, I'm sure the players will have learned something from the tournament, football wise and meeting teams from different countries. I don't think the Foyle Cup committee need to look at themselves because the tournament is growing year on year. IMO

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U12 v Willow Park U12 at Wilton Park , cloudy day but warm and dry. The Blades started quickly and the first attack of any note a move down the left hand side we managed to get a shot away agonizingly it rolled the wrong side of the post. Utd earned a corner and used the short corner move to work space the cross found Lemar rising highest to head home for 1-0. Blades continued to push forward, gained a corner and decent delivery allowed Hooch to fire the ball towards goal again missing the target. Willow came into the game , a shot past the post our keeper beaten , striker found space in box and our defender caught in possession but helped out with our keeper smothering the shot. A reminder this wasn't going to be easy, and it fired Utd into action a great spin and shot in the box by Kebe deserved a goal. From the resulting corner Richards made no mistake with a crisp volley into the roof of the net 2-0 Could have been three but a swift move by the lads resulted in Lemar just straying offside, a decent free kick had the keeper scrambling as the first half finished.
A bad start to the 2nd have, a mix up at the back resulted in a penalty to Willow which was driven home keeper no chance. That was the first goal conceded by any of the three teams, Utd responded well forcing two quick corners, a swift break by Kiwania into area keeper again managed to stop the shot and another repeat move saw the keeper do well again. Game was scrappy now both sides unable to keep possession for any length of time, credit Willow for pressing the Blades. Another decent move down the right a through ball to Lemar drove into the area gave the keeper the eyes and slotted it into the right hand corner to make it 3-1.
More of a competitive game today but they stuck at and ground out a result. Other results and goal difference will determine which Cup they will be competing for tomorrow.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U13 v Top of Hill Celtic at Lisnagelvin 1, decent playing surface again for the players. great run by Whitham from the halfway line into the box, broke to a team mate who flashed it wide. Again United probed down the right fullback beaten, keeper palmed out for a corner, deep corner Blade won the header but put it wide. From the left this time great ball Burke couldn't keep the volley down blazed over the bar decent chance that. Blades continued to press ball nicked off defender dashed into box got shot away but keeper saved with his feet. Burke had another opportunity, but shot at keeper who deflected for a corner, resulting corner straight down keepers throat. A well worked move down the left, found a pass to Storr who chipped the keeper for a deserved 1-0 lead. United finished the half the stronger pressing TOTH back.
The second half found Whitham driving at the opposition with a mazy run and gained a corner, this lad is very small in stature but is a midfield dynamo great touch and control, Utd seem to have these small players in every squad that comes to the Foyle Cup. The corner resulted in a clearance off the line, Utd picked up a yellow card as the TOTH tried to break. The lads picked up the pace again ball worked from left into box found Coupe at back post to tap in and make it 2-0. Whitham was again and found Coupe with a peach of a ball but he shot wide. Worked down left this time another searching ball found Coupe free and he slid the ball home 3-0. The left side was a proving to be profitable and another inch perfect cross found who rose above the defence to nod home a decent goal that.
Hard fought game not as free flowing as yesterday but they battled and deserved the win.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U14 vTristar FC U14 at Brooke Park, looking at the Tristar lads looked, what should I say, well built for U14 certainly been fed on top beef. Started well had first chance from a corner shot at back post hit the side netting. Utd lost ball outside our area fortunately keeper came out and gathered the ball. Free kick blasted into wall and cleared for corner nothing came of it well defended by Tristar. Samby had half a chance but blazed over, Waldron headed over from a free kick, another free kick slipped past the post. A decent move down the right led to a shot by Lucian gathered by the keeper. Tight game this one Tristar sterner opponents than yesterday, Utd working hard but final pass missing to create many openings, big second half required.
Tristar started the better a cracking shot from outside the box had the Blades keeper at full stretch to tip the ball around the post great save. Utd responded with a shot by Clarke that came of the bar, and a mass scramble in the Tristar area from a corner was beaten away by Tristar. A free kick blasted under the Tristar was cleared from the 6 yd line. Tristar were getting into the game and frustrating Utd. ATristar free kick looked as if it was going out on the left side goal line, but somehow it was hooked back over the keeper to back post were a Tristar player gleefully tapped it in to give them the lead. That shook the Blades, but they nearly levelled from downward header by Dickinson that bounced narrowly over the bar, a snap by Clarke that the keeper gratefully clutched to his chest. Lads really pressing now another almighty scrabble in Tristars area was forced out of the area a cracking chip into the area found Waldron rising highest to nod down into bottom left corner, to level the scores at 1-1. The Blades were pushing for the winner and with time running out it needed to be quick, corner for Utd headed well out of box drops to Dickenson who with great technique volleyed into the left corner to send his team mates crazy and give Utd a 2-1 league, seconds later the whistle blew phew that was close. Good test for the players, Tristar pushed them hard throughout the game.

 

[derryblade]

U12/U13 teams have advanced to the Foyle Cup group which is the major trophy:

SUFC U12 v Oxford Utd at 1pm Thursday

SUFC U13 v Tristar FC at 3pm Thursday

SUFC U14 play their 3rd league game tomorrow before they enter the knockout stage.

 

[8lade]

Be interested to hear your evaluation of the physique of the Tristar U13s!

 

[Oreyt]

Derry Goals.

I'm sorry, I'm up at 5:38 and my pun-filter hasn't kicked in yet.

Thanks for these, an interesting read

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U12 v Oxford Utd U12 at Prehen 2, another decent playing surface, cloudy with a fresh breeze.
Utd had the first attempt a goal Lemar flashing the ball just wide, gained a corner next attack but unable to fashion a chance. Oxford were getting some joy down our right, gained a free kick and the shot was saved at the foot of the near post by the keepers feet. Decent break down the right ended with cross but Kebe was beaten to the ball by the keeper. Both teams were struggling to put any decent passages of play together and were cancelling each other out. Oxford created the next two chances a shot blocked by Utd defender diving to beat it away and another shot on target smothered by the keeper. Blades need to pick it up second half.
We didn't start well caught in possession the Oxford player was unlucky to see it go wide of the far post. The game continued to be scrappy Utd struggling to create any decent chances. The frustration of the players resulted in Hooch of the Blades earning a yellow card for accumulated fouls. We managed to have a break down the right the shot bounced past the far post, a couple of corners from which nothing materialized and that was it. Credit must go to Oxford they stopped the Blades playing. Oxford had a free kick palmed over by our keeper for corner, we weren't switched on for short corner and the Oxford chipped the ball over the keeper into the net 0-1. United huffed and puffed but from another corner we headed over and that was that.
The lads put the effort in but just couldn't get any momentum, two more games to play to finish as high as they can now which would be fourth.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U13 v Tristar U13 at Ardmore, warm, overcast great pitch as usual at Ardmore.
Some of these Tristar lads are certainly well developed, porridge, best lamb and potato diet at work I think. Early trading of punches both ending in shots well wide of the target. Tristar had a corner and header just wide and a free kick from the halfway line that Hamilton had to palm over for a corner. United worked themselves into the game, a corner cleared by Tristar and a snap shot by Whitham just wide, followed by a Storr shot that flashed wide after a good passage of play. Tristar again tried to score from the halfway line but Hamilton took the shot into his arms. Cagey first half even game need more 2nd half.
United started on the front foot probing down both wings, but unable to find that final pass. Again down the right good interchange fed Ashton who found space looked up and smashed into the right hand side of the goal 1-0. You are always vulnerable after scoring , Tristar corner, knocked deep to use their height advantage, half cleared but fell kindly to a Tristar player who bundled it across the line 1-1. End to end now but neither side could fashion a clear chance, and whistle goes no extra time straight to penalties.
The Blades keeper is Bailey Hamilton, United take first pen.
Sam Ashton beats keeper easily Tristar score
Jack Wilson scores Tristar blaze it over
Nile Ajub nice score Tristar score
Sonney Bennett cool finish Tristar score
Cole Whitham puts it wide, ref orders retake Whitham scores
Game won on penalties after retake lineswoman spotted infringement by keeper so we move to the semi=final of Foyle Cup phew!!

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U14 v Lisburn U14 at Lettershandoney another bowling green to play on still cloudy but wind picking up,
Blades straight on it first attack down right crossed fed to left crossed in again where Clarke twisted and turned created space and rifled it into right hand corner. Instantly United misplace a pass back to the keeper who was wrong footed, the ball rolled goal wards the keeper scrambled to keep it out but the ball crossed the line for 1-1. United came back strongly good work down the left, corner knocked deep free header for Dickenson but couldn't find the net good chance. Waldron was making some great runs from centre back into the Lisburn half just needed that final pass. All one way traffic now, Lisburn's only outlet long ball to centre forward who to be fair held it up but lacked support. Dickinson had another header but couldn't get it on target, we had plenty of the ball and good movement just that final decision making.
Waldron continued to drive forward from the back good pass into box instant shot but palmed away for the corner, great delivery and Waldron rose highest to head home to complete a cracking individual display and putting United 2-1 up. The Blades continued to press forward looking for more goals but always looked solid at the back and in midfield, never really in any danger just that sharpness up top missing but thoroughly deserved win and move into the Foyle Cup knockout stages.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U12 v Limavady U12 1pm at Killea
SUFC U13 v Dundee Utd 3pm Ardmore

SUFC UI4 have two games tomorrow

SUFC U14 v Hibernian FC U14 at 11am Templemore Swilly the result will determine who they play at 5pm need to win to have a chance of winning the Foyle Cup wont be easy.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U14 V Hibernian FC U14 at Templemore Swilly, great playing surface and a big pitch,weather dry great breeze,
Straight away the Blades were at it, break down the left first time cross pushed away but Samby collected the ball and slotted the ball home 1-0. Hibs reacted but could only blaze the bar over the bar. Blades free kick picked out Waldron but he couldn't keep the header down and it flew over the bar. Another free kick to Utd and a yellow card for the Hibs player, knocked into the area and cleared but Dickinson latched onto the loose ball and buried it the net neat finish for 2-0. Hibs free kick header cleared for corner, Utd keeper made a great take to relieve the danger, and his quick throw out and the resulting pass sent Alex away who danced past the defender and calmly made it 3-0. All attacks coming from the Blades now down both flanks. Great control from Alex waltzing past defenders with ease set up another chance but saved by keeper, tremendous half by United well worth the lead.
Slow start by both teams, Utd gaining two corners but couldn't create a shot. Blades hadn't been under any sort of danger but a mix up between keeper and defender let Hibs player in and accepted the gift to make it 3-1. Samby earned a yellow card, strange decision just a battle for the ball. Alex was lively again earning a corner, initially cleared, ball worked to Kiwani who looked up an chipped the keeper to restore the three goal lead 4-1. Another corner earned by Kiwani knocked in by Clarke Dickinson rose but put it wide. United saw the rest of the game out no major scares and progress to the semi-final which will be played at 5 pm today.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U12 v Limavady Utd U12 at Killea in Southern Ireland, another fantastic playing surface for the players.
Blades need a good performance after yesterday and they started brightly a run down the left to bye line but cross beaten away, Noah gained a free kick on the edge of the box but was smashed into the wall. United making all the running, plenty of deliveries into the box but nobody getting on the end of them. Another shot from a free kick palmed away by keeper, and the second ball fell to United but the shot drifted past the back post. Dylan had the next attempt but again it went agonizingly wide of the post, a decent save by the Limavady keeper stopped the Blades again then an almighty scramble in the box ended with Limavady clearing their lines. Good half just that final third not happening need a good 2nd half.
Continued pushing forward in the 2nd half, but all the decent play up to the opposition penalty area it was the shooting that was letting the team down . They kept at it and two successive shots were cleared off the line it really looked as if it wouldn't happen. Another two corners followed header cleared off the line, the second one Lamar managed to force the ball over the line for 1-0. The lads just needed to manage the game out now and earn a deserved win. They finished the game strongly a much better performance than yesterday, one more game tomorrow be great for the lads to finish with another win.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U13 v Dundee Utd U13 at Ardmore sunny slight breeze.
We had free kick on the right, cleared by Dundee who broke quickly and Hamilton made a very good save to deny them. Ashton replied for Utd with a free kick which sailed over the bar. we nicked possession high up the pitch but the final pass just wasn't happening. United had two shots on the Dundee goal unfortunately both the wrong side of the post. Both teams were very competitive and the foul count was rising. United had successive corners both couldn't produce a strike at goal. Dundee corner produced a header into ground that went just over the bar. Both teams had promising periods of play but both suffered from being unable to find a final pass that would result in a decent chance.
Started briskly two shots charged down in Dundee area, just not finding that yard of space to get a clear shot away. We continued to give free kicks away in dangerous areas a deep free kick we failed to completely clear and a Dundee player pounced on it to rifle it in the net to give them a 1-0 lead. The goal seemed to rattle the lads and the game became very physical , three yellow card followed an incident two for Dundee and one for Ashton. Minutes later Ashton was taken off he needed to calm down or red would soon follow. Blades had lost their composure rather than play their football they got involved in a battle. Hamilton the United keeper kept them in the game with a very good save.
Controversy near the end of the game ball knocked into Dundee area keeper seemed to catch it then spilt it Brandon appeared to his body between the ball and the keeper, who appeared to go through Brandon in an attempt to get the ball, to sum the day up the referee the calls for a penalty away. The whistle went minutes later, Dundee celebrated reaching the Foyle Cup final. Hard on the lads who have had a good tournament but will have learnt a lesson today, need to pick themselves up for tomorrow and finish with a victory.

 

[diode_blade]

Thanks for the reports Derry.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U14 v Global Premier Soccer (America) at Templemore Swilly,
SUFC U14 second game of the day win this and they will be in the Foyle Cup U14 final which will be played at 1pm at the Brandywell home of Derry City FC.
The usual start by this team very fast out of the traps, down the left great interplay fed Lucian in who turned the fullback and found the corner to put the Blades 1-0 and settle any nerves they might have had. Continued to be United setting the tempo, corner on right pumped to back post Dickenson stooped to nod the ball against the post and away, great chance. United were pressing GPS all over the pitch giving them no time to settle and get a foothold in the game. Blades were causing GPS major problems Waldron had a header cleared off the line. A great piece of opportunism save Clarke pick the ball up just inside GPS half saw keeper of line chipped him and with the hard ground it bounced just over the bar, cracking attempt. Clarke again drove at the back four only a last ditch tackle prevented him scoring. The corner routine again reaped benefits, this time Waldron back stick powered the ball home to give the Blades at 2-0 cushion. at halftime.
United started as they finished Alex a great piece of skill a cheeky nutmeg and a spin away from defender and smashing a shot the keeper palmed away for a corner. GPS seeing more of the ball but any danger and the defence closed the door. A case of good game management by Utd now, stifling GPS of any opportunities, as soon as I wrote that GPS had a shot turned around the post for a corner, and another shot he spilled but grabbed back decent saves as he had little to do. United picked it up again Clarke one on one with keeper who managed to smother it, Samby run earned corner. Another corner by Clarke took short Dickinson turned around the defender blocked at foot of post, Clarke had another shot saved by GPS keeper and the whistle blew.
Great team performance, controlled the game and ran out worthy winners, to play two games in a day and maintain a great level of performance is a credit to the players. I have really enjoyed watching the U14 play hopefully they can lift the Foyle Cup U14 trophy tomorrow at the Brandywell.

 

[derryblade]

Saturday games:

SUFC U13 v Derry City at 10 am Killea (can't get to this one because of other kick off times)

SUFC U12 v Top Hill Celtic Lisnagelvin 2 at 11am

SUFC U14 v Wolves U14 Brandywell at 1pm CUP FINAL really looking forward to that one

The U12/U13 need to win to finish as high as they can in the Foyle Cup good luck to all the teams.

 

[derryblade]

A couple of kids from down here are with the blades in NI I believe. Guessing we use it for try outs.

They play for the U14 Alex and George that's the only info I can get, George plays midfield not the biggest but a good engine and good on the ball, Alex plays up front very pacey, plenty of tricks, good shot and likes a nutmeg both have played very well. George had to come off in the Friday night game and had ice pack on a knee hope he recovers for Saturday.

 

[derryblade]

Final day of the Foyle tournament in Derry, couldn't get to the U13 due to the kick off time, unfortunately they lost 2-1 to Derry City so ended with back to back defeats, pity as they had performed at a high level up to the knockout stages . Reaching the Foyle Cup knockout stage is impressive, credit to the lads and coaches. Hopefully they will come back next year and progress further.
SUFCU12 v Top of The Hill Celtic U12 at Lisnagelvin 2 decent pitch dry day .
Blades started on the front foot, three quick strikes on goal none really testing the keeper. Another break down left shot by Tyler but keeper took ball in his chest, Kebe and Noah linked up releasing Hooch who fired the ball goal wards the ball nestled in the far corner of the net 1-0. All Utd pressure now Hooch with a snap shot just wide and Kebe had a goal bound shot deflected for a corner. Better from the lads today, just need to be a more clinical in the final third. Hooch found Kebe with a smart pass to Noah who was crowded out just as he was about to shoot. Much better controlled the game and were tight at the back when TOTH threatened .
Second half started with both teams struggling to string two passes together. Lemar was seeing lots of ball and was drawing fouls and free kicks from the TOTH players. Finally a good move by Utd, worked through and a driving run, found Candy who with delight full chip over the keeper found the net to put the Blades 2-0 up. Mason was doing some cracking work in midfield and earned a free kick just outside the area which Lemar fancied it but struck it over the bar. Lemar caused problems, another free kick better delivery but Candy with scissor kick couldn't keep it down. Again Lemar with a mazy run into box drew a foul penalty, Lemar grabbed the ball and drove it home, keeper got hand to it but power beat him 3-0. Two corners gained by Utd second one clawed off the line and the game finished.
The U12 last two games have been better, more control just need to find that consistency for the full game, overall a decent tournament and to reach the Foyle Cup knockout section is a credit to the players and coaching staff.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U14 v Wolves U14 at the Brandywell home of Derry City all purpose pitch and plenty of space to play football. This the big one, the majority of this team won the U13 Foyle Cup last year so I'm sure they want their name on the U14 roll of honour.
Four of the Wolves were man mountains a good head taller than our biggest player Dickinson, probably a diet of Staffordshire Oatcakes, Faggots and tasty Balti's.
Conceded a corner straight away, not a wise decision with the Wolves height advantage, but Flax the keeper claimed it and took the pressure off. Another corner conceded again Flax grabbed it spilled it but reclaimed it at the 2nd attempt phew. Blades growing into it Samby nicked the ball off the fullback fed the ball into Clarke who had a look and whacked the ball into the top left corner of the net a cracking score and well appreciated by a decent crowd, 1-0. The Wolves number was causing problems for our back linking well with the number 11, free kick conceded by Utd, neat flick by 9 but keeper guessed right and smothered it, Samby was causing problems down the right, turned inside to Alex who swivels and knocks it just over the bar. Wolves broke a speed number 11, Waldron jockeyed him wide not diving in, laid back shot headed off line fell to 9 who thankfully blazed it over the bar. Fantastic game end to end and some great skill from both sets of player, Wolves 9 was giving Waldron a serious test but he continued to stick at it. Blades next ball played to Chappie to Alex slipped inside to Marley who found the right hand corner to give Utd a valuable 2-0 lead coming up to the break. Wolves broke through midfield and the 9,11 combination of Wolves played a sublime 1/2 past our centre backs and scored 2-1 game on, whistle blew seconds later for halftime.
Wolves started the stronger obviously elated by the goal before the break, Wolves free kick on right fisted away by Flax. Ashton on for Samby, probably to tighten it up a bit, but Wolves created a similar move to their first goal, cutting through our centre defence with 11 curling a shot into the right side of our 2-2 game certainly on now. Utd came back strongly again Clarke at the centre of it, chipped ball to far stick pushed inside by Lucian but Alex had just strayed offside. Clarke again first to ball, early shot found Wolves off balance but he managed to get a hand on it to deflect it past the post. Both going for the winner , corner Wolves good fist by Utd keeper, Ashton had free kick pushed away by Wolves keeper, recycled ball found us offside. Wolves now another shot saved by keeper, corner cleared by Clarke coming back to help out. Two really good sides trading punches now to avoid penalties , Wolves attack Samby headed clear all hands to the pumps, Utd had the final attack swift break finishing with a shot and save and that's the end of the game penalties now.
Blades keeper Flax Utd to take first penalty.
Dickenson (captain) scores good pen Wolves 11 saved by Flax
Lucian blazes over bar Wolves16 scores
Ashton is U13 scores cool pen Wolves 4 saved by Flax
Waldron scores in corner no saving that Wolves 6 scored
Chappie scores nerves of steel and sends the team into celebration mode SUFC Foyle Cup U14 champions.
Fantastic game of football which both teams contributed to and the large crowd thoroughly enjoyed. Some great skill and work rate on show, good goals and the added excitement of a penalty shootout what more do you want. Been a great tournament three teams reached their respective age group Foyle Cup playoffs and we had a Cup winner promising. That's it then for another year, next week I can just be a spectator at the Milk Cup.
Also a big thank you to the families of the players and the coaching staff who provided me with names of the players to help me write these reports and finally a safe journey home for players, family and SUFC staff hopefully we can do it all again next year.

 

[blademanc]

Thanks very much for the detailed reports Derry,Great day for the young Blades-and sounds like there have been some very good individual performances ,Reading between the lines Cole Whittam-James Waldron,Samby and Alex did well amongst others.

Hope fully more than a few will progress to get scholarships.