Foyle Cup

[derryblade]

Sheffield United U12 started their Foyle Cup campaign against Institute FC U12 at Wilton Park in Derry. The young lads had a beautiful pitch and a sunny day for their first game, water breaks would be the order of the day as it was very warm.

Unfortunately same as last year the players had no numbers on their shirts which made identifying them a problem, I was told last year it was down to making it difficult for scouts to identify our young talent. Seems pointless as the Foyle Cup programme lists all the players names, so I apologize if I get the young lads names wrong or can't identify all the scorers.

United were quickly into their stride and within two minutes Abdul Rasheed was fed in down the right hand side and slotted the ball into the left hand corner. They piled on the pressure and a surging run by a midfield runner took him into the box and he slide the ball in the net again to the left, apologize for not getting his name. The Blades pinned their opponents in their half, the movement and quick passing was causing Institute lots of problems and was a joy to watch. The chances kept coming and a delightful volley from outside the box by Lucien Mahova left the goalkeeper with no chance making it 3-0. A string of through balls from our dominant midfield which Abdul Rasheed latched onto added another three goals before halftime. Institute kept plugging away but created very little in the first half and couldn't cope with our movement, 6-0 at halftime was a tremendous team performance.

The 2nd half continued in the same manner, Abdul Rasheed the provider this time as he set up a chance for the substitute Kurt Havenhand who again put it in the net. The pressure increased despite the heat and chances kept coming, a well worked corner deserved a goal but went narrowly over the bar. The 8th goal came soon after a delightful chip from outside the box by Cole Whitham, a combative midfield player with an eye for a pass, who must be under 5 foot tall. As Institute ran out of gas United powered on clearly wanting more goals. These quickly followed with a hat trick from Llyton Chapman to make it 11-0, which he seemed to enjoy. George Colton added the 12th with a well taken goal and in the last minute the Blades made it 13-0.

Great team performance and despite the heat they never took their foot of the pedal, Institute battled but United's movement and organization never gave them a foothold in the match at any point. South Donegal SB are tomorrows opponents and if past years are a guide they usually have decent teams so it may be a closer game

 

[Boxer Blade]

Cheers Derry, did it have a player called Green on the list, good pal's nephew, was at Wendy some years ago but went to the blades because of the better set up, dad,uncle and grandad all Wendy as well! Good read pal, thanks for taking the time.

 

[Blade58]

Only seems 5 mins ago you were reporting on last years competition Derry

 

[Tyler Durden]

Sheffield United U12 started their Foyle Cup campaign against Institute FC U12 at Wilton Park in Derry. The young lads had a beautiful pitch and a sunny day for their first game, water breaks would be the order of the day as it was very warm.

Unfortunately same as last year the players had no numbers on their shirts which made identifying them a problem, I was told last year it was down to making it difficult for scouts to identify our young talent. Seems pointless as the Foyle Cup programme lists all the players names, so I apologize if I get the young lads names wrong or can't identify all the scorers.

United were quickly into their stride and within two minutes Abdul Rasheed was fed in down the right hand side and slotted the ball into the left hand corner. They piled on the pressure and a surging run by a midfield runner took him into the box and he slide the ball in the net again to the left, apologize for not getting his name. The Blades pinned their opponents in their half, the movement and quick passing was causing Institute lots of problems and was a joy to watch. The chances kept coming and a delightful volley from outside the box by Lucien Mahova left the goalkeeper with no chance making it 3-0. A string of through balls from our dominant midfield which Abdul Rasheed latched onto added another three goals before halftime. Institute kept plugging away but created very little in the first half and couldn't cope with our movement, 6-0 at halftime was a tremendous team performance.

The 2nd half continued in the same manner, Abdul Rasheed the provider this time as he set up a chance for the substitute Kurt Havenhand who again put it in the net. The pressure increased despite the heat and chances kept coming, a well worked corner deserved a goal but went narrowly over the bar. The 8th goal came soon after a delightful chip from outside the box by Cole Whitham, a combative midfield player with an eye for a pass, who must be under 5 foot tall. As Institute ran out of gas United powered on clearly wanting more goals. These quickly followed with a hat trick from Llyton Chapman to make it 11-0, which he seemed to enjoy. George Colton added the 12th with a well taken goal and in the last minute the Blades made it 13-0.

Great team performance and despite the heat they never took their foot of the pedal, Institute battled but United's movement and organization never gave them a foothold in the match at any point. South Donegal SB are tomorrows opponents and if past years are a guide they usually have decent teams so it may be a closer game

Any idea when the Brandywell reopens? Been wanting to tick that one off for a while.

 

[derryblade]

There isn't a Green in the programme maybe he plays in a different age group.

The Brandywell closed in November 2016 they are saying it will take 12 months, but with Irish weather I think that's optimistic.

 

[derryblade]

SUFC U12 played their 2nd game in the Foyle Cup at Brooke Park on the Creggan in Derry against South Donegal SB another great pitch to play football on. The 7pm kickoff was an advantage as the sun had disappeared behind the clouds and there was a refreshing breeze it had been scorching all day.

The match was more competitive than the Blades first game a lot of battles in midfield with nobody taking control. The first chance fell to the Blades, fed in by Harrison Iwunze Lucien Mahovo blazed it over the bar a good opportunity not taken. As in the first game United employed a short corner worked the ball to Mahovo who this time made no mistake and drove into the goal a well worked set play.

With the lads taking hold the midfield now a cracking through ball left Mahovo one on one with the keeper who could only parry the ball away falling to Abdul Rasheed who calmly rolled the ball into the net for 2-0. With United dominating the ball another shot had the scrambling the ball away again it fell to a United player Harrison Iwunze who smashed it into the left hand corner to increase the Blades lead to 3-0.

Certainly a more combative half Donegal battled but created very little apart from our goalkeeper having a clearance charged down which spun over the bar United weren't troubled defensively.

Mahovo continued to cause problems for Donegal his direct running forcing a free kick on the edge of the box, the free kick looked to have been wasted but Mahovao won a tackle drove into the box a defender left a foot in and the ref gave the spot kick much to the annoyance of the Donegal bench who thought they should have had a penalty 2 minutes earlier. Mahovo stepped up and sent the goal keeper the wrong way to cap a fine display by the lad and make it 4-0.

United had other chances a cracking shot by Colton brought a decent save from the goalkeeper again United picked up the 2nd ball but Rasheed blazed it over. United saw the game out with Havenhand bringing out another save from the Donegal keeper.

Overall a decent performance, clean sheet tomorrow we play Dungannon Utd who have also won their first two games so it will decides who finishes top of group C and who we play in the knockout stages of the competition .

 

[derryblade]

Normal Irish weather returned for United's third game against Dungannon United, soft rain as it's known in Derry I'd describe it as pouring down. The game was played at Lisnagelvin 3, another pitch with a decent pitch a credit to the organizers, the rain would give the ball that extra zip.

A cagey start by both sides testing each other out, both sides were unbeaten so far and yet to concede a goal so it wasn't a surprise but something had to give. United had the first attempts on goal by Wilson one he put over the bar the other blocked. This seemed to spur Dungannon into action and they pinned the Blades back, they had two shots cleared off the line by United may be we had a bit of luck but we had defenders in the right positions to clear.

United dragged themselves back into the game, Colton collected the ball on the right drove at the fullback went inside the box and was clipped, Referee pointed to the spot, Mahovo stepped up and fired the ball into the bottom corner first blood to the Blades in a tight game. The goal had settled the lads down and they had more control of the ball now. Chapman had a shot easily by the keeper but in the next attack a pinpoint pass by Chapman found Rasheed down the right who outpaced the defender and calmly put it in the net to double the score much to the delight of the players and bench.

Dungannon responded with a strike that thankfully went wide of our left hand post with our goalkeeper well beaten. As the half came to an end Rasheed had a great opportunity to kill the game but the keeper scrabbled it out for a corner. Competitive first half both teams trying to win the game United the more clinical in taking their chances had the edge.

The Blades came out of the traps a lot quicker in the 2nd half and seemed to be controlling the game as the rain continued to fall. The Dungannon keeper failed to hold a shot spilling it Chapman couldn't convert the ball rebounded to Havenhand who chipped the ball toward the goal, the keeper palmed iit out but the ball fell to Rasheed who reacted the quickest to slide the ball into the net for 3-0. The Blades didn't relax and when a clearance was charged down the ball was worked to Rasheed who turned provider and laid it on for Chapman to volley the ball past the keeper to settle the game 4-0.

Very good game United didn't have it all their own way but dug in when they had to and continued to play their football at a high tempo and didn't ease up from start to finish, 21 goals scored without conceding one says they are well organised. Tomorrow they play the winners of group F.

 

[Harry's Game]

Foyle's War.

 

[BushBlade]

Only Foyles and Horses

 

[SheepdipBlade]

Ey up DB. Is there any lingering warmth towards the Blades in the city - given the history between us and Derry City and Institute?

 

[derryblade]

Sunny but cooler day for SUFC v Letterkenny and District at Lisnagelvin 1 in Derry on another good playing surface. United took the game to their opponents Mahovo playing in Rasheed who drove into the area past two defenders and laid it across the 18yd box with no Blade there wrong option should have taken the shot. Mahovo was involved in all the early moves and had the first strike easily collected by the keeper.

United conceded their first goal in the competition , an unnecessary free kick given away near our left hand corner flag, free kick knocked in United player headed it backwards it fell to their number 11 who drove it through defenders and keeper to give Letterkenny the lead.

This setback seemed to give the lads a kick up the backside as the swarmed around the Letterkenny area, Chapman volleyed over and Rasheed did the same from good positions. Rasheed latched onto another good through ball managed to reach the ball before the keeper to roll it in the net to draw us level. United were really bossing the game now two chances fell to Rasheed but his firdt touch let him down and the chances went.

Rasheed turned provider another surging run took him into the area he rolled it across to Mahovo who joyfully slammed it into the bottom left hand corner. Rasheed collected a booking for a foul on the keeper, but minutes later he benefited from a excellent run by Havenhand who put him in to finish in the bottom left hand corner to increase the lead.

After the setback of conceding United took hold of the game and controlled o the end of the half.

In the 2nd half United took a stranglehold of the game, the game was made safe when Chapman capitalized on a poor clearance and beat the keeper to make it 4-1. Letterkenny had half chance when a clearance was charged down but the chance was put over the bar.

A turn and shot by Chapman pulled out a good parry from the keeper, from the corner Chapman headed into the roof of the net to make it 5-1. While talking to an Irish Leeds fan, I unfortunately missed the 6th goal for United I apologize.

Disappointing to concede a goal but it was another fantastic performance, movement, tempo and desire even when playing their 4th game in warm conditions. Tomorrow they play Derry Colts in the semi-final of the Foyle Cup, Derry also conceded their first goal today so on paper it should be a decent contest.

 

[Maidenhead]

derryblade you're doing a great job.

Much appreciated

 

[derryblade]

Ey up DB. Is there any lingering warmth towards the Blades in the city - given the history between us and Derry City and Institute?

The majority of people I have spoken to are unaware of the connection I have educated them. The interest in football is confined to Man Utd, Liverpool, Celtic, Rangers and so on, the Gaelic football is probably better supported in Ireland than the football.

 

[derryblade]

Another sunny but windy day greeted SUFC as they faced Derry Colts in the semi-final of the Foyle Cup at Thornhill College 1 in Derry, the pitch again was in great condition to play football.

United started brightly and Iwunze had a shot sail over the bar. From our first corner Havenhand had a decent opportunity cleared off the line, Rasheed then broke clear set up Havenhand who couldn't sort his feet out and the chance was gone. United were certainly up for this game, a clearance was charged down it fell to Colton who took the shot to early the shot no problem to the Derry keeper. Another good run by the right back Iwunze earned the team a corner which came to nothing, from another attack United had as hot turned behind for another corner all United at the moment. From the goal kick United won the ball a great ball put Rasheed through he beat the keeper to the ball and to the teams delight he slid the ball into the net to give the Blades a well deserved lead.

Sam Riley at centre bank was marshalling the defence and restricting the Derry attacking threat. Iwunze was having a cracking game from right back defensively and going forward, another cross earned a corner, the delivery from Mahovo was begging for someone to get on the end of it as flew across the goal mouth. Iwunze knocked another cracking cross in this time Havenhand latched onto the ball and powered it in to the right corner to give United that important 2nd goal.

United finished the half strong two more corners were gained the second a rehearsed routine which resulted in a chip to the top left hand corner of the goal which had the Derry keeper back peddling and he somehow palmed it over.

Tremendous half by the young Blades, controlled the game for long periods and used the possession to create lots of attacking opportunities , 2-0 was the least they deserved.

United continued in the second half as they finished the first, progressive controlled football. Derry had a rare corner and as if to illustrate the confidence in the squad the United defender calmly nodded it back to our keeper. A searching run by Colton took him past several Derry his pass found Rasheed who found the net to give United a deserved 3-0 lead. The Blades gained a penalty, the game was slipping away from Derry, Whitham the smallest player in the squad, a Blade told me he was 11, thought he looked younger, he stepped up and volleyed the ball into the roof of the net cracking penalty, 4-0.

A tremendous piece of football followed, fast one touch football moved the ball from our half into the Derry box which Mahovo converted to finish a impressive team goal 5-0. Derry managed to pull a goal back with a delightful chip over the United keeper 5-1. Pemberton the coach wasn't happy we gave the lad the space and time to score, but with time running down the game was safe.

Another fine display from the young Blades, that's five games in 5 days in pretty hot conditions so full credit to them, the Blade I was talking to said they normally play on a half size pitch and 7 aside 20 minutes not 25 minutes each way so well done to them.

Tomorrow we play B Peacock YL in the final of the Foyle Cup U12 at 1-30 best of luck to the squad and coaching staff

 

[Rusty view]

Winners....and on pens as well

 

[derryblade]

The U12 Foyle Cup final between SUFC and Bertie Peacock YL U12 took place at Ardmore just outside Derry another sunny day on another great playing surface. The referee asked the players to march towards the pitch each team alongside each other, nice touch.

Another good start by the Blades, intricate play in midfield released Havenhand in the area which he fired towards goal the keeper saving with his feet. Wilson again released Havenhand with a neat pass, the cross cleared for a throw in. great one touch football found Havenhand again this time he made no mistake and fired United in front good start 1-0.

B Peacock responded with a neat move ending in a cross and shot which our keeper cleared with his feet. Rasheed replied with a surging run but was unable to find a team mate in the box. The game was pretty even now B Peacock having a decent amount of possession but not really troubling our goal.

Iwunze the right back was causing problems with his long throws a snap shot by Rasheed went sailing over the bar. United came again and gained a free kick on the right hand side just outside the box, Havenhand launched it to the back post and from the 2nd ball Rasheed was first to react and rolled it into the net for 2-0. The number 9 for B Peacock was the main threat to United and certainly needed to be closed down quicker.

Overall decent half for United but the game was certainly not won yet.

B Peacock started the better and a cross from our left and a free header had our keeper back peddling and only a fingertip save kept it out great save. End to end stuff now and Mahovo brought another save from the Peacock keeper. United seemed to be fairly comfortable snuffing their opponents threats out before they troubled our goal.

United were at it again Rasheed's shot had the keeper scrambling the ball broke free but two Blades players couldn't convert the chance. Mahovo had a tremendous run but failed to pick out a team mate, Havenhand had a half chance but volleyed over. Iwunze from right back had a surging run from halfway played a one two which put in the box he drove the ball across the goal into the bottom left hand corner cracking goal for 3-0.

B Peacock were getting some joy down our left and missed a tackle a cross landed in our area unmarked Peacock player had time and space to pick his spot 3-1. Peacock could sensed they could pull this back and persevered down our left and from an identical position crossed the ball and a good header left our keeper with no chance 3-2. United seemed to have thought the game was won at 3-0 and now they had a game on their hands.

Unbelievably United conceded a penalty again a ball from the left a hopeful cross defender and forward challenged for ball and clearly the defender pushed his opponent in the back. The Peacock player stepped up and fired the ball into the net sending our keeper the wrong way 3-3.

Credit to Peacock for clawing their way back from 3-0 down, but to concede three goals from the left hand side was disappointing hopefully they will learn from the experience. With time running out and penalties looming, United had a free kick on the right just outside the area, the cross found a Blade but he was unable to get any power behind it and the keeper collected easily, whistle went full time dreaded pens.

United took the first penalty Mahvo he converted leaving the keeper with no chance, Peacock's was equally as good 1-1.

Chapman took the 2nd and again left the keeper standing, Peacock's followed suit 2-2.

Fidler made no mistake firing into the roof of goal. Peacock levelled it up again 3-3.

Wilson made penalty taking look easy, Faxon our keeper made a full length save to give United the advantage 4-3.

With the chance to win the Cup Iwunze stepped and calmly put the ball to the left of the keeper to win the Foyle Cup U12 for SUFC.

Great game to watch both teams trying to win it in normal time, both teams were a credit to their clubs. United over the week have been very impressive organized, looking to move the ball quickly and the movement has been a joy to see, always looking to move the ball forward in a controlled manner. The discipline has been excellent a credit to Pemberton and the rest of the coaching staff, thoroughly enjoyed the week not just because we won but the quality the players showed, unfair to pick individuals out but I wouldn't be surprised if several of these players made the grade.

Nick Cox made an appearance Man Utd have a team in the Milk Cup next week, he seemed genuinely happy at the result. The young Blades collected their medals and the trophy and to say they were happy would be an understatement. Well that's the Foyle Cup done and dusted, hopefully I will be posting reports on the Milk Cup which United have entered in the Junior section next week.

 

[Blade58]

Another sunny but windy day greeted SUFC as they faced Derry Colts in the semi-final of the Foyle Cup at Thornhill College 1 in Derry, the pitch again was in great condition to play football.

United started brightly and Iwunze had a shot sail over the bar. From our first corner Havenhand had a decent opportunity cleared off the line, Rasheed then broke clear set up Havenhand who couldn't sort his feet out and the chance was gone. United were certainly up for this game, a clearance was charged down it fell to Colton who took the shot to early the shot no problem to the Derry keeper. Another good run by the right back Iwunze earned the team a corner which came to nothing, from another attack United had as hot turned behind for another corner all United at the moment. From the goal kick United won the ball a great ball put Rasheed through he beat the keeper to the ball and to the teams delight he slid the ball into the net to give the Blades a well deserved lead.

Sam Riley at centre bank was marshalling the defence and restricting the Derry attacking threat. Iwunze was having a cracking game from right back defensively and going forward, another cross earned a corner, the delivery from Mahovo was begging for someone to get on the end of it as flew across the goal mouth. Iwunze knocked another cracking cross in this time Havenhand latched onto the ball and powered it in to the right corner to give United that important 2nd goal.

United finished the half strong two more corners were gained the second a rehearsed routine which resulted in a chip to the top left hand corner of the goal which had the Derry keeper back peddling and he somehow palmed it over.

Tremendous half by the young Blades, controlled the game for long periods and used the possession to create lots of attacking opportunities , 2-0 was the least they deserved.

United continued in the second half as they finished the first, progressive controlled football. Derry had a rare corner and as if to illustrate the confidence in the squad the United defender calmly nodded it back to our keeper. A searching run by Colton took him past several Derry his pass found Rasheed who found the net to give United a deserved 3-0 lead. The Blades gained a penalty, the game was slipping away from Derry, Whitham the smallest player in the squad, a Blade told me he was 11, thought he looked younger, he stepped up and volleyed the ball into the roof of the net cracking penalty, 4-0.

A tremendous piece of football followed, fast one touch football moved the ball from our half into the Derry box which Mahovo converted to finish a impressive team goal 5-0. Derry managed to pull a goal back with a delightful chip over the United keeper 5-1. Pemberton the coach wasn't happy we gave the lad the space and time to score, but with time running down the game was safe.

Another fine display from the young Blades, that's five games in 5 days in pretty hot conditions so full credit to them, the Blade I was talking to said they normally play on a half size pitch and 7 aside 20 minutes not 25 minutes each way so well done to them.

Tomorrow we play B Peacock YL in the final of the Foyle Cup U12 at 1-30 best of luck to the squad and coaching staff

Derry, you mentioned Pemberton the coach. Which Pemberton is that? John Pemberton hasn't returned has he?

 

[derryblade]

I believe, could be wrong think it's his son.

 

[Blade58]

I believe, could be wrong think it's his son.

ah right

cheers