Celtic under 9s won the East Manchester Junior Football League Primary Cup on Saturday, defeating Dukinfield Youth 6-2 at Ewan Fields, Hyde United's ground, in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Its great reward for the boys who've played some fantastic football this season and did so once again yesterday. Credit must also go to our opposition who, as always, played the game in the right spirit and were very gracious in defeat. Thanks to Phil and your lads, that's how under 9s football should be.
The 'B' team produced a superb display, probably their best of the season, to win the first game comprehensively by 5 goals to nil. All five goals came from nice one touch passing movements. Bomber scored the first when Josh found Keenan who laid it on a plate for the quicksilver striker to tap in. Keenan scored both the second and third goals from close range, being in exactly the right place at the right time to turn in Nathan's passes. After the break, Bomber finished well again courtesy of Elliot's perfect cross, while Nathan deservedly got on the scoresheet with the fifth, producing a calm finish from Bomber's pass to cap an excellent game.
After a nervy opening five minutes, Celtic really controlled the game. Lewis and Callum were excellent in defence, very assured, while James in goal was bright and alert when he was needed, which thankfully was fairly rare. It was a real joy to see a season's hard work come together on such a big stage and the performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all watching on.
By contrast, perhaps thinking the final was already won, the 'A' team failed to get out of second gear. There was no sign of their recent high tempo displays, despite taking the lead when Rhylee produced some twinkle toes football to find Max who beat two players before rifling the ball home, his 22nd goal of the season. From that point they squandered a number of chances, but fair play to Dukinfield who fought their way back in to the match and indeed scored twice to win the second game 2-1 and probably deservedly so. Despite the result, its hard to criticise the lads who week in, week out, have been very consistent throughout the season. After all, the outcome of the league and cup is dependant on the joint results of both teams so its nice to see both teams doing their bit on this cup run to bring success to the club.
A final aggregate score of 6-2 meant Jack and Josh went up to jointly hold aloft the large trophy as the lads celebrated together like Premier League champions! Congratulations also go to Bomber who collected the man of the match award from the league, given for the best perormance across the two games, receiving another nice trophy for himself to keep.
Well done everyone for a great end to a fantastic season.
Thanks also to Michaela and Rachel for organising our end of season party that apparently lasted well in to the night....after some of us were already tucked up in bed! Its good to know we've got such a great bunch of lads backed by a superb group of parents who continue to support the team and the club come rain or shine. Saturday was a very sunny day for all!
Training: Thursday at the Soccer Centre. Meet 5.30pm. This is the last session until Thursday July 1st. Hooray.
Next Saturday: Stalybridge Tournament. Meet at Bower Fold 9.15am.