Pointon Juniors U10’s Tournament
8th June 2013
NJFC U10’s went to the Pointon tournament hoping for a chance at silverware, their hopes took a dent before the event even kicked off with only half the team available for selection. Al, Noah and Doug all absent due to prior engagements, they were needed if our U10’s were going to pick up their first trophy of the season.
Pointon Juniors U10’s Tournament
8th June 2013
The League Stage
NJFC U10’s went to the Pointon tournament hoping for a chance at silverware, their hopes took a dent before the event even kicked off with only half the team available for selection. Al, Noah and Doug all absent due to prior engagements, they were needed if our U10’s were going to pick up their first trophy of the season.
The U10’s drafted in 3 of the U9’s squad to make up their numbers again this didn’t work out, with top goal scorer Freddie fracturing his wrist the week before. Kieran and Harry were still available for duty so the U10’s went with a 6 person squad.
The first game was against Great Ponton a team that Navenby had never managed to beat in their previous 5 attempts, unfortunately this became 6, with a narrow 1-0 defeat.
The second game was against Pointon Greens, after defeat in the first game it became a must win match. A nervous start became a simple win in the end with Kieran sealing victory with a fine brace of goals to give Navenby a much needed 3 points.
Third up was the unfancied Great Ponton U9’s, who were given a boast when Harry pulled up injured before the match had even started, he played the first minute but had to retire and sit out what on paper should have been Navenby’s easiest game. Ollie stepped back into defence and Navenby were soon under pressure as Great Ponton took advantage of the extra player.
Against the run of play Ollie took the ball in his own penalty area and ran through the entire field to score what must have been the Goal of the tournament, unfortunately Navenby couldn’t hold on and in the last minute Great Ponton pulled a goal back to make the final score 1-1.
With 4 point out of a possible 9 Navenby were looking at an early exit from a tournament they had fancied their chances at reaching the later stages of. Next up were Ruskington who were also in need of points on the board to aid their own campaign.
Harry declared himself fit for this crucial fourth match, which started off nervy. Navenby soon took control of the game and after a fine interception from Ollie he laid the ball off to Kieran who tapped it in for his 3rd goal of the tournament Ruskington had a few chances later on but the combination of Jess and Harvey seemed to cancel out any threat Ruskington could muster.
The next two matches against Bourne Town and Pointon Blues ended 0-0 thanks to some great defending by Harry, Harvey and Jess and some fine saves by Sophie who had been great in goal through out the whole tournament.
Semi Final Triumph
The draw for the semi final was made and Navenby drew Great Ponton U10’s, surely it would not end in yet another defeat for the Yellows (or should I say whites playing in a changed strip for the tournament).
Sophie was given a chance to stretch her legs and moved into Harvey’s Midfield role and Kieran stepped up and went into goal for this crucial knock out game. Harvey now partnered Ollie upfront for the first time this season.
Sophie and Jess worked well together battling in defence and threading the ball through to the boys in attack. Half way through the match the scored were all level and Great Pontons number 9 ran though onto a long ball, thankfully Navenby’s player of the tournament Jess was quick on his heals and glided past him to knock the ball into safety.
At full time the scores were still level at 0-0 and five minutes of extra time separated both teams from a place in the final. It was Navenby who struck first with a superb shot from stand in Striker Harvey. 1-0 Navenby!
Great Ponton pushed up trying to get an equaliser but were nearly punished twice more with Ollie shooting just over the cross bar and Sophie being denied by their Goal Keeper. The game ended 1-0 to Navenby, bringing to an end the run of defeats and secured them their first final appearance of the season.
Final HeartBreak
The home team were favourites for the final having knocked out Navenby in the Semi finals of the GYFL Cup.
Navenby looked exhausted as they started the final and their nerves were showing. They battled well in what was a very tight game with very little chances for either team. Pointon came close with a throw in, which found its way into the back of the net, but fortunately for us nobody managed to get a touch ‘so no goal’!
At full time the scores were still level, and we moved into extra time the game opened up as both teams pushed for a winner.
Height gave Pointon the advantage in the air which they made good use of midway through extra time as the ball came over and was headed in to an empty net. 1-0 Pointon! Navenby looked for an equaliser but seemed to run out of steam and it the last minute Pointon popped up to score another header and seal the victory.
All the children were exhausted but thoroughly enjoyed the day; we would like to thank Pointon Juniors for making us feel welcome and being great hosts.
