Haddenham YFC U10’s Champions of the Thame festival of Football tournament!
A wet and windy day in June – it must be the Thame Festival of Football; probably the best attended and most prestigious tournament of the South Bucks tournament calendar. This was proved correct with 12 teams entered, divided into 2 groups of 6. Less room for error as well, with just the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals and then the final; but with the carrot that these games would be played on the main stadium pitch
Our first game kicked-off at 9.40am against Wendover and as usual we got off to a slow start. Having said that we drew 0-0 after missing a bucketful of chances and defending very well to deprive Wendover of any opportunities.
The second game against Thame B and the football improved, as usual, and the defending remained structured and resolute; a 2-0 victory.
Third up were Thame C, by this time we were on a roll and the passing, moving and communication was evident to see; 3-0, a job well done.
Next was a team that we have never come across before, Benson Utd. A very good team and a very tight match, but the defence played well again creating a platform upon which we could build and giving the opportunity for a more attacking drive that ultimately delivered a hard fought, but well deserved, 1-0 win.
The fifth and last group game was against Bedgrove Dynamos and followed the pattern of the preceding games; good defence, good attack – 2-0 victory.
In summary; played 5, drawn 1, lost 0, goals conceded 0. So we finished top of the group by a margin of 5 points and, indeed achieved the most points for any team in the two groups! (and the only team not to concede a goal)
So we were into the semi-final and playing on the main stadium pitch. Our oponents were Horspath Tigers. We have never played them before but I for one will never forget this game; great football played by both teams, it was a joy to watch! Normal time ended 0-0 and so 5 minutes of extra time was played; still 0-0. Penalties!
It was a shame to end the game in this way but an end was needed. 3 penalties for each team; 3 scored by Haddenham, 2 for Horspath – we were into the final (2nd tournament on the bounce).
The final and as with the Chinnor Tournament 2 weeks ago we were playing Chinnor. Another close game full of great football and played in a fantastic spirit; good defence again, good goalkeeping, good midfield play; passing, moving and communicating by all. The game continued and it looked like another nail biting conclusion until with just 2 minutes to go a goal; Haddenham 1 up. I was a nervous wreck but I shouldn’t have worried the team were as cool as cucumbers continuing to play as they had from the start; victory secured. Haddenham YFC U10’s Chamions of the Thame festival of Football tournament!
Many thanks to all the boys for their play this season. Everyone has played their part at training, in matches and in tournaments. Without them all we would not have achieved what we have this season.
