Competition report- EFL U11's Kids Cup

Abbey Primary have taken part in the annual U11’s EFL kids cup. This competition takes place over a set of rounds with this Monday (4th December) being the first round. Abbey Primary faced 4 teams: Sherwood, Cuckney, Morven Park and Farmilo. The team worked hard and finished top of the group winning 3 games and drawing one.

The first game was played Sherwood (last year’s winners) and seemed like they would be another tough opposition. Sherwood took an early lead, however Abbey bounced back shortly after with a goal of their own, scored by Josh Dove from long distance, driven hard and low into the bottom corner. As the clock got close to the end, Adam Hursthouse was able to pounce on a rebounded shot from Charlie Linton and score the decisive winner. This game finished 2-1.

The second game was played against Cuckney. Abbey started much the stronger side with Josh Dove scoring an early goal. In defence, Bailey Allison had to stay strong and keep out their attack with Coby Wilson being drawn into some good saves to keep Abbey in front. With a minute left, Adam Hursthouse was able to pop up again with a calm and composed left foot finish. The game finished 2-0.

The third game would be played against Morven Park, who from watching previous games looked like a strong outfit. Abbey again started strong, but had to defend well with Morven’s skillful players putting us under pressure. After some scrappy defending from Morven Park, Charlie Linton was able to flick the ball over the keeper’s head and into the far corner of the goal to put Abbey 1-0 up. Morven continued to put pressure on Abbey scoring a goal of their own and equalizing. The game continued to go from end with the final whistle blowing. The game finished 1-1.

Going into the final game we knew that to qualify for the next round a draw may be enough, but a win would secure our place in the next round. Standing in our way were Farmilo. Abbey again started strong putting their defence under pressure. Cody Wheeler and Jenson Clarke-Hipsley coming close. Finally, a long shot from Matthew Young bounced just before the keeper who was unable to hold onto the ball and slipped between his legs to put Abbey in front. Abbey continued to put pressure on Farmilo with Cody continuing to bring the best out of their keeper. Finally, the game finished with Abbey knowing that they had qualified for the next round. The game finished 1-0.

The teams were bought in to be told the news of their positions. Abbey eagerly awaited to find out where they had finished, unaware of how Morven Park had done in their other games. It was announced that Morven would also qualify with 8 points and Abbey winning the group with 10 points.

The team would like to thank everyone who came to watch and helped spur the team on. The game was played in the right spirit and all players enjoyed the game.