The Excitement of the Cup (Warning Long Post)

I've been nervous all week for today's game.

The U9 Cup Semi Final in the North Derbyshire Youth Football League Invitational Cup. This was always going to be a tough game against one of our closest rivals, Tansley Tigers U9's The league game earlier in the season ended in a remarkable 0:0 draw.

The game started tight and we were without the ball for long moments of the game and had to work hard to try and control it. Then just before half time an overload down our right lead to the opener for Tansley. Half Time 1:0 Tansley. We pressed high in the second half and following a quick counter they doubled their lead. 2:0 Tansley

Me and the Manager had a quick chat and went all out. 7v7 but we went one at the back and packed midfield with a high striker. The keeper had made several big saves to keep us in the game but he now played high up the field as a sweeper and we defended high up creating a high press. This lead to a lot of turn overs and attempts on their goal. Finally with 6 minutes left we finally scored, then with 2 minutes remaining we equalised. Two untidy goals but well deserved for the effort. The last minute was spent substituting players as both teams had settled for the Draw and Penalties. With the 5 penalty takers needing to be on the pitch it was all down to the Penalty Lottery.

We won the toss and decided to go first. We have had plenty of experience with penalty shoot outs this season and Preston is always confident and stands tall. The Penalties were hard to watch but Tansley hit the post and Preston saved a second one for us to Win 4:3.

Proud Coach and a very Proud Dad as Preston is named Player of the Match.

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