Claires Court U10 6-A-Side FootballTournament - Friday 3 March 2017

Twenty teams participated in this year’s Claires Court 6-A-Side Cup competition. These teams were split into 4 leagues of 5. Games lasted 9 minutes with no half-time.

The standard of football is always strong at this competition and Gateway faced determined opponents in all of their league matches. Claires Court were very quick and skilful on the ball and proved to be the strongest team that would play.

Gateway played more positively in their following three matches, passing the ball more thoughtfully and creating more scoring chances. Will SCB showed excellent skill to drift pass defenders and slot home two goals against Edmund C but saved his best goal for the win over Herries when he lobbed the keeper from 20m. This meant that Gateway needed a win or draw to qualify for the quarter finals. In a tough match Gateway created the best opportunities but both teams could have snatched victory. Gateway did enough to keep Gayhurst out and therefore progressed into the next round. Well done to George, Fred and Oscar who all played in goal, in different matches and made some vital saves.

League A Results

Claires Court 2 Gateway 0
Edmund Campion 0 Gateway 2 Will SCB 2
Herries 0 Gateway 1 Will SCB
Gayhurst 0 Gateway 0

Quarter Finals

Gateway were drawn against Oratory A who had won three of their League B matches and drawn one, winning this league. The boys started very brightly winning tackles and pressing forward and were the better team. There were good chances at either end and Gateway should have won but lacked a little composure in front of goal. The whistle blew and the game went into sudden death penalties.

It was a very tense situation, where only the brave stepped forward and ‘volunteer’ to take a penalty. After both teams scored their first goal, Fred H made a great save but Gateway couldn’t take advantage and it was Oratory who snatched victory.

Penalties Oratory A 2 Gateway 1 Will SCB

There was obviously disappointment in the Gateway camp, at coming so close to reaching the semi-finals, but it soon dawned on the boys how well they had played and the progress they have made this year. It was a fun day out and great experience.

Team: George C, Fred Hall, Oscar V-B, Fred W, Henry G, James B, Sam B, Will SCB (Capt) HJ