U11 Boys Football v Stoke Poges, Wednesday 24 February

Right from the first kick off, Stoke Poges looked like a formidable force, able to move the ball around and play into dangerous positions. They are unbeaten in cup and league competitions this season

Gateway did well to hold off a number of strong attacks from the away team and on a counter strike Harry N was able to score a fantastic goal for Gateway putting us 1-0 in the lead. Stoke Poges were not happy going 1-0 down and started playing ferociously and really battling hard for the ball. It was a real eye opener for some of the Gateway boys to experience just how physical the game can be when a team are desperate to get back in the match and score.

In the final 10 minutes of the first half, Stoke Poges scored their equaliser and then quickly scored again. They were passing and dribbling the ball superbly and Gateway just could not keep them at bay. In a relentless campaign of attack, the Stoke Poges forwards added two more, well worked, goals.

In the second half, Gateway really stepped up to the challenge and started to compete for the ball more aggressively. They were fighting for their pride and gave a strong, gutsy performance stifling Stoke Poges’ attempts to add to their tally. It was a fantastic overall performance from Gateway who, despite the score line, managed to give one of their best performances of the season. Good luck to Stoke Poges in the next round of the cup!