Denton Town 2 Poynton 1 (u14's SF C/Cup)

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S also to the 14's for emulating the 11's in making it to the Challenge Cup Final. The two teams seasons have been so similar it is uncanny. Both teams still in with great chances to win the treble, with the 11's in a position to possibly win the league next weekend.

You'll have to forgive me if I get this a bit wrong, only its Tuesday evening, after training, feeling like you don't want to know, and lately my memory has been more akin to that of a goldfish. Anyway, sorry for the delay.

We inflicted only the 2nd defeat of the season on Poynton, which just goes to show what a great side they are, but came away with a deserved victory. Before the game the gusts of wind we're so strong, myself, Steve (Poynton) and Jacob (the ref), we're toying with the idea of calling it off (glad we didn't). Finally, Jacob decided to give the game 10 mins and see how it went. Thankfully, it went very well, and perhaps we coped with the conditions much better than Poynton.

But, don't let that detract from a great team performance against a very well organised Poynton side, who sit proudly on top of the table, something we hope to do something about in two weeks time, when we meet again. The first goal came early on, 7 mins in fact, a scrappy goal which Ruby claimed, and we had chances to extend the lead several times, forcing their keeper to make a fantastic save.

However, on 32 mins Poynton played a long ball out of defence, and took advantage of perhaps a lapse in concentrate at the back, to neatly plonk the ball into the back of the net. Half time 1-1 and all to play for.

Always worrying when the opposition get back into the game just before the break, but we had the perfect response when Keeley, 1 min into the 2nd half, sent in a corner, finding Chelsea running into the far side of the penalty area, who surperbly despatched the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. There were moments in the 2nd half where we lost our shape a bit, particularly in midfield, but overall, we looked the better side throughout most of the game, and we now rightly find ourselves in a cup final in May vs. Wythenshawe Town or Urmston Meadowside.

Kayleigh was voted mom, and deservedly so, after time and time again clearing up the loose ball, and was just a tower of strength. For them, Rebecca Sadio who was a thorn in our side for the majority of the game. Jacob didn't have the best of games, missing a few clear offsides, and when their keeper clearly handled the ball outside of her penalty area. Nevertheless, we were in a generous mood, and gave him 8, as did Poynton.

Well done girls, this was a biggy, and you came through it with a good performance and great result.

NIGEL.