Urmston Meadowside 2 Denton Town 3 a.e.t (U14's L/Cup Semi-final)

So girls, you're in another final, and still up for winning the treble. But OMG, all the energy I was trying to save for my bike journey home was used up in the last couple of mins of normal time, and extra time. Took forever to get home afterwards, but I consoled myself in the fact that I had seen a tremendous game of football in which you turned out victorious, plus the fact that the 12's had virtually sealed their place in a final, by the same scoreline, early in the day. I'm very very happy, and like I said at the end of the game, we don't need the Premiership, you give us all the excitement we need (especially at my age lol).

Big blow conceding after just 4 mins, and for the first 15 mins or so, we weren't at our best, and Urmston seeked to capitalise upon that. But, you stood firm, and gradually started to take command of the game. We had several chances to level, and although Urmston could of doubled their lead, by half-time I thought we were on top, but that elusive equaliser just wouldn't come.

Second half, and I think Samantha hit the post twice as we pushed on to get back on levels terms, but it was Yoyo on 48 min that restored parity. Still chances went begging, mostly for us, but a couple for Urmston as well, and then what an end to normal time. We were in the 2nd minute of injury time when Urmston regained the lead through a soft goal, which should of been cleared, and I'm sure all our hearts sank, and surely Urmston must of thought they had won it. Straight from kick off we went on the offensive, and much to our delight, Yoyo floated the ball across the face of the goal, hitting the top inside of the post, and neatly dropping into the net. I didn't know this, until I approached the ref about the duration of extra time, and he said "there was 2 seconds (yes 2 seconds), left on his watch" when Yoyo scored our very very very late equaliser. The Denton fans were screaming with delight, as we snatched a lifeline from the jaws of defeat.

Credit to both teams in extra time, as it was clear some were starting to feel fatigued, but all the players on the park, kept going for their respective teams, which contributed to one of the most exciting matches I've ever witnessed. Shame that one team had to lose, but, thankfully, it was Urmston and not us that went home disappointed, as Yoyo completed her hat-trick in the 1st minute of the 2nd period. That left 9 very nervous minutes, with Denton going close to making it safe a couple of times, and Urmston, fighting to the very end, pushing on in an desperate attempt to save the game.

So all smiles in the Denton camp, and every girl today, played like their lives depended upon it, and when you're in that frame of mind, you will give anybody in the country a game. Dave from Urmston, gave Ruby the Player of the Match award. For me, Ruby has come on so much in the last few months, she uses all her strength and determination to rob the opposition of the ball, going in strong, and making some absolutely perfectly timed tackles, just when it was needed most. Keep it coming Ruby, you really are maturing into an excellent player.

Charlotte Dudiey (no. 3) was their player of the match, though Chloe (no. 4), as usual, wasn't far offer getting the award herself. Urmston are a very very good side, and come 17th May, they will be more determined than ever to put one over on us.

Sorry I've not mentioned everyone, as you all deserve a pat on the back.

Finally, before letting you read Alan's report, here is an extract from Urmston's website, posted on 5th April, after they had secured their position in the Challenge Cup Final:-

Next week we have yet another Semi Final this time against our good friends Denton, who we must Congratulate on becoming the Newly Crowned 07-08 League Champions - Lets go get them girls !!! Dave - Dave, many thanks, not forgotten the special tribute you paid to us last season, before our final league game of the season. Total RESPECT to you and all the girls at Urmston Meadowside - Nigel.

NIGEL.

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Another great game today, we played a very very strong Urmston side, 3-2 extra time says it all. What a game and I know that the Urmston girls and their manager Dave will be dissapointed, we know how it feels (Deans last year, last 5 mins, own goal). I like the Urmston team, always pleasant, no chatting off the ball, and Dave is always kind in his words for Denton. Well I told him after the game I think it was the best game so far for us, a real hummdinger for which both teams made it happen. I think Urmston will certainly be challenging for all honours next year. A very good team and we have to play in the final in 3 weeks time so, it will be another cracker I'm sure of that. We will be without Yoyo for that final but, at least because of this win, she will be able to play in the League Cup Final. As I said, the league is the most important one to win, the cups are like icing on an already great year for us but, like I say each game, we have 2 games to play 2 finals, and believe me they, will be very hard to win because, the oppositon are all capable of winning it too so, girls, its only a semi we have won not the final, the work is only half done but, what ever happens I think we have had an amazing season already. Again, the word I keep saying to you all is PROUD because, we are just seeing your parents on Sat morning against the Meds cheering , willing you on, and you girls responding each time we asked you too, it was just fantastic. I'm not mentioning all players, I'll save it for the end of the season post, but Yoyo was outstanding today, also Ruby, who got player of the match and listened (for once lol), to my instructions. And well Rubes, it worked didn't it? ha ha. I'll see you all next Tues girls as I'm away for this Tues. Have fun, stay safe and, behave.

ALAN.

p.s. just to add too I'd like to say well done to the 11s for Allen, who also have had a fantastic season. Unbeaten in the league which takes some doing and, are also in two finals. So well done to all the 11s girls and also, to the 12s who have got into the final in there respective league too. Well done to them and the coaching team of Amy and Rick; everything Denton is looking great go denton wooo.