Denton Town 1 Poynton 0 (L/cup Final) U14's

DOUBLE DOUBLE!

DOUBLE WINNERS - emulating the 11's success yesterday.

This match was a credit to both teams, as the weather was scorching. I was told before the game that the temperature in the middle of the pitch was 27 ○C. Within 5-10 mins of the start, all the the players faces were bright red, and I was just glad it wasn't me out there playing in the extreme conditions.

No surprise that this wasn't a classic final, and clear chances were few and far between for matches played at this level. First half, and we were poor. Not closing down, ball watching, no team work, communication just wasn't there, and Alan was right to have a go at you all (well most of you), at half time.

Second half, some improvement, and the slight drop in temperature was a welcom relief to all concerned. The game itself was certainly more entertaining in the 2nd half, but we had to wait until 10 mins from time to see Keely smash home her solo effort. The final 10 mins plus stoppages was torture, with Keely coming closest to getting our second. At the other end, Poynton certainly causes us some problems. With the ball bobbling around outside our penalty area, our defence seemed reluctant to clear the ball from danger, which gave an opportunity for a Poynton midfielder to try her luck from distance. The goal beckoned, but Chloe was alert, and I don't think I've ever seen her jump so high as she deflected the ball away.

Moments later, and a fine low drive by Poynton, was well covered by Chloe, who got down quicky pushing the ball out for the Denton defence to clear.

As the clock ticked down, Alan seized the opportunity to give Chloe B her long awaited come back, after several months out due to a bad break to her ankle. Within moments, she had headed the ball, and also laid off a deft ball to Megan. Its clear, that Chloe B is going to give us a major boost next season, and together with Rebecca and Georgia on the come back trail, we should be stronger than ever.

Thanks to Steve from Poynton for presenting us with the pendant before kick off. Its very remiss of me not to do the same for them. So, sorry Steve.

Didn't do the player of the match thing today for some reason, but for them, Eve (no 14 I think), was very effective in the first half playing in a left back/defending midfield role.

Regarding the programme, I did send in a write up about Denton Town and listed all the team officials, but this seemed to go missing at the other end. The programmes for the Urmston final have also been printed, so this mistake won't be rectified.

Well done Alan, Tim and the girls, its been a top day. Bring on Urmston.

NIGEL.