U11's triumph in a great cup game.

On a dull and damp autumn morning Worcester City U11’s welcomed Burton Sils to Claines Lane for round one of the JPL cup and as ever the pitch was perfectly prepared.

First Quarter

Both teams started well with some strong tackling in midfield. Early on, Mac shot wide from distance bringing a good save from the Burton keeper and then a perfectly delivered corner from Mac was headed just wide by Alfie. Burton then began to apply pressure gaining a free kick just outside our box which required a great save from Joel to keep the score level. A beautiful one-two between Morgan and Cam saw Morgan shoot just wide. Burton started to push forward but Tom and Zack stood strong to ensure Worcester didn’t fall behind. Another great bit of interplay between Mac, Cam and Morgan resulted in Kane firing just wide. Shortly before the end of the quarter there was a sensational move involving 5 players from Worcester who passed from defence, to midfield and eventually to Cam who also shot just wide. Worcester City 0 – Burton Sils 0.

Second Quarter

After the break both teams came back full of energy but the deadlock was broken in the second minute when Morgan and Charlie combined in a lovely move leaving Charlie clear to score. Then Mac, Charlie, Elliot and Kane put some great passes together resulting in Kane scoring but Burton were in no way beaten and from the kick off played some lovely football to create a chance but shot just wide. Both teams were strong in both the defence and midfield and played some sublime football then on seven minutes Burton deservedly pulled a goal back. Worcester responded well with Kane breaking down the right, crossing to Charlie who played Morgan in to score. Burton kept pressing but in another great Worcester move Ethan played a lovely ball through to Elliot who carved his way through the Burton defence but saw his shot deflected wide. The quarter ended with another exciting move, Mac put in a great cross and with his back to goal Charlie tried an overhead kick which the keeper could only parry into the path of Kane, Kane then picked out Elliot on the edge of the box who thumped in a great shot which hit the post. Worcester City 3 – Burton Sils 1.

Third Quarter

Burton came out and were clearly up for the challenge. They were rewarded after four minutes with a goal from a great passage of play. Shortly after, with Worcester on the attack, Burton conceded a penalty which Tom slotted home calmly. Again Burton refused to give up and with some great work in the midfield got a well deserved goal. After the restart Burton were soon on the attack again but some quick thinking saw Joel come out of his area to clear and put Worcester back on the attack, gaining a corner, which Morgan put in and Cameron volleyed just wide. From a Worcester throw in the ball came to Ethan who had his shot deflected wide. Burton went on the counter attack but as they headed towards goal, Zach calmly covered the space and cleared the ball. Another Burton shot called for Joel to go to ground to make a great stop. Worcester City 4 – Burton Sils 3.

Fourth Quarter

With everything to play for these two well matched teams continued to play the game on the ground with strong tackles, great passing and 100% effort. Worcester however created the first chances with Cam and Ben combining, only to see Ben’s shot deflected wide. Burton came back forcing an inspired save by Jo who dived at the feet of the attacker to prevent a sure goal scoring chance. Jo distributed the ball perfectly and with the defence and midfield combining well Charlie shot and saw his ball hit one post, roll across the goalmouth, hit the other post and come out again. Goal line technology required! Or a sharp Burton linesman with a hawk eye who gave the goal. In a thrilling end to a great cup tie Burton conceded a corner which Charlie floated in and Alfie headed home. Credit to Burton who didn’t give up and gained a penalty shortly after which they put home. Worcester finished strongly with chances for Mac and Kane before the final whistle. Worcester City 6 – Burton Sils 4.

A superb game by two great teams who played the game on the floor and were strong in all departments. Well done boys!