Beverley’s own Mill Lane United Wizards U13s finally received reward for their endeavours with a thoroughly deserved victory in the Knockout Cup Final, held at Bridlington Town’s ground in perfect conditions on Sunday afternoon, to lift their first major trophy.
After thwarting the league champions-elect, Scarborough Athletic, in the semi-final the Wizards faced another difficult task in meeting Victoria Dock, an old foe, in the season’s showpiece event. The whole squad were relishing the occasion, with understandable butterflies amongst some, but on arriving at the ground to see the pitch ripe for their passing game the nerves duly disappeared.
The squad consists of Isaac Adnitt, Adam Prince, Edward Chappell, Zac Wise, Danny Wilson, Matty Blake, Harry Sadler, Ben Gillyon, Lloyd Bean, Jamie Pettigrew, George Addison, Cody McClaren, Joe Douglas and Will Webb. Sadly, Cody missed out due to a foot injury but was there to support his team-mates from the sidelines with manager Chris Sadler, and his assistant Karl Douglas.
There was no favourite for the match, with both sides considering they had a great chance of seizing the win. Indeed, Victoria Dock were looking to retain the trophy they won as an U12 side just a year ago. The Wizards started strongly and took the initiative from the off, placing the Victoria Dock defence under concerted pressure.
They are a well-organised side with good players too, and seemed to handle this comfortably yet could not manage to force play into the Wizards’ territory beyond playing the longer balls seeking the runners. However, the Wizards’ defence held firm, maintained good possession and in turn fed the midfielders. Lloyd’s trickery on the ball saw him help retain possession in the business area of the pitch, and ably assisted by George on the left the pair looked to provide the Wizards’ first attempts on goal.
The Wizards have pace in abundance, and this led to the opening goal as the half-way point of the first half approached. Harry won possession in the middle of the park and delivered a super ball to Ben who was flying down the right. He hit a lovely ball into the area which deceived the Victoria Dock keeper and hit the back of the net.
Taking the lead really boosted the Wizards’ confidence, but they needed to be on their mettle to stem the Victoria Dock counter-attacks which they mounted in earnest on going a goal behind.
Adam relishes the sweeper role, and is prime to be deployed in that position due to his own searing pace. It was required on more than one occasion as Victoria Dock tried to force an equaliser. Their strong forwards forced good position in the Wizards’ penalty area, but could not quite fashion any real chances.
The Wizards doubled their lead quite quickly. Joe capitalised on good possession and advanced forwards on goal. Sighting the Victoria Dock keeper off his line, he hit a mighty shot which flew into the top corner.
Two-nil is also known as the most dangerous lead in football. It was imperative the Wizards held out until half-time, and, thankfully, as the referee signalled the interval they trotted off the pitch still two goals to the good.
As the second thirty-five began the Wizards knew the game was not over, and strove to secure victory with further goals. Matty zig-zagged his way through the Victoria Dock defence only to see his goal-bound effort turned round the post for a corner.
Thus began a series of four corners, the first three seeing frantic efforts to get the ball over the line only to be denied by a series of further great saves from the keeper, including from Jamie’s acrobatic header. Finally, at the fourth attempt a clearance landed at the feet of Danny who duly thumped it in from close range.
At three-nil the Wizards began to concentrate on seeing out the game. Having played Victoria Dock for some years they know all about their abilities and capacity for comeback so it was no surpise when the deficit was reduced direct from a free-kick. At three-one Victoria Dock went all out for further goals.
Edward produced a magnificent tackle to prevent an excellent opportunity for three-two, and Zac was tireless in mopping up attack after attack. Between the sticks, Isaac had no saves of note to make yet needed real composure to collect a series of crosses played towards goal.
Victoria Dock’s policy of all-out attack eventually served only to expose them at the back in doing so. Will looked assured in a midfield position, and constantly sought to attack. After one of a series of his delightful passes Matty wriggled his way past a couple of defenders, only to be hauled down, rugby-style, by a third.
The referee had no option but to award a penalty kick. Harry, the side’s captain and talisman, stepped up confidently and looked to despatch the ball in the bottom corner, and with it any hope Victoria Dock had of saving the match. As it was, their keeper made a fine save.
The final few minutes were a frantic affair for those watching on the touchline. The boys, though, displayed real maturity on the pitch. Victory when it was confirmed was hard-won but well-deserved over the course of the whole campaign, not just this single match.
As Harry lifted the cup in the glorious afternoon sun, we reflected in triumph at all the hours and miles put in to make this side exactly what they are – champions!!!!
