10/05/2026
🏆 COUNTY CUP FINAL REPORT 🏆
⚽ Gillford Gillies U14s 1-0 Crusaders Blues U14s ⚽
Yesterday the Gillies travelled out west to face a side they hadn’t met since suffering heartbreak against them in the League Cup Final at U12 level. Since then, Crusaders Blues have stepped up to compete in the U15 league — finishing an impressive 2nd place — making them huge favourites going into the final.
But this Gillies side had other ideas.
The boys arrived nervous, excited, but fully believing they were capable of causing an upset that would shock the entire county.
The first half was a tense, topsy-turvy affair. Blues controlled possession well early on, forcing Riley into two excellent saves to keep the scores level. As the half wore on though, the Gillies grew into the game and began creating chances of their own. A mixture of strong goalkeeping and rushed finishing meant several good opportunities went begging, and the teams headed into half-time locked at 0-0.
Back in the changing rooms, the coaches had one clear message: BELIEF.
Believe you can win this game… and you will.
The response from the boys in the second half was outstanding.
Sam and Rhys began driving the team forward with purpose and intensity, pushing Blues further and further back. Harry and Rio worked tirelessly up top, pressing relentlessly and creating chaos whenever Blues tried to play out. In midfield, Theo, Frank, JB and OJ swarmed around their opponents like bees around honey, refusing to give them a second on the ball.
Defensively, the lads were immense. Caleb, Olly, Jacob and Bobby were aggressive, composed and fearless both on and off the ball. And at the heart of it all was Archie, producing arguably the performance of the day. He read the game like a seasoned veteran, dominant in the tackle, superb in the air and spraying passes from deep while delivering dangerous set pieces throughout.
You could see the belief growing with every minute.
Theo rattled the crossbar with a fizzing 30-yard free kick. Rhys and JB both came close from aerial chances as the pressure mounted… and then came the breakthrough.
The moment they had dreamed of.
High pressing from Sam, Olly and JB forced Blues into a rushed pass from the back. Theo reacted brilliantly to intercept before volleying a first-time pass into JB, who suddenly transformed into prime Berbatov.
With one touch of his right foot, he flicked the ball over both his marker and himself before casually burying a left-footed finish across the keeper into the bottom corner.
Cue absolute scenes.
All 10 outfield players sprinted to the corner to celebrate with a delighted JB as the travelling supporters erupted behind them.
1-0.
20 minutes to survive.
And survive they did.
Blues pushed hard, creating a couple of late chances, but the Gillies defended like champions. Bodies were thrown on the line, shots blocked, crosses headed clear and every single player fought for every blade of grass.
The final whistle eventually arrived after what felt like an eternity of injury time.
Pure elation.
Players, coaches, parents and supporters celebrated together as this incredible group completed a historic double — League Champions and County Cup Winners. 🏆🏆
Every single player played their part, and every single one of them should be immensely proud.
Goalscorer:
JB ⚽️
Man of the Match: Archie
A proper mature performance. Didn’t lose a tackle or header all game and continually picked out quality passes to launch attacks and create opportunities.
An unforgettable day for an unforgettable team. 💜⚽️💜⚽️
