15/06/2026
Following on from yesterday’s All Day Tournament win at Brinsworth in South Yorkshire we travelled south to Underwood in Nottinghamshire for another Tournament. The Underwood Villa Bracken 6's was a 6v6 Tournament with a twist. Spire lifted the trophy last year and were looking forward to the challenge again especially with a few rule changes. For the Quarters, Semi's and Final the new rule came in. No Penalty Shoot Outs. The alternative for the Quarters, Semi's and Finals were: The Golden Goal Rule except every time the ball went out of play, both teams removed a player until it was 2v2.
With three wins agains Eastwood Juventus, Underwood Panthers and Ollerton Town, Spire finished joint top but with the goal difference, it left them in second spot.
Spire faced Ruddington Village in the quarters and Guess what? Despite Spire scoring in the first minute again, it ended a draw and we went in to the new format.
After a couple of Dribble ins we were down to 3v3. This quickly became 2v2 and the Gaffer bravely took Preston off. We had 2 Outfield players on the field and Ruddington kept their Keeper and Striker on the pitch. The restart was tense with Spire Defending a dribble in and also their open goal. Nolan and Jack were chasing everything running between both players. Nolan blocked the ball in the area and countered. He travelled the full length of the pitch before finding Jack. Jacks shot was blocked and Ruddington then countered. Nolan stole the ball and again found Jack 30 yards from goal. This time Jack made no mistake and both Jack and Nolan dropped to the floor in exhaustion as the rest of the lads ran on to the pitch. A different way to end a game that took its tolls on Coach’s, Managers, Parents and players alike.
The Semi Final was against Sherwood Colliery who had made their advance in the tournament a lot more easier than Spire. The lads were still buzzing and quickly changed the pitch for the Semi. With just a 5 minute break they kicked off. Four passes, a one, two and 7 seconds later it was 1:0 Spire. Two minutes later Spire doubled the lead and were on fire. Sherwood pulled one back but Spire went in to overload with assault after assault on Sherwoods goal. Within one minute of each other Spire hit two more both from the Spot following a foul and a Hand ball. Nolan despite scoring Penalties the day before and also in the Cup Final refused but Luca who had refused yesterday and had missed in the Cup Final stepped up for the challenge. Well Done Luca and Well Done Spire on the 4:1 Win.
We had a 10 minute break before the Final against unbeaten Spondon Dynamo’s. The time quickly passed and Spire played their second Final and 17th game in just over 24 hours. A great start for both teams but it was Spondon who opened the scoring in the first minute. Spire readjusted and created chance after chance but the Keeper was earning his keep. Spondon kept slowing the game down through good game management but Spire continued with speed and a high press. With just 2 minutes left Spire had a free kick on the edge of the box. Some Organisers officials claimed it was in the box but the Ref was unperturbed. Roo stepped up and curled it low and hard that beat the keeper but was then blocked on the line by a defender and cleared. Spire had a couple more attempts on goal one of which was tipped round the post by the keeper. Unfortunately for Spire time ran out but following a very long and tiring weekend but heads can be held high. Two finals in two days in two counties was Spire 22nd Cup Final and 14th Major Trophy. Well Done lads, time to relax and See You At Training Tomorrow.
