08/05/2018
Herts U18 County Cup Final 6th May 2018
Potters Bar Town FC 3-0 Cheshunt FC
For most looking at this fixture must’ve thought a foregone conclusion. Scholars rock bottom of their EJA division taking only 2 wins all season, a league cup semi final which they got drubbed in and a goal difference as bad as West Ham. Cheshunt by comparison winners of MHRML PREM, and finalists in two other cups to add to this elite Hertfordshire Clubs Pinnacle competition. Backed up by a free scoring record the envy of “Citeh”. The clubs decision to play there young Scholars up an age group this season had been misguided in most eyes, optimistic in others or simply a bridge too far...
Those who watched Bar this season would feel that in quality there’s talent on view but some competitive qualities were lacking in endeavour and enthusiasm. Exception to that rule was the County Cup. Having reached County Finals for the previous 4 seasons it was if a shot of adrenaline was administered. Not a round went by without a massively increased determination from these young lads that was sadly missing in the League. The focus for this competition heightened to “make it ours” again. Not all glory on route to the final (notably beating rivals Broxbourne was enjoyed by all) but some shady one goal margins were noted but all had that extra passion to not be beaten.
So we reached the final some 5 weeks back and a corner was turned, an increase in focus, more passionate training, intensity in games increased we just got better and better and found some belief. League results improved and management carefully chose friendly opponents with tactics in mind. Internal belief was back and confidence was high.
The coaching staff had a plan and it was embraced, understood and carried out. Both teams entered the fray with full squads. Cheshunt with some real giants but noted they had more quality than just size. Bar started fast knowing they had to win their individual battles. They pressed high and with intensity but it had to be maintained as Cheshunt given time and space were a very dangerous outfit. Bar rotated regularly throughout this final and it proved the coaches beliefs that the subs would be the deciding factor. Changes took place with a regular 10/15 minute turnover. The high tempo was hit and maintained throughout.
Now endeavour gives the platform for the quality to be displayed. 24 minutes played and Brookes the diminutive little winger is found in space wide left, a dip and a shimmy, whipped in low delivery across the face of goal and slammed in by Edwards. Reward for the young striker who harried the whole game and was a constant threat.
Cheshunt upped the tempo and tried to overpower in midfield but found the ever changing Bar 5 too quick. When they got beyond the back 3 marshalled by Skipper Jessop simply tidied up. This cornerstone left Bar’s goal unchallenged for the whole game apart from a few free kicks and corners.
On 35 minutes a decisive moment. Edwards again running a channel collects and slips the full back then drills a delightful planned low cross into the six yard area. The back tracking defender does well to get a toe end to a pact delivery but succeeded only to put into the path of Khelefi who from 10 yards buried a bullet into the net. 2-0 and Bar are ecstatic. More adjustments from the coaches see Bar to half time and in control.
Half time team talks help. But word has got out that an oratory lesson was given by the team by Bejtallahu. Passionate, informative, encouraging and did I say passionate? Boys become men. This was a moment of proof. The word was concentrate... everything focused. Cheshunt are a quality outfit and won’t lay down.
Wise words and Cheshunt flew out the blocks a change in formation there managers had spoken and a fist was made. Would Bar show a soft underbelly? Would a few doubts appear? Let’s go back to talent.... and enter Brookes again on 54 minutes. Released on the left high up and wide. Delivery as instructed drilled impeccably to avoid the height of Cheshunt across the six and Dackombe trademark run, timed to perfection ghosts in at the far post and gleefully buried into an empty net. 3-0 we believe.
Men to boys... yes I think so. Cries of Manage the game are heard from, well yes the Manager. Listened to and carried out to perfection. Intensity maintained by rotation, sensible retention of the ball, yes not hurried but at a reasonable pace Bar control and see off a few set pieces.
The whistle blows on full time from a young and very good referee who will progress far in the game. The young Scholars knowing this is there last ever game embrace with a passion and sheer delight. Turning a season of woe on its head in 90 minutes of pure passion. There was heroes all over the park. A true squad performance. The squad deserved to be named.
1 Sam Barrett
2 Harry Barrett
3 Erjon Bejtullahu
5 Max Jessop (c)
6 Sid Jethva
8 Julian Dackombe. (1)
9. George Johnson
10. Ben Brookes
11. Louis King
12 Ben Harris
15 Terrel Sterling
16. Sachon Edwards (1)
17 Aidan Procter.
19. Kiri Georgiou
20. Alvin kyeremeh
21. Mateen Khelefi (1)
Cheshunt like true champions were impeccable before, during and after the final and take praise in doing so. Many of them will leave youth football and play at a high Senior level. We wish them every good fortune.
So this being the final ever match report for this youth squad I will end by saying “it’s been emotional “. Thanks for the memories.
Gaffer
