27/06/2026
Cringleford Lions on Tour – GT United 7v7 Tournament | Waltham Cross, North London 🦁⚽
The Lions headed south to Waltham Cross for the GT United 7v7 Tournament – our second away tournament of the summer and another opportunity to test ourselves against some outstanding opposition.
With only the top two teams from two groups progressing to the semi-finals, there was very little margin for error.
**Squad:** Reggie, Zach, Seb, Pablo, Ben G, Henry, Feliks and Kit.
---
# # # Group Stage
The Lions settled into the tournament brilliantly, remaining unbeaten throughout the group phase.
Every player played their part. **Reggie** was assured between the sticks, commanding his area and starting attacks with confident distribution. In front of him, **Zach** and **Seb** were immense, giving the opposition nothing, winning tackles and repeatedly launching dangerous counter attacks. **Pablo** linked play superbly in midfield, **Ben G** worked tirelessly to keep possession and create openings, while **Henry**, **Feliks** and **Kit** constantly stretched defences with intelligent movement and relentless running.
Going into the final group match, the maths was simple... the Lions needed to win by six goals to finish top of the group and earn what looked to be the more favourable semi-final.
No pressure then!
The response was remarkable.
Wave after wave of yellow shirts poured forward and, with virtually the last kick of the game, the sixth goal hit the net to complete an incredible **6-0 victory**.
The celebrations at the final whistle told the story. A huge team effort and top spot secured in dramatic fashion.
---
# # # Semi Final
Buoyed by that finish, the Lions produced arguably their best football of the day.
Once again the defensive platform was outstanding, with **Reggie**, **Zach** and **Seb** looking almost impossible to break down. **Pablo** and **Ben G** controlled possession, **Feliks** worked selflessly to create space, while **Kit** was a constant threat.
The goals came through **Henry**, who finished superbly twice, before **Kit** wrapped up an excellent **3-0 victory** to send the Lions into another tournament final.
---
# # # Final – Chars Youth
The final was everything you'd expect.
The Lions were superb.
Apart from one outstanding save by **Reggie**, who somehow diverted a fierce effort away with his head, it was almost entirely Cringleford pressure. **Zach** and **Seb** continued their outstanding defensive display, while **Pablo**, **Ben G**, **Henry**, **Feliks** and **Kit** repeatedly asked questions of the Chars defence.
The crossbar rattled.
The post was struck.
One effort was somehow cleared off the line.
Despite the dominance, the deadlock refused to be broken.
**0-0. Penalties.**
The shootout was full of drama.
Both sides converted their opening penalties, with **Seb** confidently dispatching his. **Reggie** then produced a brilliant save to give the Lions the advantage.
Next up was **Kit**, whose penalty crashed against the post with such force that it actually broke the goal frame before trickling across the line. With the goal clearly defective, everyone expected a retake... but play was waved on.
Both teams continued converting penalties until Chars eventually missed, handing the initiative back to the Lions.
Just as **Seb** prepared to take what could have been the decisive penalty, the referee was called over by the assistant referee, who ruled that Reggie had been off his line for the earlier save. The penalty was retaken, Chars scored, and moments later Seb's penalty was saved.
Heartbreak.
**Full Time: Cringleford Lions – Runners Up**
It wasn't the ending the boys deserved, but what a performance they produced throughout the day.
Not a single goal conceded in open play. Outstanding defending. Excellent football. Fantastic teamwork. The Lions once again showed exactly what this group is all about.
And if there was one thing guaranteed to lift the spirits after such a long day...
A well-earned stop at **Birchanger Services** for KFC on the journey home! 🍗😄
We're incredibly proud of every single one of them. North London certainly knows where Cringleford is now. 🦁💛
