15/12/2024
A long read ahead!
Games come thick and fast in junior football and just under 48hrs later after our excellent performance against Evo soccer it was time to hit the road and embark on pre Christmas tournament out at Matlock. The boys were in good spirits and a massive turn out from family and friends ensured a pre match festive atmosphere with plenty of warm drinks and some fantastic sausage rolls curtesy of paul at pop up chef. However the Christmas spirit had to be put on hold as kick off for the magpies, their first match was fast approaching and their journey in this tournament was about to begin.
Game 1 - v rattlesnakes.
A steady start by the magpies in this game saw the magpies take the opportunity to take a lead, however it wasn’t too long before lead was cut short with a fantastic strike to equalise. The score stayed the same leading up to the break with either side unable to nudge infront. HT 1-1. Second half the rattlesnakes showed more promise moving forward and a good through ball to their striker saw Frank with a brave block, however a cool and calm finish under pressure saw the rattlesnakes player find then back of the net with an excellent finish. Now Beighton could have collapsed as being behind, however this is where the boys showed true grit and personality. Quickly the lead was squashed and an equaliser was found. The magpies then stepped up a gear as goals came thick and fast as the magpies ran to a 5-2 lead. FT 5-2 to Beighton, a great start to the tournament and what great character they showed under pressure.
Goal scorers
Dylan ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Bradley ⚽️
Hunter ⚽️
Game 2 v Samba
It was time to face their next opponents. Samba who put in a great performance in their previous match came into the game with confidence, however it was the magpies who started the brightest and in the first minute a quick goal by Dylan running through and poking it past the keeper to take the lead. A great start. The battle was in midfield with crunching tackles from both sides. It was a battle that only one team could win. It was more in the way of a local sheffield steel city derby with the determination shown by both sides. Through the first half, the magpies managed to score three with Samba scrambling one back after a deflection on the post and sliding in before Frank could get there. HT 3-1 Beighton. Second half again was a battle. Neither side letting up on their tackles. A steady flow of goals came in the second and a penalty by Bradley which only Harry Kane would have been proud of was dispatched confidently. They only real chance that Samba had in the second half was a through ball in the dying minutes, however Frank was off his line to slide tackle out of the box. FT 6-1 and a confident performance was given by all.
Goal scorers
Dylan⚽️
Zach⚽️⚽️
Bradley ⚽️⚽️
Rehan⚽️
Game 3 V Brampton
So it all came down to the winner takes all final game of the tournament. Brampton came into the game probably the favourites after their unbeaten run, however The magpies knew that a draw would probably mean that they would take the title on goal difference. The conditions had changed and the wind had picked up. First half the magpies would be kicking against the wind. An important 10 mins was ahead. It was Brampton no surprisingly started the strongest. The magpies battled hard, however the deadlock was broken when Brampton pushed forward and on the advancing magpies keeper, Brampton calmly slotted it past. Again, Beighton was struggling to get out of their half at times, but this was down to the wind. A couple a good saves again by Frank kept the score at 1-0. However he had no chance with the second with a curling shot from the right hand side into the top corner. 2-0 Brampton. A third came quite quickly for Brampton as tackles were flying at the edge of the box, however the Brampton player managed to hit his shot low and hard, although it was felt he knew little about it into the bottom corner. Half time approached and it was 3-0. The magpies had to get together to re group, this half the wind was behind them. Straight from the off Beighton pushed on. This was the story of the half. Brampton defended well. Beighton thought they had got on the score sheet. A goal line scramble and it appeared the ball had crossed the line. The fans were cheering who were close to the goal and the players and management alike. However it was not given, there was no VAR nor was there any Russian lines man (if you know, you know). No goal and the boys were dejected. Brampton held on and took the spoils 3-0. There were tears at the whistle from the boys. This was due to giving their all and the passion that they showed. However, the boys showed great sportsmanship and congratulated the champions as they lifted the trophy. A great performance was given by the boys and also the management. It was a clear step up for the boys, however they handled themselves impeccably and should be proud of themselves. Man of the tournament for Beighton must have been a very hard decision for the magement as all the players deserved the recognition. However it was magpies number 1 that was graced with the honour due to a number of brave and good saves.
Final thoughts…..
Football is journey at their age. They are in the infancy of learning the game, learning how to play, learning how to be a team and learning how lose gracefully. They are learning to deal with their emotions, their fears and also their ecstasy. As the first half of the season comes to a close, we, as family and friends should and will no doubt be proud of what the boys have achieved, how they have grown. We should all be proud of Paul our manger and the assistants of Ed and Matt as they try and do their very best for the boys. As Christmas approaches, it’s time to take stock of what is important. Today and other days are just football. That’s all it is. We must appreciate how they have developed and grown. The friendships that they have as much as we have with each other as parents. We are now the magpie family. We now look forward to second half of the season where we will be tested in every game. Again they will learn, adapt and become stronger. So on that note, I wish you all, family, friends, parents, management , and players a very merry Christmas. Up the magpies!