Match report by Coach Mr Rich

A fine sunny day greeted the players of both teams at Wellingborough Town for the final of the U16’s County Cup. 

The pitch was in fantastic condition and both teams were well-prepared for a difficult game. 

The opening exchanges were fairly even with CCS beginning to get on top of possession. Captain J. Rayfield beginning to conduct things in the middle of the park, with A. Evans a clear threat out wide. 15 minutes in J. Rayfield block tackle turned through ball and found T. Allen who rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into an empty net. 1-0 CCS.  

The next period of the game was relatively even with CCS forcing some good defensive work from Latimer. Will this pressure be rewarded? With half an hour gone a CCS corner was cleared, and the ball fell to full back J. James, he met the ball at pace and slammed it towards goal. The ball flew into the top corner beating the outstretched arm of the keeper. What a goal! 2-0 and that’s how it remained until the break! 

2-0 @ Half time. 

Latimer started the second half well, and were playing some good football. They deservedly got back into the game albeit from an unforced error from CCS. 2-1. This goal gave Latimer a renewed belief, and they piled on the pressure. J. Bedford stood strong in the CCS goal with one big save from a 1 on 1. As the half went on, CCS just couldn’t get a grip on the game and were conceding possession far too easily. CCS continued to be a threat on the counter-attack and T. Allen scored his second of the game with a neat finish at the back post. 10 minutes remaining and CCS lead 3-1. Will that be enough? 

Latimer continued to throw players forward and were rewarded with a couple of minutes to go.  A long ball forward into the box was met by their centre half and his header looped over Bedford in goal. Can CCS get over the line and hold strong for the final minutes of the game? 

CCS finished the half strong and sealed the victory. 

County Cup Champions!

A game of two halves, CCS on top in the first and Latimer on top in second! Final Score 3-2 to CCS 🏆 

This is a fantastic achievement for this group of players and one that they fully deserve following an impressive season. All the names listed below have been involved over the course of the season in all competitions, and they finally have a trophy to show for it! 

It’s been a pleasure to oversee their development, and I am very proud of their achievements. Well done boys 💪🏻

L. Coupland, J.  Bedford, D. Osmond, T. Allen, J. James, J. Devlin-Hogg, B. Hourican, J. Rayfield. K. Kakomwe, G. Pannell, A. Evans, L. Napodano, E, Dunkley, A. Morrow, H, Sarmad. A. Goode, H. Revenga-Riesco. Z. Shearnan. L. Wooldridge. H. Salaman.