Bridgewater u11s set off to Cheshire to take on The Grange with high hopes in the ISA Cup. The team have enjoyed a successful first half of the season and were in confident mood despite being under-dogs in the tie.
The early stages of the game were crucial as Bridgewater started strongly and had a couple of good chances but could not convert. Birthday boy Ethan went close, whilst Daniel also had a couple but could not test the Grange keeper, who was so big he made the goals look tiny! Unfortunately, The Grange strikers were more clinical on the day and scored four goals from eight attempts in the match. Bridgewater peppered the opposition goal throughout, but could not score in any of their twenty attempts on goal.
Archie was outstanding at the back and battled from the first whistle to the last. Oliver B did not stop running all game and had the moment of the match with an amazing solo run that Messi would of been proud of!
Alfie made light of his two year age difference, winning tackles and taking on players in all areas of the pitch. Matthew in goal could do little about the goals and showed his bravery with some important saves at the feet of the opposition strikers. Daniel worked tirelessly up front to drag the team back into the tie and on another day would have scored on several occasions. Matthew, Owen and Harvey all had an impact in their stints in midfield and caused The Grange problems at various moments in the match.
The team were understandably disappointed with the result as they know the tie was within their grasp to win. The big grass pitch and the small goals with the biggest Prep VI goalkeeper in the north-west unsettled the players and they never really established a foothold in the game. The attitude of the captain and many of the team was a real bonus to see as they never gave up and will learn lots from the experience today.
There will be many more days when the team do not play as well and will win with ease. As long as the attitude remains positive and the team train together regularly they will certainly continue to develop into a force to be reckoned with in the years ahead.