Home
Apr 18, 2024
Under 16 Boys Thriller
Derbyshire U16 Boys v Staffs U16 Boys
Both teams went into the game at Eastwood CFC knowing that it was a ‘must not lose’ match as 4 points for either side from the two remaining games between themselves would guarantee the U16 title.
In an entertaining but tight first half, Derbyshire struck first with a goal from a counter attack, Staffs Siraaj Ahmed then burst clear of the Derbyshire defence before finishing superbly to level the scores. Half Time 1-1.
Midway through the second half, Derbyshire were awarded a penalty which was then brilliantly saved by Staffs keeper Finlay Jones. Shortly afterwards though the home side went ahead again after a goalmouth scramble following a set piece. At 2-1 down with just 5 minutes left the Staffs coaches with nothing to lose threw caution to the wind and changed formation to 3-3-4 with Captain and Centre back Stan Straw leading the attack.
What happened in the next few minutes was quite remarkable. Stan getting on the end of a great cross to brilliantly head home the equaliser to make it 2-2. As Staffs regrouped to see the game out disaster struck with less than a minute left when an unfortunate defensive mix up let in the Derbyshire striker for an open goal, which they celebrated wildly assuming they had just scored the winning goal.
However this Staffs team and in particular striker Alfie Hancock were not to be beaten and as Derbyshire trotted back still delighted and the Referee blew for the restart, Alfie spotted that the Derbyshire keeper was off his line and in true David Beckham style directly from kick off struck the sweetest shot he will probably ever hit straight over the stranded Home keeper and into the top corner of the net! Cue wild celebrations from every Staffordshire player, followed by the full time whistle to bring an end to what had been a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Credit to both teams. It felt like a win for the Staffs boys having 3 times come back from a goal down and after such an incredible ending.
All is now to play for on 29th April when the two teams meet again in what should be a thrilling title decider.