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Carshalton U11s have reached the final of the West Surrey Youth League Cup with a gritty display against high flying Epsom Eagles.  On a perfect day for playing football - bright sunshine, no wind, and an enormous flat playing surface at The Met Police Ground at Imber Court - both teams produced a match of high excitement and drama - a fitting semi final.

There were a few raised eyebrows when the starting line-up was announced, with Owen making a welcome return from injury at centre half and top scorer Kristian being on the subs bench.  Had "The Management" lost it or was it a cunning plan?  The game was fairly even from the start with Carshalton playing Arran up front on his own and 5 across midfield to match Epsom's high tempo style.  With 10 minutes on the clock, Carshalton were forced into an early change due to an injury to Chris.  Ben replaced him at right back and Kristian came on to join Arran up front, Carshalton reverting to 4-4-2.  Epsom then enjoyed a spell of pressure, but on the counter attack, Carshalton looked dangerous.  Carshalton took the lead with 10 minutes to go of the first half when Owen knocked a free kick in from out on the left of the box high into the net.  He does this for fun in the pre match warm-up, but this is the first time he has really connected with one during a game.  And what a game to choose! 

With Epsom chasing the game, Carshalton reverted to 4-5-1, with Kristian playing the lone striker role and Arran coming back into midfield.  Though this meant we conceded a lot of possession and territory, we did manage to limit Epsom's front line's chances.  That said, we did ride our luck at times - something we haven't been able to say once this season.  Ryan cleared a ball off the line - a seemingly hopeless task, but he never gave up.  Dan made some great saves - 2 in particular being out of the top drawer.  Just to add to the tension we conceded a penalty in the second half.  Epsom blasted the ball against the bar, and we began to believe this might just be our day.  As we moved into stoppage time, Carshalton broke away and almost made the game safe, but over-hit the final pass.  

With fingernails bitten to the quick, parents running out of cigarettes and management acting very cool on the sidelines (believe that if you want), the referee somehow managed to find 6 and a half minutes of injury time in a 30 minute half!!!  Where did that come from?  The boys remained concentrated and resolute as everyone on the sidelines seemed to be going frantic.  At the final whistle there were joyous scenes from the boys in green.  A cup final appearance won by hard work and determination.  Can't praise the effort enough.  We didn't play a lot of attacking football, but this was a game for rolling up our sleeves - literally; thanks Paul for that one - and competing as best we could against a very good side who had beaten us 0-5 earlier in the season. 

Well done to Epsom Eagles players for the way they played and to their officials for the sporting manner in which they accepted defeat.  After the pressure and chances they created, they must have been very disappointed, but were very complimentary about our boys at the end of the game. 

As soon as we know details about the final, we will publish them on the web site.  For now, we need to show the same sort of application to pull ourselves up the league table. 

Normally I don't do this, but I'll mention each play by name... 

Dan - played an absolute blinder in goal, safe as houses and 2 saves in particular against their top forward we as good as anything you'll see at this age group. 
Chris - showed the right attitude to the team my insisting on returning to action after getting injured.  Kept their fleet-footed forwards under wraps 
Luke - another reliable game where he took on board the advice on positioning that was given to him before the match.  Made us much more robust through the middle by tucking in when we were not in possession 
Owen - captain, goalscorer, returning from injury, colossus in defence - inspirational 
Ryan - best game of the season.  Clearance off the line was sensational.  Got in where it hurt, won all his headers and tackles and stayed on his feet as we asked him to. 
Ruaridh - one of our most creative players who put in a good shift.  Must get his father to feed him before afternoon kick offs in future! 
Ben - another very impressive performance in midfield and at right back when required.  Tackled non stop and looked to create attacks at every opportunity. Filled the holding role just as he had been asked. 
Mitchell - another who had their best game of the season, winning the midfield battle.  Worked his socks off throughout the full game and did as much as anyone to win it. 
Lewis - got a boot on the head clearing in his own box.  Says it all for a right sided midfield player who was prepared to do everything for the cause.  Managed to continue after that nasty knock and showed the right team ethic attitude 
Jake - played most of the game in his accustomed left wing berth, but when asked to tuck into central midfield in the last 10 minutes he produced an excellent "never-give-up" performance snuffing out their central midfield 
Michael - came on as second half sub and ran his heart out - almost literally as he had to come off with breathing problems in the last 5 minutes, such was the effort he put in. 
Kristian - showed a great attitude by accepting being named sub initially.  Came on early and worked so hard for the team by holding up the ball, offering himself for a pass, being a willing worker and defending from the front. 
Arran - once again excelled in the role we gave him.  Worked tirelessly when alone up front.  Prepared to do a lot of selfless running in order to protect the midfield.  Always looked our most dangerous attacking option when running at their defence.  Another great performance 

I pray that I haven't left anyone out!!  Well done lads.  You thoroughly deserve what you have earned through hard work and discipline.  We are improving all the time and we know we still have a long way to go, but you can certainly be proud of your achievements - your management and supporters certainly are.

If I have missed out any major incidents, then I apologise, but it was all a bit of a blur from where I was standing!!

Buzz