Moreton Hall Raiders vs Moreton Hall Youth F.C. U1
3 - 0
23 April 2023 · Cambridge & District Colts League<br>U14 Stanley
Home league match played on 23 April 2023.
Kicked off at 10:30 AM
3-0
vs Moreton Hall Youth F.C. U12 Whites
Home league match
It was truly a day to remember for the Moreton Hall Raiders, as they cruised to a 3-0 home victory and claimed the Division 1 title with two league games to spare.
There was excitement and expectation in the air at Nowton Park, as a record crowd gathered to see whether the blues could overcome local rivals Moreton Hall Whites, and win the league in their inaugural season. True to form, the Raiders squad set about their business in a confident and composed manner.
It was clear that the boys (and coaches) were determined to get the job done, and they were not about to let the occasion get the better of them. The team hit its stride early on and grabbed a 4th minute lead when Barrett pounced on a loose ball after the Whites’ goalkeeper had made a good save. The ball trickled home and gave the Raiders’ management team exactly the kind of start they had dreamed of.
This game was a good reflection of the Raiders’ season as a whole. They dominated from start to finish, made numerous chances and always looked to play attractive, attacking football. A sensational Cook volley from a Parker corner on 27 minutes nearly took the net off, as the skipper made sure his side went into half time looking comfortable. 2-0 and the boys could almost taste the glory.
Soon after the restart, the points were as good as sealed when Parker ran onto a Barrett through ball and finished brilliantly. 3-0 after 32 minutes and the fans on the sidelines could now breathe a sigh of relief. This was surely going to be the Raiders’ day.
Copious more chances were created and the woodwork was struck any number of times, as the champions-elect kept knocking on the Whites’ door for more goals. A combination of bad luck and some great saves by the visiting ‘keeper kept the score down to 3 while, at the other end, Raiders restricted their opponents to a single shot on target.
But today wasn’t a day for worrying about the scoreline, or even the performance. It was about the points. It was about the win. It was about that league winners’ trophy.
As the final whistle blew, there were delighted expressions on the faces of players and coaches alike. This was a moment to treasure. The moment they collectively realised their incredible achievement. Confetti, champagne and pizza aplenty were now the order of the day, as the players, coaches and parents celebrated deep into Sunday evening.
Less than a year ago, this group of skillful, humble, determined and delightful young footballers came together to form a team. They’re a team that plays proudly together, in the image of their manager and coach.
As Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”
These boys deserve every moment of their success. They are the champions. They are the Raiders.
Moreton Hall Raiders 3-0 Moreton Hall Whites