The Under 12's team took part in the Cleethorpes Classic. A quality tournament, with teams from Scotland, The Midlands, North East and Yorkshire taking part.
60 people from the town took the journey over the Pennines and encamped on a caravan park. First impressions of the accomadation were good, and we were all within a stones throw from each other - making socialising that little bit easier.
The football started on the Saturday morning, with the reds taking on Whiteleas, from the North East. A good defensive display, looking strong and a goal from Mitch Bailey secured all three points and a good start. The second game was against one of the pre-tournament favourites, and last years beaten finalists, Hylton Rangers. A good team who were quick up front eventually ran out 4-0 winners.
Game 3 was against Pontefract sports. An injury to Kieran meant a game in goal for Luke Macca - one of th eperks of being the managers son! From the Middlewich kick off Ponte took the ball and went through the Middlewich midfield and defence to make it 1-0. The majority of th eplay though was Middlewich's, but they could not find the back of the net! One break from Ponte and they made it 2-0 at half time. The second half was all Middlewich's again playing some decent football, but not finding the back of the net. Ponte then broke and made it 3-0. They had 3 attacks and scored three goals.
The last of first days games was against Burntwood Dragons, and it was one of those games that everything went well. It showed the culmination of a seasons hard work. Middlewich were stoking the ball about well, from back to front and from side to side. With 2 goals from Morgo, and on each from Connor, Brezzey, Jake E and Chris gave the lads from Middlewich third position after day 1. the lads celebrated a good days work with a swim or a game of golf, and enjoyed a night out together - eating as a team and enjoying each others company.
In such a lofty position going in to day 2, Middlewich had an outside chance of progressing to the final. But with games against Hamilton Academicals SPL Acadamy team. St Andrews - Current champions and not been beaten for 4 years, and Sheffield Rangers - league champions it was going to be a tough ask.
That it was, with injuries mounting up and fitness lacking the heads dropped and three losses - without a goal scored summed up the Sunday.
The lasting memory of the football should be the first day and the performance against Burntwood. The lads showed what they can do when it comes together.
A game of beach football and a few quid in the arcades soon cleared the heads of the players and they were soon ready for the presentation evening.
So to the presentation evening and the Middlewich lads were looking smart and it again was noted by the compere and the celebrity - Dave Bassett - showing the clubs proffesionalism.
Another good tour lads. And look forward to somne special awards at the presentation evening. |
