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A day to remember and wonderful occasion…..the only thing missing was the result as the Hurricanes were mauled by a Cuffley Lions side that had a game-plan and executed it to perfection on a postage stamp of a pitch.
The boys were buzzing with excitement and adrenalin as they were whisked off to the changing rooms and the ground was filling up as they trotted onto the pitch for a warm-up, cheered on by their families and supporters. As both teams emerged from the tunnel for photos and to be introduced to the Herts FA dignitaries, the main stand was packed as Cuffley and Hitchin fans greeted each players’ name with a roar.
The match kicked off and after a few early skirmishes, on 2 mins, Cuffley took a throw-in from the left side. The ball was catapulted into the penalty box and their centre forward nodded it towards the corner. Sam made a great dive and got a hand to it but couldn’t prevent it from crossing the line. Then, with 5 minutes gone, another long throw was diverted past a helpless Sam for an own-goal and it was 2-0. Undaunted, the boys kept their heads up and came back strongly at Cuffley. A long-range shot from Joel was deflected and looked to be heading into the net before the keeper stuck out a leg to parry it. A snapshot from Sam K hit the bar and a fierce shot from Kane struck the post as Hitchin finished the half very strongly.
Fired up from their team talk, the boys emerged for the second half to rapturous applause but further bad luck struck within a minute as another own-goal was conceded. Full credit to the boys, they never gave up and never stopped attacking but further set-piece goals interspersed with some quality finishes from Cuffley saw the score reach 7-0, which was harsh on the Hurricanes.
The better team won on the day and many congratulations to Cuffley, a big, strong, direct and well-organised team. For the first time this season, the Hurricanes failed to score and struggled to create space to pass and move on a narrow, tiny pitch. Sam, Patrick and Sam defended well from open play but struggled under the Lions’ aerial bombardment from set-pieces. William and Kane, for the first time this season, were overpowered in midfield and Joel and Sam K had little space to trouble Cuffley with their speed. Sam did bring some appreciative cheers from the crowd with a couple of fantastic Zidane-style pirouettes but at times it must have felt like he was playing football in a telephone box, such was the lack of space, created by the pitch and Cuffley pressure. Subs Somerset, Morgan and Alex all came off the bench and contributed to a gutsy, gritty team effort.
In the disappointment of the immediate aftermath, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that nearly 150 teams entered the competition and we made it to the last two – it is a magnificent achievement! The most telling sight was watching the players, obviously disappointed, but clapping their opponents as they received their medals and trophies – they behaved with impeccable grace and sportsmanship throughout. And as they consoled themselves with plates of sausages and chips in the changing rooms afterwards as parents and supporters shuffled around outside wondering what was happening, to paraphrase that great football philosopher, Arnold Schwarzenneger…..they’ll be back!
Man of the match – Patrick – strong in the tackle and alert to danger from open play…I just need to dig out that “Defending Set-pieces” book over the summer!
Squad – Sam Hen, Patrick, Sam Hart, William, Kane, Sam K, Joel, Somerset, Morgan and Alex
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