Watson Cup Final at Cranfield FC on Friday night under lights versus The Black Swan from Luton.

Rain for the past 2 days had us concerned the game would even be played but credit to the Groundsman the pitch was in superb condition and fortunately the rain held off for the game too.

14 boys available including poor Tom playing through a little knee pain. Great crowd support for both teams.

I felt we started well. Using the ball superbly finding feet and pushing Swan back.There were plenty of early corners and the first chance came from a fizzed in Callum MC corner, James met at the near post with a great header and beat the keeper but cleared off the line.

Then a Barton corner was cleared and fell to Charlie 25 yards out. A real sweet strike and I had a flash back to last seasons wonder goal v Dunstable but unfortunately inches wide of the keepers top left corner. George made a couple of clever passes into our strikers feet but again blocked and cleared for Barton corners.

After 20 minutes Black Swan who had hardly threatened our goal hit a hopeful strike from 25 yards out , Ryan looked to have it covered but an unfortunate bobble and in. Naturally this gave our opponents a lift but huge credit to Ryan, Callum MC, Louis , Kyle and Ciaran who weathered 15 minutes of Black Swan pressure but our opponents only created 2 half chances from headers.

We composed ourselves and the last 10 minutes was much more like it. Luc and Niall were working terrifically hard in the middle and we began putting pressure back on Swan but could not create that clear opportunity.

Half time 0-1. Half time team talk was simple. Keep ourselves in it as I know we will score.

First 15 minutes of the second half our opponents played their best stuff of the game. They were moving the ball around the pitch very well and were definetly the best team we have played this year. I felt we were sloppy with the ball too. Not finding feet and being a little hopeful with our clearances. Even though they had the ball again our defensive work was outstanding. A couple of long range efforts wide and great blocks from Callum Fish and Kyle and Ryan needed to pull off 1 quality save.

As the half got longer we got better slowly but surely.

Henry and Brandon both looked to be through but some great defensive work. Then the switch with 15 to go to 3 at the back and an extra body up top. Again this worked wonders for us as it did last week v Stony in the league cup semi final.

It was not long before the equaliser came. Great work down the right by Henry and Brandon , Henry in the box was cool and calm and slotted home 1-1. Now there's only one potential winner in the dying minutes and Barton pushing forward. Henry hit a free kick over . Last corner of the game again sweetly struck by Callum perfect on the 6 yard line . Henry met superbly but hit the underside of the bar. 3 Barton players waiting to slot home but agonisingly cleared for another corner by a Swan defender. Ref blows for full time before we can take it.

Penalties - The Swans had a good number of fans behind the goal who had been enjoying the clubhouse services for the evening but again the character of the lads was phenomenal and huge credit to the 5 lads who stepped up and we win 4-2.

Incredible victory by a group of lads who have a fantastic competitive spirit and winning mentality.

Cannot give a player of the day today as once again this is a collective effort and the first u18 side to win the adult Watson Cup.

Barton Rovers Youth

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