With six teams in a single group stage for the tournament with strong Saturday league teams and Division 1 Sunday league team playing as well, the U15 Blacks started as clear underdogs and the team everyone else would expect to beat.

Shire Colts 2 – 2 4forthefuture

SC started strongly with two fast goals and although the run away winners of the Saturday Youth League came back strongly to score twice they couldn’t find a winner and Blacks held on for the score draw points.

Shire Colts 0 – 0 Port of Bristol

Shire Colts 0 – 0 Port of Bristol

Shire Colts 0 – 0 Ashley Down

Three more typical 7 a side matches followed with good goalkeeping neutralising the small number of clear chances. The last of these produced a solid defensive display against the second placed side in the Saturday Youth League and a third no score draw meant the final qualifying place for the knock out stage was very close.

Shire Colts 1 – 0 Downend

Needing at least a draw to qualify for the semi-finals, Blacks put in a really strong performance against a Division 1 side, with a beautifully executed goal and strong defence, to set up a re-match with 4forthefuture.

Semi-Final

Shire Colts 1 – 0 4forthefuture

Finishing 4th in the group meant playing the winners of the group who were confident about the win and keen for revenge for the initial draw. Blacks took the opportunity to score half way through and then produced a dogged display to hang on for an exceptional win.

Final

Shire Colts 0 – 0 Ashley Down (2-3 on penalties)

Starting the final having been undefeated all day gave the Blacks confidence in their ability to play defensively as required. There were chances at both ends but nothing crossed the line. The initial penalties played out with one scored and two missed from each side, with good saves

from both goalkeepers. Into sudden death it took until the sixth penalties to separate the sides. Although unlucky to lose the tournament overall produced an excellent result.

New coaches, Esther Dermott and Rupert Bates praised the players for their commitment, energy and fantastic team work. The performances throughout the day showed that the team can compete against stronger opposition. Combined with the league promotion from Division 5 to Division 4, this result confirmed a hugely positive end to the 23/24 season