The BSYL (Bristol Saturday Youth League) season finale at The Rec on Saturday March 25th 2023 saw Shirehampton Colts U10s take on Rockleaze Black U10s in the Cup Final. In the absence of a trophy, the prize would be bragging rights until the new season begins in September. Who would be the best?

In the beginning

It has been a long road to the final which began with a depleted squad sealing a sunny 3-1 away victory vs Brunel Bantams in September; Robin Walton, Omer Greenfeld (2) and Belize Morris shining that day. At the end of the Winter League of 13 teams, the top 4 were placed in a mini league: the 'U10 A Spring Cup'. Each team would play each other once with the top 2 going through to the final. Shire managed to make the top 4 despite playing fewer games than everyone else; the joys of a grass pitch maintained by the council. In total we were forced to cancel at least 4 or 5 games due to weather and pitch issues.

Qualification and Mini league

And so the mini league began. Having just won a closely fought 2-1 league victory away at Clifton Utd courtesy of a late Mia Bassi-Gibbs goal, Shire perhaps had the psychological advantage going into our first cup game: a barn flattening 11-1 (the kids claimed it was 14!) victory v Clifton Utd at home. Josh Collier scored 6 (six) and Alvar Jamison put in a brilliant all round midfield performance; his best game of the season. A 3-0 away victory vs Rockleaze Black followed, including a Sam Fletcher top bins effort from 18yrds and goals from Finlay Newman and Michael Collier. Due to other results, this victory meant we had pretty much won the mini league going into our third and final cup game vs Rockleaze Red. With the influential Collier Brothers away vs the fantastic RL Red (again!), the rest of the team did well to keep the game at 7-2. IMHO we scored the best goals of the game: a Fred Brittan special (20yd free kick) and a lightning fast counterattack down the right and perfect cross from Omer Greenfeld, coolly hit home first time on the half volley by Dylan Moore. It was a quality finish of high technically difficulty.

Some unexpected results in the other games meant the Cup Final would see us face Rockleaze Black again, this time at The Rec on grass. And what a game it was.

The Final - First half

Rockleaze played downhill in the first half and were totally dominant. The attacks were relentless. Captain Michael Collier was immense, as was his defensive partner, Sam Fletcher. Tackle after tackle, interception after interception. The whole team threw themselves into blocks and worked incredibly hard, finally succumbing to a fabulous top bins strike from the edge of the area. A scruffy second followed and we were thankful to make it to half time 2 nil down.

Half time

Coach Chris told the team that with downhill advantage in the second half and some minor adjustments they could still win, but they could make no more mistakes. Faster football, more through balls and more hard work were required. And so it came to pass.

The Final - Second half

The team started well and the game was no longer played in our half. Despite having three players marking him at some points, Josh was beginning to link up with midfielders like Finn Clarke, James Collier, Mia Bassi-Gibbs and Ben Hall and more attacks were being built. An early throughball from Omer Greenfeld sent Josh Collier haring through the middle with two defenders in close quarters. He showed great strength and speed to hold them off and composure to slot the ball past the goal keeper. 1-2. Big cheers from the weary home support, big smiles from the players on the pitch who thronged around Josh, congratulating him. Game on. The belief was back and we were the ones pressing now. On one such attack Sam Fletcher embraced the 'shoot on sight' message and hit a crisp low drive from 18 yrds that clipped the post. We were getting closer and as time was ticking down to the final whistle, it came. A cute backheel from Dylan Moore in the box took out three RL defenders and put Josh Collier in again. Control and shoot, the ball nestled in the corner. We were level. Emotions ran high and Coach Chris had to remind everyone to focus. A few tense minutes passed where both sides could've won the game. Ditto extra time which ended with the scores still 2-2, which meant penalties.

The Final - Penalties

Step up Charlie Brittan, Shire Colts Goalkeeper, vice captain, chief statistician, analyst and part time motivational speaker. Until this point in the game, despite making some crucial saves, Charlie had experienced what he'd probably describe as a sub optimal performance and was pretty frustrated. Coach Chris took him to one side and explained that none of that mattered now and this was his chance to be a hero. That seemed to register and off he set, a look of grim determination in his eyes. The penalty takers were selected and the stage was set. First penalty to RL. It was hit hard but Charlie stood firm and beat it away. 0-0 The team erupt! Advantage Colts. Michael scores 1-0. They score 1-1. Ben H Scores 2-1. Charlie saves again!!!! 2-1. The pressure was really building. Sam scores 3-1. They score 3-2. We miss (a fantastic fingertip save from a perfect pen!) 3-2. They score 3-3. Omer for the win.... scores! Shire Colts U10s Win the Cup 4-3! What a come back.

The team should feel very proud of the mental resilience they showed. Many other teams would've buckled and lost by a big margin at 0-2 down.

It's important to note that the win wouldn't have been possible without the whole BSYL squad including those not mentioned above: Tom Hannah, Joe Davidson, Alastair Dirdal, Zaid Saouli and Ben David. Everyone who played this season contributed to the points that put us in the top 4! Well done all."