This year the Surrey Primary League ran 4 trophies, a Senior Cup + Plate and the Junior Cup + Plate.
The top half of the SPL competed for the Senior trophies and the bottom half in the Junior. As the Hurricanes are in the 2nd tier of the league, they were automatically entered in the Senior trophies. A bye in the first round, followed by the 6-2 win after a penalty shootout against Premier Elite Woking Town Yellow (this result streamed them into the Senior Cup rather than Plate) and then 4-2 win against giant killers Oxshott Raiders got them into the semi final for the second time two seasons. North Warnborough got to the semi final with 6-0 and 10-1 wins over Knaphill and Teddington, and a big win over the Premier division’s run-away league leaders Farnham (5-2). They are the only u15 team unbeaten in all SPL competitions this year. We last played North Warnborough in the NEH league in October 2015.
Today was all about their performance, team work and quality. They were up for the challenge following the warm up. Billy was out with a knee injury and James was ill, giving 15 players going into the game.
The game kicked off at a fast pace with North Warnborough (playing in blue kit) showing their quick decision making and fast movement. In fact all of their players were very fast!! The Hurricanes got stuck in, pressing hard and looking to create the opportunities. Unfortunately Henry was injured out after 13 minutes in a 50:50 tackle where both players committed to the challenge (latest is this isn’t serious but needs rest). On the break Finch couldn’t quite link up the passes in the final third, the away defence were strong, quick and organised.
The Blues were denied by top quality saves from Ben A, deflecting a shot onto the post and blocking another shot before diving on the lose ball in a goal mouth scramble. Finch had a couple of good opportunities too, but quick defending nicked the ball out from Finch feet before they could pull the trigger. It took 39 minutes before North Warnborough finally hit the net, squeezing the ball into the far corner in a 1:1 on the edge of the box.
The second half was as fast as the first half, with North Warnborough keeping up pressure on the home team. Combined with the pace and decision making in their play, Finch were defending deeper in their own half. It was only a matter of time before the pressure would take its toll, Finch failing to clear the ball gave them the opening to double their score. But the Hurricanes kept battling, applying their own pressure and trying to link up play. Callum setup Ollie for a left footed shot which only just missed the top left corner of the goal. And a volley from Callum had the sting taken out of it with the bounce in front of the keeper for the easy save.
Another opportunity to clear the ball wasn’t taken and North Warnborough capitalised again from point blank range. They switched to keep ball tactics and forced Finch to chase the game. Our lads did get the ball after some persistence and tried to break but just couldn’t quite create the space through their midfield and defence. And were eventually caught on the counter for the final goal of the game.
0-4 final score.
Overall I’m very proud of the lads for their effort and commitment today, positive attack minded football with some good moves!! All of our lads played their socks off and rose to todays challenge. On results, Finch did as well if not better than most of the Premier Elite teams against North Warnborough, who will no doubt go on to win the Senior Cup and the Premier Elite division.
So we turn our attention back to the league with the final 4 games left to play. Burpham beat Teddington today to go 2 points clear above Finch, Worplesdon drew with Haslemere, and Knaphill recorded their first win again Claygate. 4th, 5th and 6th place all have 19 points, with Finch in 7th on 17 points (and Finch have games in hand as well).
The fixtures look like this at the moment:
- 15th April : Final home game against Knaphill
- 22nd April : home game against Haslemere ***pitch issue***
- 29th April : home game against Claygate ***pitch issue***
- 5th/6th May : IOW tour…..very exciting!!!
- TBC : away game against Teddington (I’m pushing the league for 13th May)
Well done all
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