A very wet outlook and gusting winds greeted Grove Challengers U11s as they squared up to the Ardington Eagles on their home ground for the first round of the OMBL Cup.

The first half was disappointing for Grove Challengers as they finished 2 goals down with nothing to show for their brave efforts.

The second half was a stark contrast. Grove Challengers scored their first goal within minutes of the start, when great teamwork by Sam Cottrell, Jordan Parrott and Joe Scott set up an excellent opportunity for Lawrence Stoter.

Moments later, Sam Cottrell tore away down the right side and sent the ball arching into the high left corner of the goal. Grove Challengers had equalised, and there was all to play for.

The third goal for Grove came hard and fast, this time from joe Scott, assisted by Sam Cottrell. The score was now 3-2 to Grove, with less than 15 minutes of play left.

The Eagles launched several forays into the Grove half, but solid defence by Dan Stokell, Ally Payton and Declan O’Hanlon repulsed the ball again and again. The midfield, led by Connor Haines, worked tirelessly to push the ball back towards the Grove strikers.

A little later, a free kick taken by Dan Stokell sailed over the head of the Ardington defenders and arched expertly down towards the goal mouth, but the Ardington keeper skilfully deflected it up to the cross bar. The ball bounced back to the pitch, and Jordan Parrott hammered it home. Another great goal.

Shortly afterwards, a long header by Dan Stokell sent the ball straight into the Ardington half. Jordan Parrott, assisted by Lawrence Stoter and Sam Cottrell, hurtled towards the goal and shot the ball high into the goal. The Ardington keeper leapt and got a hand to it, but was unable to deflect it sufficiently. A fifth spectacular goal for Grove Challengers.

The Challengers victory seemed assured as the game moved into the final five minutes. Ardington Eagles maintained their play, launching several attacks that were consistently dismantled by the Grove defence. Again and again, the ball returned to the Ardington half until some solid work between Declan O’Hanlon, Joe Scott and Sam Cottrell saw Sam smash the ball into the Ardington goal. Again, the Ardington keeper almost saved it.

The game closed with the score 6-2 to Grove Challengers. There was an excellent atmosphere throughout the game, despite the persistent rain, and both teams gave their best throughout. Our thanks to the referee for an excellent and consistent performace!