The Under 18’s and Under 19’s were joined together for this years Tournament. There were a total of 22 teams split into 4 groups of 5 or 6 teams. During training the day before the Tournament began one of our key players Steve Senior hurt his knee and Anyanwu Bisike told me he could not get to the competition until 4pm each day so we were down to 16 players. A third player Kyle Wong on visiting the physio was told he would be unable to play for 4-6 weeks with Ligament problems. We added Maz to the squad at the last moment because there were a number of Under 19 teams in the competition. Maz who was 5 days too old to play in the Under 18’s was therefore allowed to play.
We started of with a fine 4-0 victory over Daisy Hill on the first day of the Tournament with goals from Mack, Halsall, Gittings and O’shea.
...........Another 4-0 win on Thursday against Flixton with Halsall scoring 2 and Mack and Price getting the others. Rhys Bennett made his debut at full back against Scottish side Wemyss. Maz was also introduced into the side. Goals from Mack and O’shea led to a comfortable 2-0 win.
...........Turning up on Friday full of confidence to play Altrincham Youth Luke Mack, our most experienced player, was ill and we played poorly and lost 2-0. The Quarter Final was against the best American team we have ever played. We fully deserved our 1-1 draw and went through 4-3 on penalties. Our goalkeeper Grant Shenton was superb saving 2 penalties and scoring one too.
.............The Semi Final saw us lose 3-0 against DW Centre, the scoreline was a bit harsh as 2 goals came in the final 5 minutes when we had gone into all out attack. We were the better team for most of the game against a very strong and fast London team.
............Overall a disappointing result in the competition but we had a very young side with only Mack, Mason and Weaver having played for us in the UMBRO before. With 9 of the squad under 16 Maine Road FC’s future looks to be in safe hands. Of the new players Grant Shenton 16, was superb in all of his games with several outstanding saves. Aaron Campbell 16 was strong and steady at centre half but was hampered by a knee injury. Sam Hall 16, and Declan O’shea 16, were both very good in midfield. That leaves Matt Struminskyj 16, left back, left winger all rolled into one. Extremely fit and a good passes of the ball, full of enthusiasm and a great character. (already has taken Chappie on in stupidity and fighting) He was our man of the Tournament. Already 7 of the players have appeared in Maine Road first team friendlies.
...........So once again the main objective of entering the competition which is to find new young players for the first team has happened.