Broadstone Youth flew the flag for Dorset with pride in the Regional Finals, acquitting themselves well and coming oh so close to qualifying for the National Finals at The Walker Stadium in Leicester.
In a winner-takes-all league format, with 3 points for a win, 2 for a score draw and 1 for a no-score draw Dorset played six matches of 10 minutes each-way, opening with a tentative scoreless draw against Gloucestershire.
In their second game the lads were caught cold in the first minute, with what proved to be the only goal of the game, against Somerset. Despite a spirited second-half display, the Somerset ‘keeper managed to keep Dorset at bay and prevented them from taking anything out of the match.
Most matches were proving tight affairs with precious few goals being scored. Two games in and with only one point on the board Dorset knew that they needed to start finding the net.
Two wins by the only goal, albeit with a host of opportunities spurned to add to their tally, saw 6 points plundered from Cornwall and Wiltshire, and Dorset had put themselves right in contention.
With Devon up next a stern test awaited, since they had not been beaten and had managed to score a few goals in the process. In a keenly fought match Dorset took the lead in the first half and eventually ran out winners by a resounding 3 goals to nil.
Due to the programme Dorset then had to face Herefordshire immediately in their 6th and final match, whereas Hereford were only playing their fourth match with the added benefit of a break after their previous game.
A tight game was decided in Herefordshire’s favour with a single strike, Dorset unable, despite a valiant effort by all the players, to gain parity.
Little did we know at the time, but had an equaliser been found then Dorset would have pipped Herefordshire on goal difference and won through to the National Finals!
As it was, in their final game Herefordshire drew 0-0 with Devon, the side soundly beaten by our lads, resulting in Herefordshire finishing top, with Devon claiming the runners-up spot ahead of Dorset in third.
The final league table showed just how well Dorset had performed, with the best goal difference (+3) and least goals conceded (2). Tesco also selected best players in the four positions of goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward and, whilst the Dorset players were overlooked in each category, it is worth mentioning that the best goalkeeper award was given to the Devon custodian, who had let in 4 goals in total, 3 of them against Dorset!
All in all the day was a marvellous experience for the boys of Broadstone Youth U13, representing their county of Dorset and they can all be justifiably proud of themselves.
Dorset U13 Boys 2009
Broadstone Youth
Adam Eyres
Elliott Pike-Ben Wilson- Jamie Taylor-Mark Newey
Edd Hammond-Aidan Cuddy-Matt Swindlehurst-Liam Kelly-Charlie Groves
Henry Wathen-Jacob Wood-Bradley Hillier-Callum Ross
Jordan Sheppard-Charlie Parnell
Manager – Ian Kelly Coach – Nick Cuddy
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