HOPPERS BLUE RETAIN Tony Ellis Trophy 2013
Having lost their first fixture against Foxes, Blues slowly grew in confidence as the team from five levels below the top division earnt its respect from the other members in the competition as a team that play good football, and good football they did play. They won their next two games in the league section of the league and needed to avoid defeat to move through to the semi-finals. Crofton Albion, three divisions above Blues were their opponents, who also needed to win to progress in the competition. Crofton came out all guns blazing in a fiery contest, but Blues stood tall, soaked up the pressure and then started to take the game to their opponents. In the end, neither team were able to get a goal, but the point was enough to knock out their senior division opponents and progress to the semi's.
Next up was division two side Docklands, who threw every trick in their book, but couldn't break down the resolute Hoppers defence marshalled by returning captain Samuel Jacques who had missed last years competition. In the end Kadeem Wallace's tireless running from left back, found himself following another Hoppers threw ball into the box, his pressure force an error from the Docklands goalkeeper, who presented Kadeem with the ball to roll it into an empty net. Shortly after Aaron, waltzed passed a couple of defenders to fire an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net to give Hoppers a 2-0 lead. Hoppers could have had six or seven before half time, but the gaffa's shooting boots were firmly left at home and the reliable Charlie Adams must have been using Johnston's boots as they both had greater success trimming the top of the trees that troubling the goal. Docklands did get one back, but the result was never in any doubt.
Hoppers one game away from retaining the cup, next up premier division Woodpecker. This provided to be a non event, as fatigue played a big part in normal and extra time. Both sides cancelling each other out. The competition was ultimately to be decided on penalties. Captain Courageous Sam stepped to take the first, confidently sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, equalise Woodpecker's opening spot kick. Woodpecker's next penalty taker, tried to send stand in goalkeeper Charlie Adams, the wrong way, but he recovered as he was diving away from the ball to save the spot kick with his feet. Kadeem Wallace then made the long walk for Hoppers knowng success would win the trophy and victory against their top flight opponents. The moment didn't phase Kad as he stroked the ball home to seal victory for Hoppers.
Job done for Hoppers, A squad performance where no one was left out, everyone stood up to be counted, Congratulations to Johnston, for the perfect way he lend his squad to victory.
Up and coming games/events |
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Date |
Team |
Activity |
Details |
28/10/12 |
1st Team Ressies Blues |
League Game - Home to Centersports League - Away to Cosmos 90 Plumstead Challenge Cup - Home to L Sports C |
Sydenham Sports - 10:30ko Powerleague(Catford) - 10:30ko Bellingham Leisure - 10:30ko |
1/11/12 |
MEETING |
MET League meeting |
Badgers, Middle Park Ave, Eltham |
4/11/12 |
1st Team |
London Cup 2nd Rd Pt 2 |
Away to Clapton Rangers |
2/12/12 |
1st Team |
London Cup 3rd Round |
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6/12/12 |
MEETING |
MET League meeting |
Badgers, Middle Park Ave, Eltham |
27/1/13 |
1st Team |
London Cup 4th Round |
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10/3/13 |
1st Team |
London Cup Semi Final |
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