Eccleshall Under 11s were in action yesterday in the Midlands Junior Premier League Trophy final at Pack Meadow, the home of Coleshill Town in the final game of the season playing Holyfield FC. It was a tough build up to the game as during the week we had three players pick up injuries and despite late fitness tests unfortunately Franek Rybacki and Natan Szczesny, our goal keeper were unable to play. Jacob Egan was selected to play in goal, luckily it’s a position that he has played before for us.

The young eagles started the game well and played some lovely football with Bobby Moorhouse and Finn Lacey being involved in some great moves. We then conceded a very harsh penalty for hand ball and their player dispatched it well. This affected Eccleshalls rhythm and the game became scrappy. We then lost Miller McQueen when he landed heavily on his hip and he couldn’t continue. We started to be second best and they had chances but Arthur Knapper and Eli Richens defended well and Seb Steele was unbeatable making several game saving tackles to mark an outstanding performance. However, we looked dangerous from set plays and Freddie Chell hit a long range free kick which smashed against the bar. Another free kick just inside Hollyfields half was struck with venom and stuck the underside of the bar and bounced over the line. Half time 1-1. It was all to play for.

At half time we encouraged the players to be brave on the ball and aggressive without it. The boys took this on board and come out for the second half on the front foot, however early on a long ball caught our defence out and despite a good save from Jacob Egan, their forward was there to tap the ball home. The boys heads didn’t drop and they looked more determined to take control of the game. We were soon level when another Freddie Chell free kick was struck with power into the top right corner. The momentum was then with Eccleshall with Clayton Morris having a superb second half, always looking dangerous and play some lovely through balls through. Jidesochi Ikpe was getting on the ball in midfield and finding Freddie and Clayton out wide. Then a moment of brilliance, Clayton played the ball to Freddie, who squared up to the defender one on one, nutmeged the defender and smashed the ball into the bottom right of the goal from 20 yards out. A sublime finish and one that no goal keeper would keep out. Our first time ahead in the game and well deserved. We continued to control the game and limited them to few chances. They found the ball out on their right and their player attempted a cross, it hit on of our players on the elbow and the ref blew for another penalty. A good penalty from Holyfields brought the game back level. Eccleshall kept pushing forward and around 5 minutes later a corner from Freddie was met by sebs header which cannoned off the bar and Braxton Maguire jumped in and volleyed it over the line! A well deserved goal for Braxton whose workrate was excellent all game. There were still 10 minutes left to play, but we kept Holyfield at bay and created more chances of our own. In the last minute Hollfields had a shot from the left which drew an excellent save from Jacob but the ball spilled behind him but his quick reactions meant he was able to pounce on the ball to stop it on the line. That was it, the final whistle went, the players and supporters went wild and the trophy was Eccleshalls. An outstanding game for the neutrals. The boys gave their all but two special mentions for Seb Steele who was immense at the back and Freddie Chell for one of the best hat tricks you will see at any level.

Those who were involved in yesterdays successful encounter were;

1. Jacob Egan
2. ⁠Bobby Moorhouse
3. ⁠Arthur knapper
5- Eli Richens
1. ⁠Seb Steele
8- Freddie Chell
9- Braxton Maguire
15- Finn Lacey
16 - Miller McQueen
19 - Franek Rybacki
20- Clayton Morris

Under the impressive management of Dan Chell, Niall Maguire and Mark Richens.

Congratulations to all involved, the club are incredibly proud of all of you!