Halifax U16s Youth Cup Final
Monday 9 May 2005, 7:30pm
Venue: Brighouse Town
Northowram U16’s vs Hebden Bridge Saints U16’s.
The pairing produced a great final, which was a great advert for the game
of football. Both teams started the game well with the game flowing from
end to end and chances being created at both ends.
The Rams opened the scoring, when Billy Grogan, received a fine ball from
the hard working Sam Brittain with his back to goal. He neatly turned
the Saints defender and shot through the advancing goalkeeper’s
legs, to put Northowram 1-0 up.
The Saints had a couple of good chances themselves but were dealt with
comfortably by the Rams defence of Lloyd, Mills, Farrell and Goodwin.
The move of the match saw Robbie Graham find Matthew Campbell wide on
the right. His pace allowed him to go outside the first Saints defender
and then squeeze between another two, before crossing to the waiting Adam
Probets. Probets controlled the ball and then placed the ball into the
corner of the Saints net to make it 2-0 just before half time.
The Saints started the second half the brighter, creating better chances
but found the Rams Goalkeeper; Chris Metcalf in good form. The game continued
to be in the balance until the Saints were awarded a freekick on the edge
of the Rams penalty area. Metcalf made a tremendous save only for a Saints
striker to react quickest and thumped the loose ball into the Rams net
and cut the lead to 2-1.
After the restart the Saints were having their best spell of the match;
going in search of an equaliser. They were rewarded and pulled a goal
back to leave the match level at 2-2.
The Saints carried on putting the pressure on the Rams defence in search
of the win. A Saints shot into the Rams crowded penalty area caused Metcalf
to kick clear. The ball struck a Rams defender and rebounded into the
back of the Rams net. The Saints now lead 2-3 with 20 minutes of the half
remaining.
Northowram did not let their heads drop and Billy Grogan was close to
equalising when he burst through on goal only to see his effort hit the
post. Further opportunities came the Rams way when they gained a free
kick. James Goodwin took it, and floated the ball towards the Saints far
post. James Hurtley met the ball to head home to level the scores at 3-3.
Northowram pushed on looking for the winner and Scott Mills put another
high cross into the Saints area. Paul Bridgewater met the cross and headed
into the back of the net 4-3 to put the Rams back in front and with only
8 minutes to go.
With just two minutes remaining Paul Bridgewater rocketed home from thirty
yards out to put the match beyond the hardworking Saints team.
The final score was 5-3 to Northowram and completed the League and Cup
Double for Under16’s.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO CAME TO SUPPORT THE TEAM - YOU WERE
FANTASTIC.
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