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               Erdington & Saltley U14 Warwickshire Cup Finalists

Back row: Liam Burke (manager), Rob Fearn, Mason McDermott, Jamie Eagles, Sam Hornby, Nick Caddy, Jahmarie Blair, Kieran Caulfield, Ben Yates. Front row: Jordan Legthorn, Daniel Tierney, Shakil McDonald, Lewis Taylor,Connor Doyle, Steve Hayles, Dale Hitchman

Erdington U14s travelled to Woodstock F.C. to play Mid Oxfordshire in the the U14 Warwickshire Cup Final. The game proved to be an exciting match, worthy of a cup final, played in a competitive but sporting manner and  credit should go to both teams for their performance on the day.

The game proved to be an end to end match with Mid Oxford having greater possession in the opening  stages. Oxford took the lead after ten minutes when a great strike from the right side edge of the box could only be palmed away by Sam Hornby and hesitancy in the Erdington defence lead to Oxford  hitting in the rebound. Erdington quickly replied through Shakil McDonald, who was a constant threat to the Oxford defence throughout the game. He beat three defenders and calmly rounded Ben Tilsley in the Oxford goal to hit a deserved equaliser. Further chances were created at either end but Erdington's defence stood strong, well marshalled by Jordan Legthorn who had an outstanding game in the heart of the Erdington defence. However in the dying seconds of the first half, Oxford took the lead again with a firm header following a corner.

The second half was a repeat of the first, although Erdington began to take control with captain Jamie Eagles dominating the midfield. Shakil McDonald equalised direct from a free kick with an unstoppable 25 yard shot. Shakil could have got his hatrick and won the game for Erdington in the latter part of the match but his effort went agonisingly past the post. Injuries to key players, Kieran Caulfield and Steve Hayles resulted in a reformation of the team in extra time. Mid Oxford again took the lead in the first period and, despite pressure on the Oxford goal, Erdington could not get their deserved equaliser. It wasn't to be Erdington's day.

Much credit can be taken from this game and Erdington look forward to next season on a high.

This finishes Erdington & Saltley's programme 2008 - 2009

Many thanks to all managers, players, officials  and parents who have given their support to the association throughout the season.

Watch this space for details of next season's programme 2009 - 2010