SNC Cup Final: NYL FC 3 Soul FC 0
by Shaz Rahman
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The NYL U14 team were still trying to overcome their semi final win on Saturday having come through by defeating their opponents on the dreaded penalty shoot out when they were thrust into playing the final of the cup only four days later. The final was hosted at the Mile End stadium which saw crowds gather to cheer on both teams. For some, such an occasion of playing in a cup final would only come round once in a lifetime.
Balanced first half
The game started brightly and was being keenly contested in midfield with NYL making an assault on the oppositions goal in the first minute to make their intentions clear. The game then settled in midfield and was being hard fought with both teams trying to find the breakthrough. With resolute defences knowing what was at stake, neither side were willing to give anything away as a keenly contested match was finally settling down with both teams sharing equal posession of the ball. The breakthrough finally came for NYL towards the end of the first half as Soul FC conceded a corner that was whipped cruelly into the box. As the ball evaded all of the Soul FC defenders, Abid managed to toe poke the ball in the back of the net to gain the advantage on the night. The half time whistle blew and both teams were in to work out difeerent strategies for the second half.
Lively second half
The second half again, started brightly with Soul FC looking to break down their opposition to try and level the match. NYL weathered the storm and as they broke forward, earned themselves another corner. This resulted in NYL doubling their advantage as the ball was curled in from the left and Amar was on hand to volley the ball in from 8 yards out freely as he was left unmarked in the box. Soul FC tried their hardest to break down a strong NYL midfield but their efforts were undone as NYL scored a third midway through the second half to all but seal the win. This time the ball being whipped in from the right at the near post, and what looked like it should have been dealt with easily by the keeper, slipped out of his hands and in the Soul FC defenders efforts to clear the ball off his goal line, his sliced clearance fell two yards out to Ahmed who made no mistake.
Soul FC eventually found a rhythm and their two lively forwards were at the forefront of an attacking onslaught for a five minute period towards the end of the game. All their efforts were in vain though and the three goals seemd too many to claw back for a team that then seemed down and out with attack after attack failing to materialise in front of goal as the NYL defence cleared everything that was thrown at them. NYL held on to secure a vital win that never seemed in doubt and a victory that will live in the hearts of these youngsters for a long time to come.
The Cup was presented by SNC chairman Chunu Miah to team captain Amir that sent wild celebrations through the team and a memorable night for the NYL under 14 team.
Many congratulations!