Under 9's - Thundermite

Thundermite League Cup Semi Final (2-3-2008)

Under 9's reach Thundermite Cup final

East Thurrock Utd 1 Gray’s Athletic 1 East Thurrock Utd win 3-2 on penalties.

Rocks booked themselves a cup

final spot after battling back from

an early first half goal to equalise

in the second half and finally go

on to win the tie on penalties.

Rocks were stunned as Gray’s

took the lead right from the start

after they pounced on a back

pass which saw an unstoppable

shot fly past Rocks goalkeeper

Alfie Fairman. Rocks picked

themselves up with Halil Yorgandji

Sonny Kirsopp and Bobby

Nicholass working tirelessly

to win the battle in midfield. Rocks

best chance came from a free kick

which was awarded after good

work by Halil Yorgandji who was

fouled just outside the box. Captain Joe Reader took the kick which was heading goal bound but was cleared of the line.

Further Gray’s attacks were broken down after good defensive work by Joe Reader and Max Rumens who has been outstanding this season in his defensive role, earning him man of the match awards in the previous two games.

Second half began with Rocks a goal down and with lots of work to do to turn this tie around. Lone striker Matthew Girvan was impressive again with his constant runs towards the Gray’s Athletic goal, but not for a great save from Gray’s goalie Matthew Girvan would have made the score sheet.

Rocks finally got the deserved equaliser to send the supporting crowd wild, Matthew Girvan’s shot was saved but fell to Joint man of the match Sonny Kirsopp who’s spirit and determination throughout the match was superb, his effort went under the Gray’s goalkeeper and finally crossed the goal line and into the net.

Both sides looked for a winner in normal time, but it was not to be and the ref finally blew the whistle for full time and now the tie would be decided on penalties.

Gray’s missed their first penalty after hitting the post, and Matthew Girvan stepped up but saw his effort well saved by the Gray’s Athletic goalkeeper.

Gray’s second penalty was well saved by Joint Man of the Match goalkeeper hero Alfie Fairman whose excellent handling throughout the match had given his defence extra confidence. Joe Reader stepped up and slotted home to give Rocks the advantage.

Gray’s then scored to level but the lead was restored as Halil Yorgandji placed his kick down the centre pass the diving goalkeeper.

Gray’s levelled again, but next to come for Rocks was Bobby Nicholass who coolly placed the ball with power into the bottom right hand corner of the goal to give rocks the advantage again.

Gray’s Athletic had to score to save the game, but again super goalkeeper Alfie Fairman saved and sent the crowd into frenzy to put the Rocks into the final of this Thundermite League cup.

Joint Man of the Match Alfie Fairman and Sonny Kirsopp.

E.Thurrock Fairman (mom), Reader, Rumens Yorgandji, Kirsopp (mom), Nicholass, Girvan.