Success for the U13s Footballers
4th February 2018
A report from Mr Wheatley:
"It is with great pleasure that I can finally report on a footballing success for Braeburn, as the u13s ran riot on Saturday morning to win the first NTAA u13s football tournament.
Braeburn's tournament began with a dominating performance against ISMAC, who were simply unable to deal with our organisation, agility and confidence to play football the right way. A commanding performance from Brandon in the middle of the park paved the way for opportunities to be created for other players. Yuri proved a constant menace to the ISMAC defence and was only too happy to seize these opportunities - he finished by bagging what was an impressive hat-trick. In defence, Braeburn looked just as assured as dominating performances from both Clinton and Ibrahim meant that chances for ISMAC were limited. When ISMAC did find their way through, Michel in the first half and Antonio in the second were there to prevent any goal from being conceded. Brandon finished his commanding performance with a very neat finish from some distance. 4-0 was a fair reflection of Braeburn's dominance.
Braeburn knew a win in our second game against St. Cons would have been enough to guarantee our place in the final and we begun the game with real purpose. Yuri, again, proving a real thorn in the opposition's defence capitalised on a defensive mixup to give Braeburn the lead. This wasn't, however, to be the platform that we had hoped for and what followed, unfortunately, was a lethargic performance. Clinton and Ibrahim, again, putting in commanding performances were impressive but they were unable to prevent St. Cons from equalising. Ikombe and Daudi coming on for the second half, gave a different dynamic to our attacking play but St. Cons remained frustratingly resolute. This meant for an anxious wait, as a St.Cons victory against ISMAC in the next game of four goals or more would have meant that St. Cons progressed to the final on goal difference. Luckily, ISMAC performed admirably and battled St. Cons - in all honesty, they deserved the win but were unlucky to fall to a 1-0 loss.
This result helped to set up a final match against Kennedy House, who convincingly won their Pool B group by winning both of their games. Braeburn were in no mood to entertain, however, and put in a performance that was so assured that Kennedy House hardly knew what had hit them. Mohveer and Brian growing into their roles out wide, meant that extra space was giving to Brandon in the middle of the park who distributed the ball with real maturity - our first goal, the result of Brandon placing a delightful chip behind Kennedy House's defence for Yuri to latch on to and finish with ease. Braeburn's intensity wasn't the only impressive feature of their first half performance but, also, their competence at playing football neatly, demonstrating real teamwork in the process. A second goal quickly followed (Brandon), though Kennedy House did manage to respond after some neat play. Braeburn, undeterred, continued to play with real menace and always looked likely to score - Yuri, again, only too happy to oblige. It could have been greater, had Brandon's shot not been saved and Brian's spectacular shot not been denied by the bar. The second half was a similar affair, Braeburn dictating the play with real intent and purpose. The introduction of Ikombe and Daudi, again, helped to give even more impetus to our attacking play and both were extremely unlucky not to score. It was Yuri, however, who really stole the show as his prowess was rewarded with five goals!!! Braeburn finished running away with ease, as the game ended 6-1.
It was an excellent day all round for Braeburn and every player can be extremely happy with their performance and the maturity they demonstrated on and off the pitch - one very proud coach, here!
Man of the Tournament: Yuri - eight goals in three games!"
