Omonia U10 Silver 2-0 Harvesters East
Under 10 Spring Plate final
“Omonia Silver win the silver in their first season”
Venue : Harvesters FC (Watford Friendly League finals), Smallford
Sunday 11th May 11.45 am | (referee Mr R Ansher)
Team:- Luca Coles (GK), Louis Cooper-Keeble-Haili(C), Adam Curran, Matthew Calderon, Alex Theoharous, Pier Giacomo Beer (PG), Matthew Dracou, Chris Kuossev, David Faloye, Louis Petrou
Omonia Silver in their first season had reached the final via four consecutive victories. A story which began with a 3-0 victory against Harvesters East back in January; followed by two wins in February, 4-1 against Colney Heath and a hard fought 1-0 against Casssiobury Rangers. Then in April the semi-final took place with again Omonia Silver triumphant in a narrow 2-1 victory against Gadeside Rangers.
All ten Omonia Silver players walked onto the Harvesters pitch for the pre-match photos after warming up with the team’s managers Kyri Haili and Mike Petrou. Everyone was excited, especially as the other finals prior to this one at U-10 level had gone into extra time. Referee Mr Ansher blew his whistle, the game commenced and after a few early midfield skirmishes, Omonia began to build some early pressure with Alex going on some mazy runs along the wing and Louis P testing the Harvesters East defence and goalkeeper with a couple of early shots. Omonia’s pressure continued with a series of corners taken by Matthew D, somehow the Harvesters defence managed to scramble away a clearance and their keeper made some good / fortunate saves. Then Harvesters finally managed to penetrate the Omonia defence only for the shot to go wide past the post. With half-time approaching back came Omonia, the chance was created by Adam with a long ball for Louis P to chase, one bounce and Louis placed a shot top left hand corner, but wow!, a miracle save then followed by the Harverster’s keeper. Omonia’s midfield, (Matthew D + Matthew C) were still controlling the game and soon another chance was created, foul and a free kick midway in the Harvesters half. Adam, took charge as all the players, apart from Louis C (the other half of Omonia’s brave defence) waited in the penalty box. Adam took aim and fired the ball through the melee of players, but again the Harvesters keeper, managed to get a leg to deflect the goal-bound cannon round the post, was it going to be one of those days? Missed chances galore / great saves HT 0-0
The second half began surely Omonia would break the deadlock soon? Omonia, continued to pass the ball well with both Alex on the right and Pier Giacomo(PG) on the left running onto passes from midfield. Pier (PG) then raced onto one through pass with just the keeper to beat, he shoots, it stings the keeper’s hands. This time no miracles, the well placed shot could not be stopped, GOAL 1-0 to Omonia. Now, it was time to search for a second goal with the boys carving out chance after chance thanks to some great passing between them. The second goal was a reward for the pace of the Omonia attacks, Chris and Pier (PG) exchanged passes on the left, Louis P and Alex raced on towards the penalty box. Pier (PG) threads a pass through the Harvesters defence, Louis P connects and shoots, but the keeper will make the save?, no, because Pier (PG) continues his run and hits Louis’s shot into the roof of the Harvesters net GOAL 2-0. There was still ten minutes to play so Harvesters in front of the home crowd did try and score, but Luca (GK) held a long shot and Adam and Louis C in defence, broke up most of their limited chances. All eyes were now on referee Ansher, the whistle blew game over. Omonia Silver had won a trophy in their first season of playing together as a league team. FT 2 – 0
Now, followed a mass pitch invasion of families and friends; the boys joyous with their victory posed for a memorable team photo. They were then awarded individual medals and finally Louis C team captain collected and lifted aloft the U-10 Spring Plate shield. What a great first season.
