U9s - first silverware of the season

Saturday, 4 March 2006
Rob Burton and Alan McCabe's terrific U9 side got the first silverware of the season at Crawley when they beat local rivals Maulden 3-2 on sudden death playoffs after a goal-less game and extra time.

The Crawley U9s pose for their team picture before winning the cup in an exciting final.

Crawley started the game the better side but Maulden defended well and honours were even at the interval.

The second half produced more of the same with both teams creating good chances but unable to apply the finishing touch.

Crawley had the better of the long range shooting chances but the Maulden keeper pulled of some fine saves to ensure the match finished level at 0-0 at normal time.

The U9s put the visitors under pressure but Maulden hold out
for a goal-less half time score.

More of the same in the second half but the game went to penalties - and the maroons scraped through.

Extra time was just as tight with both teams giving all in a terrific match - a superb advert for junior football and a reflection on managers and players alike from both sides.

A large crowd saw the game go to penalties. Crawley won the toss and elected to go first but although Isaac Galliford hit the ball well it went straight to the keeper who pulled off a fine save.

Maulden scored to take a 1-0 lead but Kyran Wiltshire hit the back of the net to level matters. The visitors went to 2-1 ahead and things looked black for the maroons when Bailey Burton missed another golden opportunity to keep Crawley in with a chance as his shot was again saved. Things looked bleak but a glimmer of hope arose when Maulden missed their first kick of the tournament.

Bradley Burton then smashed his shot past the Maulden keeper then the visitors missed with their next effort to leave the teams level with one penalty each to go.

Tyler Reid hit a fine shot to give the maroons the lead for the first time in the match and the Cup came back to Crawley for the second year as the Crawley keeper easily saved the final kick.

Much celebration ws to be seen and keeps the U9s in with a chance of a league cup and championship double for the second consecutive year. This will be the first time this has happened at the Club if they can clinch the championship in the next few weeks.