U14's: Swallows 4 - 3 Sheffield 6's

Swallows today played host to Sheffield 6's in the latest Cup Round.  6's are flying high in the division above Swallows, with 19 points from 9 games and a good goal difference.  With Swallows still undefeated the stage was set for a terrific game and we weren't to be disappointed...

The opening stages were all about both teams testing each other.  The game flowed from end to end with both teams having occasional chances.

Sheffield 6s struck first, following a great through ball for the pacy forward to chase and round the keeper, a mix up in the Swallows defence contributing to allow the ball to trickle goalwards and eventually find its  way over the line. 0-1

Swallows looked vulnerable at this point and it was clear an equaliser was needed to settle the nerves.  The required equaliser arrived just before half-time, and while there may have been a suspicion of offside Reece Taylor played to the ref's whistle while the 6's defence stood and watched as he ran thru to score, levelling the scores at 1-1.

The game became niggly for a while, the 6's players clearly unhappy at what they felt was the injustice of the goal.  An unsavoury incident led to play being halted for a while to allow some players to cool down.

Half time : Swallows 1-1 6's

Following the break the game went much the same way as in the first half - end to end and it looked like any team could go on to win.  6's once again broke the deadlock with a tap-in, at the back post after the ball had hit the post. 1-2

Swallows piled on the pressure and were rewarded with a corner.  Kevin Grayson floated an excellent cross into the 6 yard box for Reece Taylor to power a fantastic header into the net - 2-2.

Swallows had enjoyed a great training session on the Saturday morning concentrating on set-pieces and this was demonstrated again from the very next corner. The ball was rolled to substitute Kiddy on the edge of the box who sold the defender a great dummy and cut inside the box instead of advancing towards goal.  Kiddy then picked his spot in the top left corner and Swallows were in front for the first time in the game - 3-2.

Could Swallows hang on? 6's hadn't given up yet and Jamie Butler was shoulder-barged off the ball by the 6's forward who took the ball past Ryan Marsh (who was having an inspired game) to equalise again, 3-3.

It had already been a hell of a game!  With a few minutes left to go it was clear that we were looking at a 'next goal winner' scenario - and that winner came from Curtis Boot who chased a through ball from the centre circle to confidently place the ball to the keepers left and send Swallows and their supporters crazy! 4-3!

Quarter Finals here we come, and with Swallow's now having despatched 3 teams from the divisions above they really can start to feel confident - especially if they can maintain the workrate, effort and team play they demonstrated today.

Full Time: Swallows 4-3 Sheffield 6's

Man of the Match - Ryan Marsh - Did everything he was asked and more. 

Managers Comment - The whole team played ther part today in a very enjoyable game, a fantastic team effort! Quarter Finals here we come, well done boys.  Mark and Mick.