Bengeo Tigers FC

A bright and sunny morning awaited our arrival at the final of the league shield against the current league leaders Harlow Sports Blues.

The squad for the day was Bob Davies, Ewan Thomas Colquohon, JimmyWoodman, Jonny Goodson, Toby Munoz, Michael Ives, Eliza Weeks, Alex Wilkerson, Phoebe McMurray, Harry Johnson, Kieran Parkhouse, Alex Carter, Harry Hutchings, Matt Pizzey, Henry Grant, Sam Rix, Peter Abrams

A good size crowd of a few hundred people all dressed out in gold and black in support of our boys were delighted to find that a new kit was presented to the boys before kick off ensuring we looked the part and a good 40 minutes warm up by Paul Wilkerson had the team in the right frame of mind from the off.

The early exchanges saw Harlow put in several tough challenges but Bengeo stood up and started to gain control in midfield through the hardworking Kieran Parkhouse and Alex Carter.

Against the run of play Harlow played the ball over the top to their very fast centre forward who powered away and slotted a fine finish into the top corner and just out of reach of Bob Davies.

The Harlow supporters went wild and the Bengeo supporters did their bit by vocally cheering our boys to stick with it.

After the goal Bengeo raised their efforts and started to not only dominate the possession but the territory as well.

Our hopes of a reward for our domination was soon realized and Peter Abrams made a fantastic run down the wing beating two players and laying the ball back for Heny Grant,from the edge of the area and at a very acute angle henry launched a screamer towards goal,a good bounce and up and over the keeper and its there 1-1 and all to play for.

All the boys ran together to celebrate and the gaffers John Pizzey and Simon Colquohon were quick to remind the team to stay focused.

We continued to make chances and we did not want half time to come. At the other end Toby Munoz and Ewan Thomas Colquohon ably assisted by Alex Wilkerson and Eliza Weeks were keeping the door shut and Eliza in particular took it on herself to mark Harlows best player and she never lost one 50-50 challenge.

Half Time 1-1

A chance for the players and supporters to catch their breath and dare to dream that we could go on to win.

The second half started just as the first had ended with Matt Pizzey dominating in midfield and showing a fantastic range of passing. Harry Johnson continued to dazzle the opposition with his fantastic runs from midfield without ever wasting possession.

Alex and Kieran were now starting to win every tackle and we were encamped in the opposition half.

A free kick 15 yards outside the area gave Kieran a chance to deliver a danger ball.

What a cross,straight to Peter Abrams whose exquisite touch past the keeper found Alex Wilkerson who helped it into the net and its a goallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll. 2-1 but still a long way to go.

John and Simon went white as the realization of what we might achieve hit them.

Paul used what voice he had left to remind the boys to keep it going to the end.

A clumsy tackle by Harlows striker saw him in trouble with the referee and in the heat of the moment the poor lad over-reacted and was unfortunately told to leave the field.

ll the parents on both sides felt for the lad and hopefully he will learn from this harsh lesson and go on to be a great player that his potential showed.

Its now 11 v 10 and a goal advantage but Harlow aren’t top of the division for nothing and even a man down they threw everything at our defence.

The defence held strong and Michael Ives ran his socks off.

Bob kept showing what a great keeper he was with safe handling of everything along with great kicking.

Time was running out and Peter Abrams got hold of the ball deep in his own half and ran the lenghth of the pitch before launching a rocket. But what a save by the Harlow keeper. He was only little but wow! can he save shots.

Another piece of great wing play by Harry Hutchins saw the ball through to Kieran a touch on to Peter whose crosswas high and long. the bounce beat the keeper and there was Henry Grant for his second and Bengeo’s 3rd. 3-1 and not long to go.

Harlow doubled their efforts on a huge pitch and found energy reserves from somewhere.

Our boys responded in kind and Sam Rix won every ball,passing wide to our wingers who continued to turn the defenders to get in behind.

How long ref,said John

How long ref said Simon

HOW LONG LEFT said Paul(not a pussycat in sight)

Four minutes was the reply,we knew we were there,or were we.

Another fine piece of defensive work by Eliza saw Sam pick up the ball on to Harry H,on to Kieran,then Alex Wilkerson…….was everyone going to be involved………onto Peter who cut inside the fullback,a touch back to Alex Carter and WHAM ……No its that keeper again with another fine save.

Its the final whistle and what a noise from our supporters all the boys jumping around together and we had done it.

Kids cuddled parents,parents cuddled John ,Paul and Simon and John cuddled everyone.

Thanks to all the supporters of Harlow who were gracious in defeat and clapped our boys at the end.

A presentation ceremony on the pitch saw both sides get a great reception from all present and it was Matt Pizzey who lifted the trophy to the heavens for the team.

Loads of photos and celebrations later we all headed off to the White Lion in Bengeo whose owner Brenda had so kindly laid on a buffet for our victorious boys.

What time we all got home we have no idea but we didn’t really care.

It was a lovely day and everyone will remember it for the rest of their lives.

Good luck to Harlow in the league and well done to us in the cup.

Ladies and Gentlemen the 2009 CUP WINNERS are BENGEO TIGERS U11’s

doesnt that sound good.!

Today represents the greatest day in Bengeo Tigers’ history after the Under 12’s Siberians carried off the County Cup title after a 1-0 win over Comet Youth. The great oracle Peter Holmes was consulted and even he couldn’t remember a Bengeo side getting this far in the competition. So it came to pass that we took to the field on a glorious day on the County Ground at Letchworth. Our opponents, Comet Youth from Hemel Hempstead had all the early play which became scrappy, though that is understandable, given the enormity of the occasion. A great through ball found Christian on 25 minutes and he finished in fantastic style, 1-0, yesssssss! Cue Total Tiger Mayhem in the stands! The Tigers finished on top and, though we half-expected an onslaught in the second half, little materialised from the opposition. If anything our boys were closer to a second goal than Comet were to an equaliser (Christian had a brilliant header cleared off the line, for example). What struck me was we had a strong backbone right down the middle with Laurence in goal, Daniel in defence, Conor in midfield and Corey up front. However, to pick out individuals would be unfair as all the boys were magnificent. So, too, was the travelling support and the fans of both sides can be complimented on their commitment and good-humoured support. After the shenanigans of the Under 16 final which made the National Press featuring teams from St Albans and Wormley, the fans from Bengeo Tigers and Comet showed that partisanship and hatred need not necessarily go hand in hand. Both sets of supporters clapped each and every player when they were substituted and the Comet players and coaches all applauded our lifting of the trophy. Well done to everybody there, you were a credit to yourselves and your club. Congratulations go to Phil, Sue, Nigel and everyone else connected with the team.

On the same day some miles East of Letchworth the Under 11’s were making it a double celebration for Bengeo Tigers by winning the final of the Shield Competition versus Harlow Sportcentre. I obviously couldn’t be in two places at one time but I was kept informed of the progress our of boys and girls by text and my informer reported that the Tigers showed great courage to come from a goal behind to win 3-1 and played the better football throughout. Our congratulations go to John, Simon, Paul and everyone else connected with the Under 11’s