Year 5s at the Clifton Tournament, 15th May

For the second year running we were beaten finalists, losing on the rather bizarre 3 a-side slow death torture that the organisers prefer to penalties, but that really doesn't tell the whole story.

The boys were magnificent and although we didn't come away as Champions we were the best U10s team at the event and the whole squad should be immensely proud of themselves.

5 group games. 5 wins. These included Ashton Boys (a Hanham Minor League side and thus used to playing a decent level of competitive football) and Jamie Shore Academy (a commercial outfit who select players from across Bristol).

Our squad all performed to their potential with all players making contributions, supporting each other and all patiently (in the most part...) waiting for their turn to play. Our ability to rest players across a long afternoon and still field equally strong sides for each game was key to our overall performance and the strong showing in the semi and the final . The coaches hope that the players who didn't get on in the final are fully aware of their contribution. We were delighted by everyone's attitude on a cold, blowy day and would like to thank them all.

That the goals were shared round (Danny and Joey against Ashton Boys, Raul and Ian against Ashley Down, Sonny against Sefton Park, Joey against Jamie Shore and finally Jack, Nick and Joey against Clifton) indicates the efforts of the whole team. At the back Seb, Ollie K, Owen and Ian took it in turns to shut out the opposition, leaving the excellent Archie to make only a few, but often crucial, saves. In seven games we concede only one goal in 'normal time'. Exceptional.

In the final we played Jamie Shore again having beaten Golden Hill Sonics in our semi with Joey, Archie and Sam starring in the extra time victory.

To say that we were in control throughout the final is not over doing it and, as with last year when Danny hit the woodwork, Seb could have won it for us in the second half when his long range shot hit the bar, bounced down and on to, but sadly not over, the line. Extra time saw us take a 1-0 lead in the dreaded three a-side finale. Jamie Shore nicked an equaliser and took it to golden goals. Chaos, confusion and a penalty decided the game and left many of the boys in tears.

Thanks to all of the players and to parents for the fantastic support throughout. The Year 5's did themselves and the club proud.