U18s in NEHYL Cup Triumph

Elstead Sharks U18s took on Headley in the NEHYL Youth Cup Final at Hartley Wintney

FC and won a tight, tense match 4-3. An early penalty put the Sharks ahead and we

looked the best team, moving the ball quickly and having the majority of possession, but

Headley's direct, aggressive style was tough to deal with and they equalised with a long

ball over the top and a nice finish. Headley were flying into challenges and giving away a

lot of free kicks, one of which saw us deliver a lovely cross that was headed in powerfully

by Joe off the cross bar. 2-1 at half time. Early in the second half we went 3-1 up with

another beautiful header from Joe, this time from a corner. Maybe we relaxed a bit, but

Headley hadn't given up and got more into the game. Another long ball resulted in them

bringing it back to 3-2 and shortly after, a speculative long range effort flew into the top

corner, 3-3. Still half an hour to go. Headley hit the bar, Elstead had a few half chances.

Headley picked up 4 yellow cards, including the coach, but Elstead kept calm and Joe

completed a hat-trick of headers with the winner from a corner.

A lesson in keeping yourheads when all about you are losing theirs!