The U15 Boys Individual Schools Netz Shield

Manor School   2   0   Ashfield School

In their last two meetings three years ago with each team winning one match by a single goal, the Under 15 Netz County Cup Final at Clipstone Welfare FC was always going to be a tight affair and so it proved.

In front of a good crowd the game got underway in perfect conditions and it was Manor who dominated the early exchanges in the opening ten minutes.  Ashfield, however, during this time had two clear goal scoring opportunities - firstly when they were unable to beat the onrushing keeper, Sam Spencer, in a one on one situation and then a right wing cross that was somehow missed by two unmarked Ashfield players. 

The game continued to be an open, skillful encounter played in good spirit with both sides desparately searching for the break through.  It was Ashfield again, just before half time, who had another gilt edged opportunity when a telling cross from the right drifted over everybody in the six yard area to find an Ashfield player unmarked on the back post who was unable to convert the chance, leaving the sides locked at 0 - 0 at half time.

The deadlock was broken twelve minutes into the second period when a left wing corner fell at the feet of Scott Rogers who swivled and found the top right hand corner with a rising shot.  This setback did nothing to dampen Ashfield's resolve and they pushed forward strongly looking for the equaliser.  One left wing corner in particular almost brought them reward with keeper Spencer hacking the ball off the Manor goal line at the last second.

With the game still very evenly poised, it was Manor who struck a vital second in the dying minutes to put the result beyond doubt.  A through ball down the middle hit from out on the right wing was superbly controlled in full flight by Danny Hough who made no mistake, sliding the ball to the keepers left and into the bottom corner. 

Congratulations must go to both sides for an excellent, hard fought and entertaining match.  Bob Young, the Nottinghamshire Schools' FA Chairman, presented the Shield to Ryan Spencer, the Manor captain.

          
                    Manor School Under 15 Squad - winners of the Netz Shield

        
                 Ashfield School Under 15 Squad - finalists in the Netz Shield

                           
                      Bob Young, the Chairman of Notts Schools FA presents
                  The Netz Shield to Ryan Spencer, the Manor School captain.