What a brilliant day out and tremendous occassion for all those involved with the Black Socks today at the Cup Final at Arnold Town's wonderful facility .
An early morning start saw the Black Socks board the cup final coach at 8.30am and it wasn't long before the fun started on the coach with the girls obviously up for a top day out .
A cold and windy Arnold greeted us but so did a superbly run day which was a credit to Arnold Town and the Notts Girls and Ladies League .
The game started in scrapy fashion and didnt really get better for either side with wind playing a part in stifulling both teams attempts to play football.
In full time it finished 0-0 with not a great deal of chances for both sides and of we went into extra time with everybody predicting the dreaded penalties
With approx 5 minutes to go Gedling were awarded a penalty after a hand ball in our area but we all know Molly is superb at penalties and she duly did the business again
Into the last minute of extra time and Gedling pushed forward for the final time and after a battle in midfield the ball broke to the Gedling striker who slotted home a very good finish .
With very little time left thats the way it finished .
The Players;
Molly - superb penalty save as usual and save as houses all game
Lottie - excellent until your poorly chest packed in
Esther - you had a superb game keeping the number 9 quiet all game , she worked you hard but you held firm
Eloise - got stuck in as normal and gave a solid display
April - you worked tirelessly as normal and your tackling was brilliant
Rosie - you again worked hard but nothing seemed to go our way today
Rian - that was you best game for a while and a couple of shots just off target would have troubled the keeper on another day
Orla - solid at the back as normal , your confidence grew with every minute
Leanne - very composed and kept your shape well
Erin - a lively burst up front but the Gedling defenders played very well today
So there you have it , closure on another wonderful season in which the girls have exceeded all our expectations and beyond
Every one of these girls will remember this wonderful season for the rest of their lives , you cannot buy memories like this
I have said this before but I make no apologies for saying it again , I am blessed with such a brilliant set of girls who all get on so well together and really do play as a team both on and off the pitch . I am also very lucky to have a superb team behind me in the coaching staff , parents , relatives and supporters , I thank you all from the bottom of my heart
Individual thanks go to the following today who made it all possible ;
Paul - brilliant coaching and top man , we work so well as a team it is an absolute pleasure
Bryan - for his words of wisdom and great manner with the girls , Karen thinks you are legend Bryan , shame she doesnt think that about me
James - you have settled in really well with the girls , they love your company and your are a valuable member of this squad, the coach ride back was brilliant with you leading the way with a few Abba numbers
Frances - for some superb photos as normal and great support for us all season
Johnny - on the camcorder , thank you Johnny , cant wait to watch it again
So there we have it thats the end of season 2009 - 2010 and what a season it was . Next season will be tougher and harder as teams like Gedling have improved so we need to follow suit and keep raising the bar , but if any girls can these girls can .
A final thanks to everybody involved with the U10's this season it will live long in the memory of all us .
A very happy and tired Tim
