Firstly thanks to every team who entered the 1st IFA Midlands Cup. It seems to have been a huge success on every count & teams have done an excellent job in organising their games without any fuss.
Next Id like to thank Dan @ Stoke for trying to get a venue in Staffordshire for the final. Unfortunately due to reseeding etc, we had to agree to play the game at Oldbury Lsr where im sure Dan would agree, is an excellent venue for a final anyway. Also it was their 3rd visit this season & he still had to ask us for the post code ;o) haha
Before I go into any detail about the game, I want to thank Stoke for their hospitallity & excellent approach to not only the final but the game in true IFA spirit. Their behaviour throughout the day was excellent and are a great addition to the IFA!
The game started pretty even with not many chances being created. Boing then started to put the pressure on & missed a handfull of chances from set pieces into the box.
Stoke soon regrouped & started to apply their own pressure onto our back four & at one stage we found ourselves camped in our final 3rd defending Stoke's increased pressure.
The dead lock was broken on about the the 30 min mark. A ball from our right was bought down in the middle of the box for Chris Hunter to place his shot from 8 yards out which hit the back of the net beyond the despairing keepers dive to make the score Boing 1-0 Stoke.
Boing increased their lead on 40 mins when a big ball over the top found striker & defender battling for the ball which was tucked away by Ben Wallace to make it 2-0.
Stoke came out at half time all guns blazing and could have easily got a couple to make it all square. Their pressure really put us on our back foot & they managed to get a well deserved goal with their lad free on the back post to tap in.
The game then seemed to tighten up a little with not much being created in regards to chances. Both sides bolted up the hatches & kept hold of the ball for long periods.
Boing made some changes to ensure everyone got a good run out & it was through the changes that the 3rd goal came. Neat football down the right found Ben Wallace free in the box to be able to pick his spot & plant his shot from 6 yards out.
Boing continued to put the pressure on Stoke and their keeper made some quality saves, one tipped over the bar & one that seemed in all the way that he seemed to claw from nowhere & was cleared away to safety.
Boing did have the ball in the net again but was chalked off for offside after a conversation with their linesman, he seemed to make the right decision & the goal cancelled out.
At the final whistle it was hand shakes all round from both sides. The respect coming from both camps was one of the best Ive ever seen topped off with a chorus of 3 cheers from both sides.
Medals were issued to both sets of players & the Midlands cup trophy handed to Stuart Turner (Boing FC Capt). I'll be happy to take the trophy along to Worldnet for it to be presented along with all the other IFA honours if thats ok?
Again thanks to everyone involved in the IFA Midlands Cup this season & if next season is a patch on the 1st years competition, it should be great.
Eadesy