Predators in FA Cup Victory

10 May 2012

Pocklington Predators U14s	2
Wigginton Grasshoppers U14s	1

 

Captaining the squad at last Wednesday’s FA Cup final at York City’s Bootham Crescent home
ground, Nathan Saltmer helped his team clinch a 2 – 1 victory over the Wigginton Grasshoppers in
nail biting, penalty finish.

Despite the constant drizzle, nothing was going to dampen the spirits of either team in this eventful
final. Having already won the league, the Pocklington Predators were favourites going into the
match, eager to take the double on this hallowed turf. Equally inspired, Wigginton would go all out
to prove themselves worthy of the cup win.

With the scene set and the stands full, Pocklington won the toss and elected to take the kick-off.
Making use of the full width of the pitch, Pocklington broke through the Wigginton defence in what
would prove to be a string of unlucky missed opportunities, either at the hands of the Wigginton
keeper who made some outstanding saves, or thwarted by the post and cross-bar.

It was Wigginton, however, that took first blood lofting the ball high and outpacing the Predators
defence. Now 1 – nil down, the Predators dug deep and kept their momentum going. The mid field
was covered by Huw Jones, Jamie Harvey and Nathan Smith. On the wings were Nathan Saltmer,
Harry Crusher, Joe Aconley and Ed Borrie. Keeping the defence tight and virtually impenetrable was
Eric Hogan and Stuart Wright with Ollie Hughes moving between defence and forward positions.
Also up front were Ben Potter and Rob Cooney, with Alex Varley covering the goal. Sam Flinton and
Matthew Terry were both unluckily carrying injuries.

After half time, the Predators put on a superb attacking display, commanding upwards of 75%
possession, and yet, still unable to draw level. As the clock ticked down, this 1 – 0 lead lasted until
ten minutes before the end when Stuart Wright found Jamie Harvey in mid-field. Harvey took the
ball placing it beautifully through to Rob Cooney who managed to break through the Grasshopper’s
defences and chip it over the keeper drawing the scores level.
As the final whistle came, both teams found themselves in the unfamiliar territory of deciding the
winner through penalties. For the Predators, five penalties were dispatched with ease by Nathan
Smith, Nathan Saltmer, Jamie Harvey, Ollie Hughes and Harry Crusher. The Predator’s keeper was
pumped and ready for each of the Wigginton responses. Getting his hands to the first, at full stretch,
yet not quite making the save, Varley kept his cool and never faltered. It was Wigginton’s fifth
penalty that he saved and took Pocklington to the final 2 – 1 victory.

The Pocklington Predators are sponsored by local high street retailer Footloose. The under 14’s prize
giving will be held in on the 27th May at the Pocklington Town FC club house.

Kaine Varley

<< Back to Club News

Category: Under 14 Boys

Tags: Junior BoysSeason 2011/12Cup MatchKaine VarleyMatch ReportsPredatorsUnder 14s