A big congratulations to Hendo & Olly for last nights game. Although the result didnt go for them, I thought the lads fought very well against a Workington team who looked very sharp on the night. The boys must take great delight in winning the league last Sunday and not dwell on a one off game.
Yes well done to all the Under 18's players and Managers the injuries and reshuffling seemed to effect the side and from a good start it wasn't till Workington went in front that City began to show what they are capable of and although Workington were the better side on the night everyone was a credit to the Club for there never say die spirit and you can be proud of what you have achieved this season.
You beat me to it Waza, The players in Paul and Olly's under 18 team have had a really good year for me. They will be gutted getting beat last night and losing Brucey and Joe obviously upset the shape and game plan a bit, but to win the league and get to the Cumberland Cup final but to lose to a very good team is something you would settle for at the start of the season (I thought Workington were excellent last night, some fine players all over the park).
I have kept a keen eye on this group as most of them formed the development team and have been nothing but impressed and proud of the way they try to play and as importantly conduct themselves on and off the pitch.
Whilst we will lose a few to college (DC, Brucey, Mike & Tricky) we are still going to get some excellent young players (Ivan, Joe, Dinger, Neil J, Jamie, Benno, Tom & Griffy) coming through to County and Alliance level (to be fair many have already stepped up to these levels quite comfortably and talking to Steve Bellas last night he is going to give a few more of them a run out before the season ends).
To end, congratulations to everyone involved in a successful season, winning the league was your main aim and you achieved that. I hope you all had a good night last night.
Note for Griffy & Ivan - I'm pleased that you both like to dance for the cameras, as on the next first team away trip a certain Mr Lupton will be making you do that again!!!
We were very unlucky with a few injuries last night, Danny Bruce is on crutches for at least 6 weeks, Jamie Upex has damaged knee ligaments after a first half challenge, and other players struggled with cramp and were out on their feet.
For me it has been one season working with the lads, but you can see that Hendy has developed a great togetherness and team spirit and this year the lads have really pushed on as a group.
Last night was a major blow to the lads, but over the course of this year it has been a fantastic season for the team and also the club. As mark mentioned, a number of lads have already played in the seniors, out of our 16 man squad I think that 14 have played either county or alliance level which bodes really well for the future. Having played alongside most of the lads, the club should be very confident that this crop of 'juniors' have the potential to make a real impact next season, and also in the remainder of this year. Big alliance games against Harraby and Gilford as well as the reserves playing Netherhall next Monday in the Cup Final. Hendy and I are confident that between 8-10 of the players will take the permanent step into the clubs seniors set up next season.
In relation to the game itself, Workingtons big players performed well last night, the left winger (number 7), the lone striker and the centre half who never lost a challenge. In the end it took an unfortunate own goal to break the deadlock, but then the lads responded magnificently and were unlucky not to get an equalising goal.
Big thanks to all that made the trip last night to watch the 'four officials'...... sorry County Cup final.
Good to see the messages flowing this morning- I'll get the photos on-line as soon as I can, although the light was obviously very poor last night, only marginally improved when the floodlights went on!!
I thought the Workington number 7 (Brunton) was excellent, but their keeper had to make a fine save to keep it at 2-1.
It's just as well Penrith Town FC are moving to a new ground, I seen Steve Poole, County FA Board member and top local referee lean on a barrier last night and it buckled. It must have been rusty.
I thought the CFA could have got a few younger ball boys for the night, the cast of 'Dads Army' running around trying to retrieve balls was a tad worrying. Saying that there was only 2 balls so it shouldn't have been too much of an exertion for them.
It's nice to see that all our contributions to the CFA are being well spent. I thought 'dads army' looked magnificent in their dark blue overcoats last night with expertly embroided badges (FC - I will excuse you from that as you and I share the same birth year).
Finally, who was the announcer at the game, and did he get back to the old folks home before matron found out he had escaped. I thought it was Walter Brogden from Penrith Town FC to begin with, but when Waza and i left the ground we seen him at close quarters and he was far too young to be Walter. God Bless.
On Olly's jest about watching the 4 officials, I thought the ref was average, but he's just a boy and hopefully he will only get better. The fourth official wants to have a good look at himself for telling Olly and Paul they can't go on to the pitch to give out water to the players, this was during a fairly long break for treatment to a player. You can throw water bottles on but not walk on and hand them to lads - use some common sense you fool.
The Penrith tannoy announcer is legendary. I've no idea who he is, but the few times I've been to their games, it's just impossible to make out the "broadcasts".
I guess a lot of that is down to the PA system, although I'd be interested to hear his voice in "real life".
It must have been rusty.
