Sunday 20th April
Echo Premier League Cup Final
Urchins U14's   0     Redbridge United U14's   1

The Young Urchins were unable to bring silverware back to The Bridge after this Final defeat to Redbridge at Aveley FC.

An even start was followed by a spell of United dominance, largely due to the stifling tactics of a five-man midfield stopping the Urchins playing their free flowing passing game. On a large pitch for the youngsters, they struggled to get to grips with their opponents counter attacking, ball over the top breaks. Indeed the United goal came from a long ball, catching out the square Urchins defence allowing Redbridge to take the lead with a well taken shot from inside the box.
Chances were few and far between in the first half although Joe Bilton did hit the woodwork for the young Urchins with a free-kick from distance just before the break.

The second half brought about the Urchins chance to dominate, they created & missed several opportunties and although none of a clear cut nature, they pressed United back in their own half for long periods. With around 15 minutes left Urchins went to three at the back in a desperate search of forcing extra time but although the ball bounced around their opponents goalmouth and with a shot cleared off the line, it wasn't to be their day.

The final whistle brought huge relief to the Redbridge bench & fans alike, for Hornchurch it was a case of what might have been but for a lethargic first half.

Back at The Bridge, the players wound down their season with Parents Player of the Year going to the Centre Half rock Joe Bilton, the industrious midfield general Joe Scott took the Players Player trophy with Ryan Smith and 21 goal striker Connor Fagan sharing the Managers Player accolade.

Have a good summer and good luck to all the Urchins sides' for the rest of the season - I see that the Senior team are now guaranteed a play off place and the U18's have had a terrific season...as have the U16's.

AFC Hornchurch U14   12       Ridgeway Rovers U14   0 

The boys warmed up for their Echo Cup Final next week with an impressive footballing display against a very strong and physical team today.

The Urchins goalkeeper and defence deserve special praise in keeping a clean sheet in a game where goal difference was always going to be important in order to finish the league season in a high position as possible.
Indeed, seven clear goals would take the Urchins up to fourth in the table - a feat which seemed a million miles away when the team lost their first 4 games of the season and were rock bottom. Since then they have embarked on a 12 game unbeaten run in the league and a chance of cup silverware to come.

The goals today were shared between Billy Pearce (3), Tommy Vickers (3), Connor Fagan (2), Joe Scott, Alex Legon, Ryan Smith and an own goal.

Onwards to next week where a solitary 1-0 will be very welcome...