Champions! Just for their Mothers!
Mothers Day’s was one to celebrate for the mum’s of Hatch Warren Phoenix Flares U16’s who completed a league and cup double with a hard fought 2-0 win against a very strong Rooksdown Eagles U16’s. The Flares had already completed an unbeaten league campaign, winning all bar one game, to lift the league title back in February and so the league cup final was the last step to crown a phenomenal season for the boys.
The final kicked off at 1pm at Whitchurch FC, with both sets of players extremely well supported by friends and family. Conditions weren’t ideal with a bobbly pitch but both sets of players acquitted themselves well, in a match played in really good spirits. Rooksdown Eagles started the game slightly stronger with a few nerves on show on both sides. Eventually the Flares settled down and began to play as they have done all season. Kicking down the slope with the wind behind, the Flares had the majority of the play but without creating too many clear cut chances, whilst having to be alert to the dangerous Rooksdown attack. The breakthrough came just before half time when David Cope capitalised on a defensive slip to break clear and slot home past the keeper. The Flares went in 1-0 at half time, knowing that the hard work was to come.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with Rooksdown dominating the early stages, without really threatening to score. The Flares battled back into the game and it was all pretty even through the majority of the second half. Rooksdown were pushing forward and building some pressure, but the Flares always looked dangerous on the counter attack. The key moment came in the middle of the second half when Ben Gill battled away with the defender, managed to regain his footing to beat his man and was tripped. The referee didn’t hesitate to award the penalty and David Cope stepped up to convert for his and the team’s second goal. The two goal cushion meant the Flares had a little breathing space although Rooksdown kept up the pressure right until the end of the game. The Flares eventually saw the game out to win 2-0 and lift the cup.
Man of the match went to David Cope for his two goals, with other outstanding performances from Lewis Simmonds and Finley Burt bossing the midfield, and Sam Barlow and Sam Hartgill rock solid in defence.
Contact Information
Daren Bavister - Club Chairman
- 07811 330070
Find Hatch Warren Phoenix FC
Basingstoke, Hampshire