RICHMOND U14S MAKE STRONG START TO COUNTY CUP CAMPAIGN  

Mr Oliver, coach and manager of the Richmond School U14 football squad, provides the following report from the first round of the County Cup competition – thank you!  

“Tuesday evening saw us host Queen Ethelburga’s at the Dave Clark Arena. This was the first meeting between the two teams, which meant we weren’t sure what to expect from the visitors. The game started very quickly, with Olly Middlemiss getting us off to a flyer with a goal in the first two minutes – yet again!  

Our explosive start continued with Kai Morfoot who put us 2-0 up. Some brilliant set up play from Harry Coyle and then Pippa MacLelland helped Kai in getting his hat-trick. Within ten minutes we were now 4-0 up and could now take complete control of the game. A strong period of possession began, then just before half time Connell Lacey reacted quickest to a bouncing ball in the box, thumping home to give us a 5-0 lead at the break.   

The visitors came out for the second half with a strong mindset, refusing to go down without a fight, which meant we could not relax. We continued to control much of possession but struggled to break through. Queen Ethelburga’s started to pile on the pressure, but some good defending and excellent saves from Junior Latcham kept the game in our hands. QE then scored a good breakaway goal to make it 5-1.    

Everyone managed the last 20 minutes brilliantly to give the guests no chance of a comeback, securing us a 5-1 victory in the first round of the County Cup. Well done to everyone involved, super performance!  The team all agreed on Player of the Match to be awarded to Kai Morfoot, pictured.”  

Front row (left to right) : Ralphie Parker, Archie King, Harry Coyle, George Reed 

Back row (left to right): Elliot Gardner, Pippa Maclelland, Connell Lacey, Owain Hyatt, Junior Latcham, Oliver Pickles, Olly Middlemiss, Charlie Downes, Kai Morfoot, Seth Bell