Match Report-Southern England

A battling Belmont United from Middlesex overcame tired legs to defeat Hampshire’s Oakwood Youth in the Tesco U13 Cup Southern England Regional final at Royal Holloway College in Egham.

A goal early in the second half from midfielder Kei Ikoma settled the final and despite a late rally from Oakwood Youth, who hit the post, the Middlesex side hung on to claim the title.  They now go to the English Regional final at Stoke’s Brittainia Stadium where they will play the Northern and Central England champions in a three way tournament to decide who goes on to represent England in the home nations final at the City of Manchester Stadium later in May.

Earlier Belmont United topped their group ahead of strong favourites Tooting & Mitcham to qualify for the final.  In a close group that went to the final group game, both Amesbury Juniors and Tooting and Mitcham could have snatched a place in the final.   Kent’s Dover Athletic played some good football, largely through midfielder Ryan Norris, but couldn’t convert their chances while Tooting & Mitcham’s slow start, when they lost their opening game against Amesbury Juniors, ultimately cost them.

Group Two was also closely fought and early favourites Maldon Town Youth got off to a great start when they beat Oakwood.  Defender Matt Allen repelled a series of Oakwood attacks, but ultimately the team faded and a series of low scoring draws cost the team a place in the final.  Oakwood’s keeper Ross Casey quickly established himself as a goalkeeper of great skill and his saves propelled his team to the final.

 The Tesco U13 Cup ambassador for the day, ex England and Chelsea striker Kerry Dixon chose Hampshire’s Ross Casey as keeper of the tournament.  Matt Allen from Essex won the defender award.  Kent’s Ryan Norris was chosen as the midfielder of the tournament and Wiltshire’s George Coward, with a couple of stunning goals and some great left wing play took the player of the tournament honours for a forward.  It was fitting that Kerry’s player of the tournament, Kei Ikoma, won the overall award as it was his goal that settled the final.

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