South Wilts Youth & Badger League U11 Cup Quarter Final

Ludgershall Sports u11  2  v  Rouge Raiders  1

The semi-final beckons for Sport's U11, and if they go on to win silverware they'll have keeper Curtis Topham to thank for a memorable second half penalty save. Rouge Raiders visited Astor Crescent five weeks ago and recorded a 5 - 1 league victory, but manager Mick Walsh and coach Ian Winstone have taught this squad how to defend, how to play and more importantly how to win. A superb first half performance limited Raiders to one solitary shot as Ludgershall dominated throughout. The style of play was patient as Sport's kept everything tight in defence and midfield that frustrated the visiting opposition. Ever reliable Sam Walsh spun on the ball and hit a sweet shot from twenty yards that opened the scoring for Sport's. A back three of Lewis Jeremy, Nathan Collins and Sean MacDonald displayed a master class in clinical defending. Adam Hetherington came forward from midfield and had two good chances to double Ludgershall's lead. The inevitable second came as Daniel Keel waltzed down the flank and hit a delightful cross that was deflected into the net for an own goal. Later in the half Nathan Collins staged one of his hallmark runs from the back cutting through the Rouge player's only to have his shot blocked for a Sport's corner. Cullum Bannerman also came close but the Raiders goal remained intact for the rest of the half and leave Ludgershall 2 - 0 up at the interval.

The Rouge management must have given an inspired half time pep talk, as they came out for the second period attacking on all fronts. First half winger Wayne Ashton was installed at left back to provide extra speed in defence. Despite Raider's pressure Sport's still pushed forward and George Heard fired close a couple of times, new player Dan McKeown was brought on and made a promising debut. Sport's were put under pressure from their own goal kicks, as they missed injured Ryan Proud. Rouge were finally rewarded for their persistence as their talisman centre forward dribbled past defenders and found the back of the net. Substitute George Robinson narrowly missed and it will not be long before he scores this season. With ten minutes to go an unfortunate tackle led to a Rouge penalty, supporter's and manager either couldn't look or were chomping on finger nails as extra time looked on the cards, or even the unthinkable a Rouge victory could await. Man of the Moment keeper Curtis Topham was the coolest person at Astor Crescent as he stood tall to first save, then pounce onto the loose ball ( Curtis - 'The Black Cat'), to the delight and eruption of the crowd. The last ten minutes were played at a frantic pace as Sport's displayed a football talent richly rewarded with a thrilling victory. As the final whistle rang out the cheers of the crowd will remain with these players for a long time. The none playing substitutes of Craig Britten, Arthur Robinson and Brandon White were named Men of the Match for their loyalty in supporting their fellow team members, in a squad that has the potential to progress in this competition.

Mike Collins