Congratulations to our Vikings under-11s boys, who won the Horwich St Mary's football festival, in a thrilling penalty shoot out.
Coach Tom said: "It was a wet and wonderful morning in Bolton. Of three group games we won two, narrowly, and drew 1-1 with the team we would eventually meet in the final. We then had a 1-0 win in the semi-final, which was nail biting from start to finish.
"Onto the final and it was goalless, which led to penalties. With nerves of steel, Vikings won 5-4, after Shaun made a top class save before Aidan slotted the winning penalty. All of our penalties where unstoppable, and taken with precision.
"It was a brilliant morning of football. It was competitive from start to finish, and the boys thoroughly enjoyed it. We are so proud of them all putting in 100 per cent effort, working hard for each other, attacking and defending as a team. This is what we ask before every game.
"To see the smiles on their faces lifting the trophy made all the hard work and getting soaked wet through worthwhile."
Meanwhile, our under-11s girls Diamonds came up just short playing at under-12s level the day after.
Coach Mark said: "We played a year up against older teams, but the girls cruised through the group stages without conceding a goal. We topped the group, going through to the semi-finals of the main cup.
"The girls went into the semi-finals with their tails up and oozing confidence and it showed with a sublime performance beating Haslingden Asteroids 4-0 in a 15 minute match with some great football on show.
"Unfortunately the Diamonds luck deserted them in the final, and we were beaten 1-0 by Wigan Athletic after a mishit shot looped up and dipped just under the crossbar, giving keeper Darci no chance.
"As we chased the game it became a bit scrappy and lots of fouls were given which ate the minutes up. While the girls were upset, we couldn’t be any prouder of them. To a girl they left everything on the field and are surely due a bit of luck soon."
Our Panthers under-nines boys started their summer league campaign with a tough tie against Collyhurst who are two divisions above.
Coach Ste said: "We competed throughout the game. Ari scored a late goal for the Panthers and we took a lot of positives. Player of the match was Freddie who was strong and committed in every tackle."
Coach Tom said: "It was a wet and wonderful morning in Bolton. Of three group games we won two, narrowly, and drew 1-1 with the team we would eventually meet in the final. We then had a 1-0 win in the semi-final, which was nail biting from start to finish.
"Onto the final and it was goalless, which led to penalties. With nerves of steel, Vikings won 5-4, after Shaun made a top class save before Aidan slotted the winning penalty. All of our penalties where unstoppable, and taken with precision.
"It was a brilliant morning of football. It was competitive from start to finish, and the boys thoroughly enjoyed it. We are so proud of them all putting in 100 per cent effort, working hard for each other, attacking and defending as a team. This is what we ask before every game.
"To see the smiles on their faces lifting the trophy made all the hard work and getting soaked wet through worthwhile."
Meanwhile, our under-11s girls Diamonds came up just short playing at under-12s level the day after.
Coach Mark said: "We played a year up against older teams, but the girls cruised through the group stages without conceding a goal. We topped the group, going through to the semi-finals of the main cup.
"The girls went into the semi-finals with their tails up and oozing confidence and it showed with a sublime performance beating Haslingden Asteroids 4-0 in a 15 minute match with some great football on show.
"Unfortunately the Diamonds luck deserted them in the final, and we were beaten 1-0 by Wigan Athletic after a mishit shot looped up and dipped just under the crossbar, giving keeper Darci no chance.
"As we chased the game it became a bit scrappy and lots of fouls were given which ate the minutes up. While the girls were upset, we couldn’t be any prouder of them. To a girl they left everything on the field and are surely due a bit of luck soon."
Our Panthers under-nines boys started their summer league campaign with a tough tie against Collyhurst who are two divisions above.
Coach Ste said: "We competed throughout the game. Ari scored a late goal for the Panthers and we took a lot of positives. Player of the match was Freddie who was strong and committed in every tackle."
