Chesham United Youth win Berks & Bucks U18 Cup

The spring time blossom on the trees surrounding the picturesque Abingdon United ground seemed to sparkle light claret and blue as Chesham United Youth won through in a tough encounter to lift the Berks and Bucks Youth Cup (U18) on Sunday April 27th.  Playing in their change strip of all yellow, Chesham had to dig deep to see off the spirited play from runners-up Bracknell Town, with a last-gasp, own-goal winner to take the cup 1-0.

Chesham conceded a robust free-kick in the first 20 seconds of the game, and many similar challenges were seen throughout the game, with space and time at a premium for both sides.  Chesham enjoyed the better controlled periods of play in the first half, however Bracknell from the division below Chesham in the Allied Counties league seemed to hold greater territory.  Chesham's outstanding keeper this season, James Wetherall, had to make a couple of excellent saves in the first half.  He was helped out by some brave defending from Callum Mansell who headed away bravely from a dangerous free kick and taking a nasty injury to his hand in the process.  Chesham's best chance of the half came from a low, punchy drive from the dynamic Jamie Rudd from the edge of the box.  This was saved excellently by the Bracknell keeper - who commanded his area all game.

Chesham came out a lot stronger in the 2nd half, and enjoyed much better territory and possession.  This forced Bracknell to play a more direct game, but they still remained a danger from free kicks and corners.  As the half progressed Chesham took control and limited Bracknell to breakaways, but with the half running out the game could still have easily gone either way.  Victory came for Chesham as the game entered stoppage time.  A period of persistent pressure down Chesham's right wing ended in throw-in level with the 18 yard box.  Jonny Coverley launched the ball into the box and it was headed goalwards after a massive leap from skipper James "Donners" Donnerly.  His header was then deflected past the keeper into the empty net to roars from the vocal Chesham support.

After the game, Manager Bob Hatcher said "We have played some good football in this cup run, and had to be patient today and battle away before getting on top in the 2nd half.  This was a well deserved victory for the team and the whole squad".

The Chesham United Youth team is looking for good quality players to join their existing team of winners and to replace those players graduating to senior football.  The Youth Team plays in the Allied Counties Floodlit Premier Division.  If you are in years 12 or 13 at school (U17/18) and would be interested in trialling for the team then contact Head Coach, Bob Hatcher, on 07850-682997 for details about the trials taking place on Sunday May 4th at The Meadow 10am till 1pm.