Chiltern Junior Sevens Under 8's League Cup

Posted on November 13, 2006

Magpies keep double dream alive.

Ramsey Arnold Magpies - 6; Eaton Bray Lions Reds - 0

An eagerly anticipated Quarter Final clash saw the Magpies record their ninth straight win of the season with a convincing win over the Lions from Eaton Bray.

Confidence was high in the Magpies camp as the boys embarked on another important step in their goal of a league & cup double. The usual flying start brought an early goal courtesy of the free running Sam McClelland who placed a left footed shot past the helpless Lions keeper.The Lions defence was struggling to cope with the movement of the Magpies team and another chance was expertly finished by the lethal boot of Jack Keenan.

Niall Palmer got in on the act midway through the first half with a sweet finish at the back post and the Mags trademark passing game was proving too hot for the visitors. The Lions keeper was in excellant form however but was powerless as direct from a goal kick Sam McClelland controlled the ball and from almost the half way line smashed a shot back into the empty net.Livewire Jack Keenan finished the first half scoring with a rocket shot into the roof of the net after a neat move down the Lions left.

The second half saw several changes to the Mags lineup and shape with goalkeeper Sonny Foulkes joining the fray as a striker.Lee Houghton took over between the sticks and a more competitive Lions side began to get a foothold in the game.To their credit tackles were flying in and the game became very scrappy.The Lions keeper kept up his impressive display with some quality saves and superb kicking.

There was time for one more goal which arrived from the boot of the tireless and dynamic James Purdom who ghosted into the penalty box unmarked to rifle home an unstoppable shot from a great right wing cross.The Magpies success is built on a great team ethic and a very mean and solid defence marshalled by Darian Graham.

George Goodhall in his first season for the team received a deserved MOM for his energetic display in midfield.The double dream is still alive and a tough Semi Final with Sacred Heart awaits the Mags early next year.

Source: Andy McClelland, BBC Beds Herts and Bucks