Futures FC

4

Seven Hills AFC

Jared Rhodes, Mark Blagburn x2

3

The current champions faced a new or reformed Seven Hills. A great game where both teams left the field with positivity. A game that would be a great example of what the Flourish League has set out to achieve. 

The whistle was blown to start the game, with both teams coming at each other with an abundance of energy.

Futures had good early pressure down the right-hand side, causing JD and Carlo to work hard to snuff out the attack. A free kick was conceded out wide, and the set play from Futures looked promising… a ball played across the box and cleared to an advancing forward to volley goalbound at the edge of the box. However, the goalward ball was met with the oncoming eye of JD, which resulted in an immediate substitution from the injury. An unfortunate start for Seven Hills.

Seven Hills regrouped, and got back into the game, pushing forward with strong balls in behind the defence. But futures developed the first clear chance - a little against the run of play - early in the game. And they took the opportunity to get themselves ahead. 1-0.

Seven Hills knew they had to answer and were given a chance with a penalty of their own. A handball in the box was the problem. However, the hands of the Futures goalkeeper kept the ball from crossing the line.

Still fuelled with determination Seven Hills pressed futures into a mistake at the back with some fantastic pressing work and put themselves back in contention. 1-1 with a goal from Jared.

However, the score wouldn't stay level for long, as Futures came back fighting. Shortly after the restart, they'd strike the crossbar and with continued pressure, a defensive lapse and error by Seven Hills was cruelly capitalised on by Futures with an accurate strike from the rebound. 2-1.

Seven Hills still sensed they could get back into the game which at this time was going a little more end to end. And although chances we there for both, it would be Futures who go on to secure another goal.

An overload in midfield enabled them to play the ball across the pitch with them finally curling the ball into the corner of the goal.

Seven Hills continued to apply pressure, but it was feeling it wasn't their day, with several chances that could have easily gone in.

The final chance before the halftime whistle looked like Joe may have been able to slot the ball into the corner. Narrowly missing, it clipped the post.

Half time - Futures 3 - 1 Seven Hills.

At the start of the 2nd half, Seven hills started strong, after some personnel changes, and a new lease of life was presented forcing Futures to adjust.

Futures however were still posing a threat and played a ball that cut through the Seven Hills defence. A good finish made it 4-1 and put a dampener on what was looking like a promising start for Seven Hills.

But the scoreline didn't deter Seven Hills, and the work rate, determination and togetherness showed through.

A ball was played behind the Futures line and Seven Hills looked like they were through with JT being one on one with the keeper and Sme, if he held his line, looking like an easy option for a square pass. The keeper was off his line quickly and a shot was taken early… the strike not being the right answer to the question the advancing keeper was asking.

However, something was stirring as Seven Hills started to make a comeback. Strong pressure was being applied with lots of closing down of the Futures backline, and Seven Hills were awarded for the audacity. A penalty was awarded for a push on Joe's back. Mark stepped up to take and it was a postage stamp finish. 4-2.

The Seven Hills pressure continued. Sensing cracks in the Futures defence, a quick counterattack down the left side developed. Futures players were looking for a whistle that never came leaving Carlo free to press forward. A simple squared ball, neatly from out wide to Mark, who converted what is possibly the easiest goal he'll score this year. 4-3.

With Seven hills looking like they could take the points away from Futures, they slowed the game down and were able to manage the last few minutes.

The final whistle was blown on a well-contested game. The scoreline could have been higher for both teams. With both keepers commanding great presences and pulling off some fantastic saves.

Although Futures came out victorious Seven Hills showed a lot of fight and character and represented their newly reformed team well.

MOM: Jared Rhodes

Runner Up: Marshall Cawthorne-Jones

Goals: Jared Rhodes, Mark Blagburn x2

Match Report by: Liam Sproson