Elite Soccer Coaching 2 - 1 Lydiard Youth 'A'
5th May 2009 - League Title Play off

The playoff was on neutral territory at Shaws ground in Lydiard Millicent with a very blustery wind running the length of the pitch, this was a much anticipated game. The boys were facing their third tough game in four days and their greater fitness was called on right to the very end, with a very long match of 30 minutes each half and the potential of 5 minutes each way of extra time to finish off.

The game was very tense with LY having a lot of early possession and a few corners which either sailed over or were easily cleared away. The game ebbed and flowed with Elite playing against the wind and LY trying to take advantage by shooting from distance at every chance.

It was going to take something spectacular to open up the game and it came from a ball cleared out of the LY box falling to James, alone 2yrds inside the Ly half, who volleyed with his left foot sending the ball 35yrds into the top left hand corner. An unstoppable shot and candidate for goal of the season!! ESC 1 - 0 LY

Elite had a lot more of the play in the remainder of the half but LY didnt give up and a scramble down in the Elite box saw several shots saved before the final shot went towards James who instinctively put his hands up to shield his face and caught the ball! The resulting penalty was palmed by Razor onto the post and finally in for the equaliser. ESC 1 - 1 LY

The second half started with the same line up as the first and now Elite had the wind at their backs. Again the half was very tense and the game could have gone either way with both teams having chances. The turning point of the game saw LY making a quick break away and with the winger making a run at Razor, Razor took the decision to come out and smother the ball which had edged away from the player. Momentum swung towards Elite.

A timely change saw Josh go off having played a great game, putting James in LB, moving Ash back into the middle and then putting Harry onto the wing to counter the presence of Oli Rejek of Lydiard. This proved to be a match winning decision as Harry's strength and determination saw him come away with the ball more often than not when up against Oli R.

With time running out and LY looking tired having played 55 minutes of football half of it against the wind it was time for one last big effort from the boys. With Ash finding lots of space in the middle he picked up the ball from Harry on the wing and rode a couple of hard tackles to stumble free with the ball and played an inch perfect pass to Oli O'Shea unmarked in the box. After controlling the ball he set the shot up and thundered the ball into the net. ESC 2 - 1 LY

The crowd went wild but there were a few more minutes of the game left to play out for the game to be pegged back for extra time.

Finally the whistle blew for time and everyone finally breathed out a huge roar as Elite Soccer were crowned League Champions. A tough campaign having beaten the best teams to get there and having to beat LY 3 times was more than the supporters could bear.

A great playoff game with one of the best teams in the league. All credit to LY who played their part in making this a memorable game.

Well done Elite! You finally got the trophy you deserved. Unbeaten all season (except for the cup final) shows that playing good football gets you your just rewards.

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