Poynton JFC under 12s team who are currently placed third in the Stockport Metro League’s first division, successfully fought their way through numerous cup match eliminators to play in the Cup final against New Mills Juniors on Sunday 22nd April.
Poynton’s greatest victory in the lead up to the final was against an awesome Reddish Vulcan’s Hurricane side that had not lost a game in the last three seasons and are currently holding the top spot in the first division, a 2-1 victory over the Vulcan’s saw the Poynton team go through to the final.
The Cup final which was played on the Manchester University pitches was well supported by the parents from both teams and as a result the atmosphere was electric.
Poynton were the first off the mark with a well taken goal by striker James Perry but unfortunately it wasn’t long before a New Mills break saw them draw even with a goal scored against the run of play.
New Mills were up for the task and three quarters of the way through the first half scored another similar goal, the Poynton players pulled their socks up and battled to score an equaliser before half time, their dogged determination paid off minutes before the half time whistle went with another goal from striker James Perry.
After their half time team talk the Poynton lads set out their stall to take the lead and win the game, the second half was played mainly in the New Mills area but great saves from the New Mills keeper prevented Poynton getting that vital goal that would give them the lead.
Two minutes from time the game was finally settled after a goalmouth scramble when striker Jack Bell managed to get his toe to a high ball which dropped into the top right hand corner.
With seconds remaining on the clock Poynton constantly pushed forward in an attempt to score another and in doing so penned the New Mills team into their own half of the pitch giving them no chance to recover the game.
The final score Poynton 3 New Mills 2
Poynton Manager Ian Campbell (Cammy) stated that all the hard work the team and coaches had put in to reach the final had paid off and that he was immensely proud of the lads. The game was played in a very sporting manner which is a credit to both teams. The New Mills team and supporters sportingly applauded the Poynton lads on being presented with the League Cup which was very much appreciated.
Goal scorers James (Pez) Perry x 2 Jack Bell x 1
Manager’s man of the match went to James Perry
Opposition Managers man of the match went to James Kelly (Poynton’s stand in Captain)
