Whilst the season is slowly coming to an end with 2 of our teams still to fulfill fixtures throughout the remainder of May, four of our teams have had events partake over the last month which we’d like to share.
23rd/24th APRIL – ESF TOURNAMENT FINALISTS
Our u13 Juniors travelled to Butlins (Minehead) to compete in the ESF Butlins Tournament. The boys played 8 fixtures throughout the two days, ultimately losing to Eastbourne, who respectively went on to win the group. Lakeside had finished 2nd behind Eastbourne taking the runners-up spot. They went on to have their awards presented by ex-Premier League player, Danny Murphy.
Manager, Darren Priaulx had this to say post tournament – “It was a new experience for the squad, but these boys exceeded expectations at the ESF Butlins Tournament. From the first whistle till the last they were playing some exciting football, eventually coming away runners up in a tough group.”
2nd MAY – BIDEFORD TOURNAMENT FINALISTS
The u15 girls made the 3 hour round trip to Bideford on bank holiday Sunday to compete in Bideford’s annual floodlit tournament. The girls played 4 teams in a league format – losing 1, winning 3 – they faced Bideford AFC in the Champions League Final (yes, both teams walked out of the changing rooms to the anthem, over the PA system!)
Manager, Macauley Rickard has this to say about the experience – “The girls adapted extremely well to a small pitch. Gained confidence as the tournament progressed. Fantastic experiences for the girls playing under floodlights.”
Goalscorers throughout the tournament – Phippen (2), Kirkham (2), Bullard and Woodward.
8th MAY – LEAGUE CUP FINALISTS
After clinching the league title a couple weeks prior, the U15 Juniors faced AFC Plympton at Haye Road for the Royal Oak League Cup Final. A tight contest which saw AFC Plympton come out as 2-1 victors.
Manager, Marley Cunningham had this to say about the game – “Words cannot describe how proud I am of my boys this season. The progress they’ve made in such short time with such huge success is unheard of. We’ve built a family here not a team. This will only keep growing. Proud is an understatement and these boys deserve everything they’ve earned this season”
13th MAY – EARLY END OF SEASON CELEBRATION
The ladies held their first (early) end of season celebration after their home league game against Plainmoor having continued their winning streak to 4 games. The ladies still have play Signal Box Oak Villa on Thursday as their penultimate league fixture.
Manager, Matt Searle has went on to say: “Well what a season we’ve had. From some games where we had 8 players at games to having 20 available at others. We’ve had many doubters through the season who never thought we would get to this stage.
Let’s talk about that 1st win!! What a way to do it! Having battled and played well we got what we all deserved and finally brought 3 points home thanks to Becs last minute free kick.
Onto where we stand now….. another 3 wins on top of that and 4 in a row. I have no doubt in my mind that we will have number 5 on Sunday.
Thanks to Mike, Jamie and Mother for the help and support over this season cause I know we haven’t been the easiest team to sort. Most of all thanks to you the players. Thanks for your hard work and trying to take everything I say on board. I believe we have a good group and I for one want to thank you for being the best team I’ve had.”
There will be much more celebrations, presentation evenings and shout outs to mention over the coming weeks!