U10 Boys fly the flag at the East Regional Finals

Following their triumph at the Essex county finals, the Crostyx U10 Boys took the big step up to regional level at the East Regional Finals Day. Against the behemoths of Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich and Bedford, it was a huge challenges for the humble club from Woodford Wells (population, 11,000). But in the final tournament of an epic season, the team raised their level once again and proved that they can compete with the very best.

The group stage began with a tough fixture against Cambridge (population 145,000), and the boys came under pressure from talented opponents. But they stuck the task through strong defending from Rowan and Payton and great goalkeeping from Milo, securing a 0-0 draw and a solid start.

In the next game against Bedford (population 185,000), coaches Rory and Scott made a bold tactical changes, bringing Will into defence and moving Sam into attack. It paid dividends with Will distributing the ball nicely to Rico and Richard on the flanks as the team dominated the game. And soon the boys had the breakthrough, Sam carrying the ball forward from his own half, gliding into the box, and slamming a finish into the bottom corner. It was enough to earn a deserved 1-0 win; Seb and Rowan supporting Will and Milo to keep a second consecutive clean sheet.

A tough game followed against an excellent Blueharts side, with Milo doing brilliantly to save twice early on and keep the team in the game. The contest evened up and Crostyx came close to a goal from Richard's driving run and shot, but with time running out Blueharts broke through to score. So close and yet so far as the team fell to a 1-0 defeat.

With the games coming thick and fast, the tie against the might of Norwich (population 145,000) looked like the toughest assignment yet. And Crostyx started on the back foot, conceding a number of short corners which they defended well. Then gradually the passing became more fluid as Will, Payton and Richard moved the ball around nicely. With the clock ticking down, Sam picked up a loose ball, drove at the Norwich defence and slipped it through to Rico who buried the chance for a second 1-0 win. The team were beginning to realise they really could match anybody.

All of that meant that a win in the final group game against a strong team from Ipswich (population 136,000) would be enough to qualify for the semi final stages. And the team started so well, dominating the play and creating several chances, Rico shooting agonisingly wide of the post after a brilliant run. The match swung back and forth, both sides defending short corners, Crostyx going close against through Richard's powerful effort. But then in the final few seconds, a deflected Ipswich shot looped into the Crostyx goal, condemning the team to an unlucky 1-0 defeat. We had missed out on qualification by the smallest of margins.

The boys picked themselves up and dusted themselves down for the classification match against Bury St Edmund's. And here they produced a really outstanding performance, with great play from Rowan and Seb at the back, and Payton and Will menacing down the wings. It was only a matter of time before Rico opened the scoring from close range, and then a lovely team goal saw Sam send Richard away down the right flank, before he centred the ball for Rico to score again. As the clock ran out, the boys won a short corner, and with the win already secured, goalkeeper Milo sprinted forward, dreaming of a glorious goal. It wasn't to be, but it showed the mindset of this team: they had come to play.

So with 3 wins out of 6, the team had surpassed all of our wildest expectations and shown they can play and win against the best teams in the region. It was another brilliant day and another huge step in the development of this fantastic team. Thank you to everybody that has contributed to a wonderful season. And get well soon to Kai, our midfield dynamo who was sadly unwell and couldn't take part. Hopefully he can be part of more adventures in the seasons ahead.

Match results
Crostyx 0-0 Cambridge
Crostyx 1-0 Bedford
Crostyx 0-1 Blueharts
Crostyx 1-0 Norwich
Crostyx 0-1 Ipswich
Crostyx 2-0 Bury St Edmund's