Double Cup Success for Tollbar Year 8’s - Tollbar BEC 2 – 1 Mallet Lambert

February 3rd, 2008

Tollbar’s under 13 football team added the County Cup to their impressive trophy haul after a hard fought win against Hull side Mallet Lambert. Despite going into the game as reigning Grimsby and District champions the Waltham side were in the rare position of underdogs. Mallet came into the game unbeaten in any school fixture and last year won the ESFA national cup so the task facing the Tollbar boys was huge. With influential defender Ben Cuff ruled out and weather conditions horrendous it was a day for strong characters and the Tollbar boys were more than up for the task.

The first half proved to be keenly contested with both sides weighing each other up in the early stages. Patrick Atkin, playing as the lone striker, still troubled the Mallet defence and linked up well with wide men Shaun Topliss and Laurence McKay. As the half progressed it was the Hull side that began to get the better of the exchanges but they were unable to break the Tollbar rearguard. Captain Sam Topliss, playing as a makeshift, centre half was immense alongside Billy Allen at the heart of the Tollbar back four. With full backs Jordan Boyington and James Newson also playing out of their skin Tollbar held on ensuring the sides went in goalless at the interval.

A tactical change at half time saw Chris Baumber replace Patrick Atkin with Matty Kingston now given a more attacking role. This paid dividends as Tollbar took the initiative and started to trouble the Hull side. An excellent attacking move involving Baumber and Kingston gave Ben Charlesworth-Browne room on the edge of the Mallet box. ‘Browny’ unleashed a screamer but unfortunately his effort sailed over the bar. This seemed to spur on the Waltham side and minutes later they were in the lead thanks to Laurence McKay. ‘Loz’ is proving a real ‘fox in the box’ this season and has a habit of scoring vital goals, with this the most vital of all.

Tollbar tails were most certainly up and they quickly doubled their advantage. Matty Kingston, having an excellent game in midfield, drove forward and fired a low drive from 25 yards which nestled in the right hand corner. With a two goal deficit the Hull side poured forward but Tollbar were strong with Jack Redfearn epitomising their ‘never say die’ attitude in the centre of the park. As the clock ticked on Mallet Lambert pulled one back and it was backs to the wall time now for the Tollbar boys. Each player should be immensely proud as they all stood tall under incessant pressure. With their last effort of the game Mallet looked certain to equalise but a magnificent save from Jordan Salthouse ensured Tollbar held on and the County Cup was coming over the bridge to Waltham.

Well done to both sides in what was a great final in treacherous conditions. A proud Mr Donnelly thanked each player for their courageous efforts and it is Tollbar who now represent the County in the Minute Maid National Cup.