Hyde United Under 14’s Reach Cup Final

Date 3rd March 2019
Venue University Playing Fields

Hyde United v Richmond Rovers

Hyde United had only once before made a semi final, and that was 2 years ago, when they were beaten on penalties, by Richmond Rovers.
Earlier in the season, the teams met in the league, with Richmond coming out on top 2-1.

The boys started on the front foot, with 3 shots on target in the first 5 minutes, but the breakthrough proved elusive.
Then after 15 minutes, Richmond won their first corner of the game, and from it, they took the lead.
The corner was half cleared, and when the ball fell to their centre forward, he struck it hard and low into the bottom corner….Richmond had scored with their first shot of the match.
The lads were shell shocked, but quickly picked the tempo up again….and on a fast break should have equalised, the Richmond keeper making a double save, before our centre forward blazed over from 3 yards.
The equaliser came shortly and deservedly before half time, good work down the left from Will Robinson provided Billy Styche with the chance to score from close range and he did.
Half time 1-1

The second half was a little more scrappy as the players from both teams were more trying to avoid errors, than create chances.
Then a bizarre goal…..captain Josh Rowbottom stretched well to slide and clear the ball in the penalty area….the ball struck the Richmond attacker in the stomach, and looped over our keeper making it 2-1 to Richmond.
A great through ball form Atom Millard released Hyde striker Oliver Flynn, who rounded the keeper and scored, but was adjudged offside…still 1-2.
With 10 minutes to go…a key tactical change. Hyde’s keeper (Ben) was put up front for 2 reasons, 1) he is very strong, and 2) he has a thrown in like,you wouldn’t believe.
With 5 minutes to go, the ball was put deep into the area, and Hyde striker Oliver Flynn bundled it over the line. 2-2.
One last effort in the final minute, as aright midfielder Tom Millard charged through, and just pulled his shot wide.
Full time 2-2

Extra time
Both teams were looking very tired, but Hyde United still pressed forward, forcing two good  saves from the Richmond keeper.
In the early moments of the second half, Richmond forced a corner. It was hit with pace just under the bar, and the keeper could only parry it….and Richmond forced it over the line…2-3

With time ticking into the last minute, Hyde and noted were camped in Richmond’s half, taking risks, with centre halves going forward, leaving one at the back….
One last big throw from Ben, and the Hyde players kept the ball alive enough for Cameron Unsworth to sweep home for a dramatic last gasp equaliser.
3-3
And so to penalties…..

First penalty
Tom Millward scored
Richmond scored
1-1
Second penalty
Jack Berry had his penalty saved
Ben Ratican saves Richmonds penalty
1-1
Third penalty
Josh Rowbottom had has penalty saved
Ben Ratican saves Richmond’s penalty
1-1
Fourth penalty
Billy Styche scores for Hyde United
Richmond player blazes over the bar
2-1
Fifth penalty
Ben Ratican sends the keeper the wrong way, and sends Hyde United into the final.
3-1

The final date is to be announced, and the likely opponents are Spurley Hey, who have won every match this season…. but with the young tigers showing so much heart to come back 3 times today, anything can happen.