Union Mills Football Club: Millan win the Magic Carpets Cup

Millan win the Magic Carpets Cup
================================================================================
David Pope on 31 January, 2009 07:05:00
 
The Weekend of the 23rd of January proved to be another succesful one for Union
Mills Junior Football. The much coveted Millan team retained their Cup with a
display of breathtaking football.
The Magic Carpets Cup was superbly hosted again by St Johns FC  and more
particulary Brian Leece whose efforts we are all grateful for. This year Brian
had been forced to amend the rules of  the cup and raise the age group to under
10's. As a sign of our continued success in junior football we appllied for 5
teams of 7 players to be entered. All 5 teams played.  The format for those who
do not attend is one which lends itself to exciting and fast and furious
football. In qualifying the games are 7 minutes one way and anything can
happen. Unforutnately three of the teams did not qualify for the group stages
however some of the football played by those teams was great to watch and all
who took part should be proud of their efforts
Geoff Dobbin's Dream team made the quarter finals, this may be what you expect
of the team of such a mild mannered coach but these kids were all bar one 8.
They played exceptional football, showed no fear and won 5 of their qualifying
games, losing only to Malew and drawing against eventual finalists Castletown.
They came up against a very good team in Laxey in the quarters and were
unfortunately knocked out. This in no uncertain terms was a great team
performance in itself and bodes well for our continued develpoment.
Despite a valiant effort by a very physical team from Rushen to up turn the
apple cart Millan qualfied top of their group having remained unbeaten.  The
team had not played together for over a year and were a little shaky to start
and nerves did show but goals from their prolfic top goal scorer Jordan Crawley
soon settled them into the football we know they can play. Billy, a key player
was lost to injury early on in the Rushen match but the team pulled together
and played some great football with great play from Mat Kneale and Stephen
Quirk.
So the quarter finals loomed for Millan. A match against our old rivals Peel.
Colin Hardman, had his team fully wound up they pressed and pressed our lads
and were quick and skillful but in the end the skill of this truely magnificent
team of young players prevailed goals from Joe Quayle and 2 from Jordan Crawley
took us through with a 3 nil win.
So to the semi's. Laxey. Well first out of the blocks we came. The boys had
setlled down and the game was played at a fast and furious pace. The skill,
passing and effort was superb. One finish from Jordan crawley was simply
stunning and I am sure burned a whole in the net.  Final score 4 0 to Millan
The final loomed, we all watched a close third and fourth place match between
Rushen and Laxey whilst eagerley awaiting the final against Castletown.
The final was upon us. 5 minutes each way was about to start. It was an evening
kick off so playing under the floodlights added to the atmosphere and tension.
Well what a match it turned out to be. The pressure these young players were
under was great and they just ate it up. There must have been up to 80 people
watching and all bar mills fans suporting Castletown. Anton and I were pacing
the touch line like cats on hot bricks. Millan took the lead with a
controversial goal from Billy, but Castletown equalised seconds later. Half
time 1 1.  Out we came for the second half. Wow, is all I can say.  The team
turned on football I just could not believe, passing. moving, dribbling and
shooting equal to the quality of players well above their age. Then the goals
came. Jordan, Joe and Billy his second of the game. 4 1 the final score, two
heart attacks (only mild) for the coaches and the Cup was ours again.
Jordan Crawley deservedly retained the title of player of the tournament.
However each and every player played his part superbly all represented the club
with style passion and pride. Finally but not least our Thanks to James Harrison
our keeper in the qualifying who could not play in the final. James we will get
you a Medal dont worry.
Thanks parents for all your support. David