U13s Cup Winners

Please note Ian Beach (photographer) was present and has many excellent pictures of this encounter.

Wembdon U13s excelled in their cup final duel against top of the league and bogey team Blackbrook, from Taunton.

For the last two years Wembdon have been knocked out of the cup in the semi finals by Blackbrook, but this year the two teams met in the final, playing at Taunton Towns ground on Sunday afternoon.

Wembdons travelling support was the biggest crowd they have ever entertained and included their sponsors, Bridgwater Tyres and Exhausts, L&G Group and Garry Roles Fencing. The team response to the encouragement of the crowd was instant as they set to work playing their tough but creative style of football.

Early encounters showed both teams to be evenly matched but Wembdon seemed to have the edge in midfield. Then Lee Villis was released with a driven midfield pass. His pace took him through on the keeper who he beat cooley and slotted the ball into the net to give Wembdon the lead.

Wembdons travelling support went crazy and the boys responded by taking the game back into the Blackbrook half. Wembdon were unlucky on several occasions not to add to their score but were also depending heavily on energetic performances in midfield and Sturdy defending.

Dan Mosedal, quick off his line as ever gathered bravely at the feet of oncoming strikers several times to ensure Wembdon went in with a clean sheet at half time.
Playing down the slope and with the wind behind them in the second half, Wembdon started the second half as they ended the first, The back line of Lott, Roles,Sturdy and Birch virtually impenetrable and the midfield of Newman, Trunks,HIllman and Hembery working hard and winning more than their fair share of the ball. Lee Villis released again from the middle sprinted forward but was forced wide, however he was able to deliver a tempting ball across the face of the goal which was met by James Gibbs and lashed first time into the back of the net to give Wembdon a two nil lead.

Wembdons Midfield continued to win the ball and feed the attack of Villis and Gibbs, Then Gibbs latching onto one of these outpaced and outsmarted his markers for a brilliant individual finish to put Wembdon 3 nil up.

With 7 minutes to go Wembdon were preparing to bring on their 4 remaining substitutes when a penalty was awarded against Charlie Sturdy of Wembdon who was judged to have felled the Blackbooks big number 4. The penalty was put away and Wembdons plans for change were shelved as Blackbrook again shook off their markers and scored a second.

With the tension rising the Wembdon faithful were fearful of the traditional extra time and penalty shoot out which had been their downfall in previous encounters. However the boys determination showed through, Carl Peters fresh legs were added to midfield and after more tough encounters including a Blackbrook booking it was Lee Villis who eased the tension with his second and Wembdons fourth goal.

The job was done, the final whistle sounded and Wembdon celebrated their 4-2 victory in style. The cup travelled to the East of the Quantocks for the first time.

Congratulations Wembdon and thanks to all our supporters and sponsors.