John Baker Cup
Cirencester Town U10s 0
Malmesbury Falcons U10s 0 (aet)
(Cirencester won 2-0 on pens)
AFTER a hard-fought victory in last weekend's semi final against league title rivals Minchinhampton, Cirencester were clearly up for the final of the Cotswold Youth League's John Baker Cup.
From the off, they created chances with striker Josh Scull going closest to scoring with a low shot that was tipped past the post by Malmesbury's keeper Daniel Tenerife.
Sam Simmonds then tried his luck from distance with a dipping effort but also found the Malmesbury stopper in command.
The second half was a more even affair, with both sides carving out numerous openings. The impressive Cirencester defence of Henry Pegg and Stanley Webb had to be at their best to shut down some well-worked Malmesbury attacks.
With both teams tiring, the full time whistle led to 10 minutes of extra time, but still no breakthrough came.
In the penalty shoot-out. Cirencester's Hayden Peck stepped up first to slot a fine goal into the top corner. Malmesbury's first kick was then saved by the outstanding keeper Fraser Edwards. Scull then scored a net buster for Cirencester, sending Tenerife the wrong way, and with Malmesbury's next kick hitting the bar Cirencester had won the cup.
The game was a great spectacle and a credit to the two teams, played in the spirit of friendly competition, with both sets of parents applauding the players off the field.
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