In a fantastic week for Larkhall Athletic Youth, both the U15’s BOYS and the U13’s GIRLS have won their respective Cup Finals against tough opposition.

Under 15 boys

The U15 boys beat Chilcompton Sports in a pulsating final at Bath City Stadium on Wednesday evening.  A Larks corner led to the first goal of the night in the first half when Bradley Norris chipped the ball back into the area after it had been initially cleared.  Ginny Davies rose with a flicked header, and Ally Stone came round the back and chipped the keeper to put Larkhall 1 nil up.  However, Chilcompton, already the league champions this season, levelled in the second half through a controversial free kick, and with both sides deadlocked, the game went into extra time.  The stalemate continued for two extra periods and with both sides suffering cramp and injuries, the game finally went into a tense penalty shoot-out.  Larkhall Athletic keeper Eddie Ilic became the goal keeping hero after saving two penalties to help the Larks win the shoot out 5-4.  Everyone worked really hard throughout a long and tough match and in recognition of the work at both ends of the pitch, the Man of the Match award went to centre back Alex Battrick and striker ‘Ginny’ Davies.  This was the first major league trophy the boys had won since their great 2004/5 double winning season - so well done to the lads and to Lindsay Jacobs and his team of coaches - Nigel ‘Batty’ Battrick, Paul Salmon and Richard Stone.

Under 13 girls

The U13 girls beat Bath City in a very tight and even game at Chippenham Town Stadium on Sunday afternoon.  The girls took the lead early in the second half from a corner delivered by Ellie Lyne.  Romany Lowe and Beckie Sarten challenged for the ball in the penalty area, and Beckie managed to stab the ball into the corner of the net to put the Larks 1 nil up.  Larkhall continued to work the ball well against the previously unbeaten league winners, but clear cut chances were few and far between in a very even contest.  The girls however, had to weather strong pressure in the last 10 minutes and survived a couple of late scares but hung on to deservedly earn their first ever cup victory!  Well done to the girls and to their managers Martin Lyne and Chris Lowe. 

Here’s some film of the game, including the all-important goal!! (Thanks to Pete Dowling for providing this).

Great Supporters!

We’d also like to say a special THANK YOU to all the supporters of both teams.  The crowd at Chippenham Town seemed to be mostly Larkhall which was great to see, and the crowd at Bath City Stadium was counted at around 250 - 280, many of whom came to support Larkhall Athletic, which is outstanding support for a local club like ours.  We hope to continue to gain more success together as you all … follow The Blues.

Rich Stone & Tony Day, Co-chairmen LAFC Youth