Yorkshire 5-a-side Tournament
18 March 2007
Nottingham Arrows: Quarter-final
Nottingham Bows: Group stage

Ballbois entered only their second ever official tournament and came home with credit, plus an enhanced reputation, not only as footballers but sportsmen too. Unlike Leicester back in September, they scored goals here, 34 of them to be exact.

The two teams, Bows and Arrows were paired together in group C along with reigning champions Bournemouth, Dublin, London Falcons and London Blades. In driving snow Bows opened proceedings with a performance to forget getting hammered by the seasiders. Thirteen unanswered goals against the London clubs put them back into contention though with 6 points out of a possible nine gained.

Meanwhile Arrows drew a scoreless match with the Irish lads before hitting double figures against Falcons, just the tonic required for the crunch tie woth Bournemouth. What a brilliant game it proved to be as Arrows frustrated the champs throughout. Chris opened the scoring and when Jordan hit a second the game was settled. However, controversy came into the equation.

The youngster's challenge wasn't appreciated by an opponent (even though most thought it to be just hard but fair) and very sportingly Arrows allowed a free kick. Having no referee for the group games was to say the least unfortunate! Just to rub salt into the wound Bournemouth equalised right on the final whistle, so much effort to be denied right at the death.

Arrows were playing confident football now and were a match for anybody as London Blades found out next being hit for six.

So now came the shoot-out, a first ever Nottingham derby. Both teams still had an interest in qualification so a cagey opening five minutes wasn't that surprising. With the stakes high and local pride to be decided no quarter was asked or given. A draw didnt suit anyone really but thats how the match was heading before Arrows broke the deadlock scoring two quick goals. Bows quickly replied but thats the way it finished, a 2-1 victory which guaranteed Arrows second position in the group.

Good organisation was the decisive factor with only two goals conceded in five matches, whilst nineteen goals were shared between the five outfield players, quite outstanding. With that defeat Bows' chances had gone and they lost a dead rubber to Dublin to complete their afternoon's work.

Arrows though were now sailing through uncharted waters, quarter finalists and what a draw they got, 5-aside experts Yorkshire! Suffice to say experience told, with Terriers running out convincing and worthy winners against wholehearted triers who were physically knackered by the end. Credit is due though for being the only non GFSN league side in the last eight and also the only team Bournemouth couldn't beat, not bad in your second tournament ever.

Arrows: Phil H, John S, Jordan K, Kev F, Chris L, Ian R and Phil P
Bows: Tony L, Brett L, Adam R, Dave O, Paul B, Tom M and Gareth D