20 May 2007
Ballbois 1st Anniversary Tournament Final
Home (Grove Farm)

The final of the Ballbois Anniversary Tournament saw the hosts agonisingly go down after looking likely winners almost throughout. They were switched on from the outset, displaying a calmness and maturity never witnessed before, and it payed off. Brett outpaced an opponent before unleashing a right-footed thunderbolt across a helpless keeper from twenty yards for his twelfth goal of the season - what a start.

With confidence soaring, Nottingham were playing neat football, especially down the right through Andy, Ian and Chris, but it took a brilliant free-kick save from Tony to keep the lead intact and ensure a first ever half-time advantage.

The foundations for victory had been laid and within five minutes of the restart built upon. Ian's deftly-flicked header from an inswinging corner doubled the lead, and at this point there only appeared one winner. From then on, however, the referee took centre-stage. First, he pointed to the penalty spot for a nominal push before, moments later, awarding a dangerous free-kick which Blaze's coach beautifully curled into the top corner.

Numerous long balls were pumped into the heart of Ballbois defence, but Jordan and Jeff were awesome in winning every header. With the crowd shouting for both teams, Nottingham restored their composure and lead 3-2 when Jordan's free-kick was met sweetly on the volley by Ian.

Surely that would be the decisive goal, but no - yet another dubious penalty award went the visitors' way with five minutes to go. Heartbreaking is not the word. What a pulsating spectacle this match was, played with considerable skill at a cracking pace by two honest, hard-working sides.

Two misses in the shoot-out handed Birmingham the trophy, so well done Blaze. Crestfallen and dejected, Ballbois were reminded what had been achieved over the weekend. No other performance this season had come close to this one - they looked the part. Teamwork, commitment and composure - everything was in the mix with one sporting opponent saying that the better side had lost.

Team: Tony L; Andy B; Phil P; Jordan K; John S; Jeff N; Adam R; Ian R; Sam N; Brett L; Chris L
Subs: Gareth D
Goals: Ian R (2), Brett L