GFSN National 5-a-side Tournamenrt 2008
7 June 2008, Liverpool
Nottingham Ball Bois: Champions

Nottingham Ball Bois completed an amazing first competitive season by beating 25 teams to the GFSN national five-a-side title. Following our team's appearance in the quarter and semi finals in Dublin last year it was always going to be a big ask to go one better, but they achieved it in style.

An expensive end to the season and holiday commitments meant we could only send one team to Liverpool and when Matt H went down injured in the second group game after twisting his knee things looked bleak. As always the Ballbois fighting spirit was evident and the team went on to win the first five group games conceding only two goals in the process.

Then came the crunch match against Manchester Village's first team, destined to be the group decider. An ill tempered and often scrappy match ended 1-1 after Ballbois led for most of the game. The lads went on to win the final two group matches to run out comfortable winners scoring 22 goals and conceding only three.

The quarter finals saw Nottingham pitted against the Manchester second team and the close fought match ended 1-1 with the dreaded penalties used to decide the outcome. Dave O stepped up to score the winning fifth kick and send a jubilant Ballbois into the semis.

The semi final match against Brighton was even closer with the south coast sides experience pitted against the Ball Bois youth and pace. Once again the game finished as a draw (0-0) and nerves jangled as penalties were missed. Could the Ballbois go one better and reach the final. Dave Orange once again took the fifth kick calm as you like to put the Bois through.

Our second final this year saw a repeat of the scrappy group game against Manchester. An exciting game saw both sides come close to scoring with Tony L pulling off three significant saves and the tremendous defensive work of Jordan K and Jeff N who finished the afternoon bruised and bloodied the third consecutive knock out game went to penalties. Manchester opened the scoring with James H cancelling out their advantage immediately. The next seven penalties were all missed leaving Dave O with the unenviable task of taking the final kick knowing that if he scored the Ballbois would be winners.

To the delight of the Ballbois and their supporters he slipped it just inside the left hand post to spark scenes of wild celebration as Nottingham became national champions. Jordan K finished the day as the Ballbois top scorer with seven, and the team only conceded four goals all afternoon. A tremendous achievement to wrap up an amazing year.

Team: Dave O, Tony L, James H, Jeff N, Jordan K, Ben R, Matt H