By Mark Williams

Byron A 0
Buckhurst Hill
Hill win 4-3 on penalties
(Echo Challenge Cup Semi-final U10)

HILL travelled to unbeaten and top of the Premier league side Byron for a chance to get in the Echo League cup final.

Byron started the better and had a few shots just passed the post. Captain and Keeper Michael Corderoy then made an outstanding save tipping over a fierce shot. Hill started to get themselves back in the game and finished the half the stronger.

Oliver Williams turned his man superbly and struck a great shot but the Byron keeper was well positioned to save.Chris Coveney then won a free kick on the edge of Byron's penalty area, the resulting free kick was cleared straight to Coveney whose left footed volley was well saved.

Byron then forced another top class save from Corderoy tipping over from a well struck shot and then hit the post from a corner. Hill made some changes and Arun Olivelle and Moyo Ajibade came off having worked their socks off down the flanks.

Ryan Mooney having just come on found himself one on one with Byron keeper but he was quick off his line to smother the shot.

Corderoy then made another great save tipping round the post. Hill then pushed up for the last five minutes and won a succession of corners.

Twice Byron cleared off the line but the game finished 0-0 which on reflection was the fair result. Unfortunately it meant the dreaded palty shootout.

Hill went first and score then Corderoy pulled out a fantastic double save as Byron's ist penalty was retaken. Hill missed their 4th to leave it 3-3 with one penalty each. Up stepped Victor Vincent who coolly scored to leave Byron needing to score to stay in it.

Corderoy saved again to send the Hill into the final. This was a great advert for kids football .A really good game played in the right spirit of the game.