Report

If it wasn't for bad luck MSN FC U13's wouldn't have had any luck at all as they lost out in the semi-final of the U13 knock out cup to Bath Arsenal Colts on probably the worst pitch they have played on all season.

MSN set up to defend deep against a team who had beaten them in their last league encounter and are in the play offs for runners up in the league.

Norton were happy to sit back and defend using the pace of Kieran and Jake up front to hit on the counter attack and this paid off half way through the first half as Jake smashed home a fantastic left foot volley to give Norton the lead. The defence stood firm with some great blocks and strong tackling with Bath hitting the bar the nearest they came to scoring in the first 30 minutes. Just as it looked like Norton would hold on to half time the pitch played its part as a hard bounce of the ball landed on the tall strikers head to beat an onrushing Luke in the last minute of the half to make the score 1-1 at the break.

Norton dominated most of the second half with a number of chances created but with 7 minutes remaining another wicked bounce in the bumpy and rutted goalmouth fell kindly for Bath to score. Norton pressed hard for an equaliser and created another 3 or 4 good chances as the Bath keeper made a number of saves before in injury time a shot from Corey hit the inside of the post and bounced back into the keepers arms. 

Not the finish to the season the team deserved but they can be proud of their achievements this year maintaining their position in the top league and a good cup run which could and probably should have resulted in a cup final appearance.

Man of the match was Jake.