UNDER 9’s  - 12/2/06

BUSH HILL RANGERS –v- APOEL

                 3                            0

After the previous meeting with Apoel we knew that today’s game would be highly competitive. Before kick off the Apoel Manager approached me and asked if she could play an over-age player, her request was obviously refused. As both managers checked cards before the start of the game, I still had doubts regarding a couple of her players.  The referee suggested that if I was still not happy at half time, he would re-check the cards. At Bush Hill we believe in playing fairly, and we are not about winning at all costs, and my duty to the boys includes protecting them at all times, including making sure that they play against their peers, so that both teams would have a fair chance.

As the game kicked off the Bush Hill boys were clearly on top and the pressure was mounting on the Apoel goal. The game was turning physical and once again I was frustrated with the lack of protection from the referee for our boys.  We continued to play our football and our hard work was rewarded after Mohamed fired in a free-kick to make it 1-0.  We continued to make chances and at times our movement and pace was clearly too much for them. However, the score remained 1-0 at half time.

At half time I requested that the referee re-check their cards, as it was obvious that they were playing over-age boys. Apoel were reluctant to do this, their coaching staff and supporters began hurling abuse and refused to comply. The referee had no alternative but to abandon the game and award Bush Hill a 3-0 win, due to the conduct of Apoel. 

It saddened me that this happened, we would rather win by playing our football, but I also believe that if a team try to cheat, they should be punished.

Today’s Man Of The Match – Bush Hill Boys – Who turned up to play football.