Vs The Eight - Cup Semi

A wet and rainy afternoon kick off was the scene for todays semi final vs The Eight. A team that Roma had beaten twice in the league this season and were hoping to do so for a 3rd time to book their place in the cup final.

The usual slow start for Roma as it was all The Eight for the first 5 minutes.

The first real attack of the game came from a ball through for the 8 which was saved well by Stevie. The game went straight down the other end and a replicated save by their keeper.

A scrappy few minutes proceeded and limited notes were taken in the lashing down rain!!!!

A throw in by Dylan found Riley who held well to play out wide to Shay. Shay does excellently well to go past his man with strength and delivered a tremendous ball across for Connor to tap in. 1-0.

A further scrappy few minutes again before some great work by Riley putting Callum though to dink the keeper from the edge of the box. 2-0.

Callum managed to get through on goal again but smothered well this time by the Eight's keeper.

A big chance followed quickly for The Eight as they go through clean on goal, great tracking back by Ryan and Stevie came flying out to force the shot wide.


TikTok and Youtube sensation, DMokTV, turns up and the boys heads all turn. Callum is spotted waving as he's playing!! Messages came from the coaches to keep attention on the game and stop trying to let on to the apparent social sensation!!

Half time 2-0.

A slow start to the 2nd half and an early corner from The Eight. Ball was whipped in and an easy knock into the bottom corner. 2-1. Roma had switched off for a minute and were punished for it.

Fantastic vision by Caff allowed Riley to go one on one and, without hesitation, he calmly slotted under the keeper. 3-1

Another corner for the Eight and a goal. Roma switched off again and an easy header at the front post unmarked. 3-2.

Caff gets on the scoresheet at the back post forcing the ball over the line after a rapid cross from Dylan. 4-2.

A dangerous ball over the top at pace by The Eight was dealt with well by Foley's head, replicating many of Ryan's excellent headers on the day!

A free kick for the Eight is saved well by Noah but on the next attack the ball ends up at the feet of the Eight's striker and he slots it home. 4-3.

Heading towards the final whistle and it was evident that Roma assumed they had already won. Flick after flick instead of managing the game led to a mistake in the midfield which allowed The Eight to equalise with 1 minute to go.!! 4-4.

Extra time beckoned and 5 minutes each half. At this point the notes went missing as the rain got heavier and heavier!! It was a nervy 9 minutes with limited chances when, with less than a minute to go until penalties the boys pushed forward.

Callum latched on to some good pressure and put it past the keeper to rapturous celebrations on and off the pitch!!!!  5-4.

Huge win for Roma U11s who progress to the cup final. Some serious game management lessons to be learnt after letting go of a 3 goal lead.

A big shout out to Shay who played fantastically on the right wing.

A very well deserved MOTM award goes to Riley with a goal and assist plus a big part on the first goal.