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2003 Boys Costa Daurada Cup report #4

2003 Boys Costa Daurada Cup report #4

Steve Antoniewicz20 Jul 2017 - 11:41
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Our last day at The Costa Daurada Cup would see us compete in a semi final

We would be one of four teams making up the Semi finals of the consolation cup and would kick off our match vs Ce Odena at 6pm at Cusa La Granja.

For the second time that week we had to share the same bus to the Stadium with Ce Odena, but this time they would be our direct opponents in the next match! They were very vocal and treated us to a number of songs on route which this time our lads duly replied to : )

As we arrived at the stadium we noticed the game on before us was our group opponents Fesport, who were also playing in a Semi Final.

Fesport won that match 2-0 to reach the final of the main competition, which they would go on to win, defeating our other group opponents Vasconia in the final. As we found out later Fesport are not actually a club side but were a composite youth select side from across Barcelona. This helped put our previous match into some perspective!

We approached the match against Ce Odena, with confidence and an attacking mindset, with Mark Cunningham once again playing as central striker and Lewis Finnie returning to the side in defence. From the off we took control of the game and Odena were struggling to contain Ben Ruddy and Saul on the left and Joe Jeffers and Daniel on the right. We were peppering the goal and Ben Ruddy was very unlucky not to open the scoring when a great combination and mazy run resulted in a shot across goal that struck the post.

We were so dominant though, it was a matter of time before we would score. A free kick was given on the left hand side of the box and Ben Ruddy whipped in a great outswinger which was anticipated by Lewis Finnie who nipped in to open the scoring. 1-0. Mark was working hard up front and was unlucky not to get on the end of another Ben Ruddy cross moments later.

Our second came courtesy of a penalty, duly despatched by Daniel to ensure the first half finished 2-0 to Jeanfield. Plenty water was taken on board at half time as again we rotated the line-up. Second half began and Odena were much more direct as they aimed to reduce the deficit but without creating too many chances.

We were resolute at the back, with Jay Irvine was doing well in defence and Rob Douglas was working hard in the middle to ensure we kept them at bay.

Our third goal came early in the half when Daniel broke away down the right, leaving defenders in his wake before calmly slotting a great finish past the keeper at the near post.

3-0 Jeanfield.

Odena would peg back one goal as we rolled two substitutes on but we would finish the tournament with a great performance and a well deserved win. 3-1.

Unfortunately we would not be able to play in the final as our return flight to Scotland was the following morning and the organisers were unable to rearrange the fixture.

Reflecting on the whole week, The Costa Daurada Cup was an absolutely brilliant event to be a part of. The schedule and conditions were testing but we improved with every match and the whole team learned a lot.

We’re very fortunate to get the chance to compete against international opposition and experience a different football culture. We did not get the results we would have liked but we learned far more valuable lessons as a group and there were so many positive experiences shared, which will have real benefits for our club.

Our thanks go to Transworld Soccer who organised our trip and looked after us so well. Jimmy and Mags for supporting us in Salou and everyone else who supported our efforts and helped to fund or contribute to the trip including; Murrays bakers, Morrisons, M&S, Danscot Print, The Guildry Incorporation, Neil Peterson, Edwards Engineering, The Thomson Trust, the Jimmie Cairncross trust, the Common Good Fund and a whole host of other individuals.

Final thank you must go to all the players for their great efforts on the trip and for representing themselves, their families and the club so well.

The 2003 boys team are now looking forward to a great 2017-18 season.

Further reading