The Under 12/13's tour to the Norhalne Cup took place recently and here is an outline of how the tournament went.

Day 1

Southend United v Valerenga. Drew 0-0
Southend United v Djurgarden. Won 3-0

We set off to finish day one of the tournament as group leaders on 4 or 6 points. This we achieved with 4. We had dominated both games and were exceptional against Djurgarden. The game against Valerenga was a strong performance, but lacked quality in the final 1/3. This was put right in game two.

Day 2

Southend United v B93. Won 3-0

We knew a win would make us group winners regardless of other scores and so this was our aim as well as a confident attacking performance, which would give us momentum going into the play-off game. We completed this with a 3-0 victory of a very high standard.

The tournament consisted of 6 groups of 4. All group winners were then drawn in a qualification match. The winners of this match would progress to play for 1^st place to 3^rd place, the losers 4^th - 6^th. We were drawn against Danish Super League club Brondby.

Southend United v Brondby. Drew 1-1 (Lost on Penalties)

This was our toughest game yet, but we knew it would be. This is where we really tested players. There were lots of people watching the game. A 5.30 kick off on the main tournament pitch made it a good test and one which we struggled in, in the 1^st half. Trailing 1-0 at half time, we needed to do better. The team changed slightly and the players played a great second half. It was the first time they had to deal with conceding and being behind, the goal for Brondby came after two minutes. The reaction was excellent and togetherness strong.

We were in total control throughout the second half and but for the post and a goal line clearance would have progressed. However, at full time with the scores level, it was to be decided by penalties. A long penalty shoot out eventually resulted in Brondby progressing and our boys facing their second test of character.

Day 3

We had a really good team discussion last night and spoke, amongst other things about a professional's mentality and how the good players come out fighting when it matters and react well to disappointments. We now had to finish with two good performances???. and we did.

We were very good. There was a real focus from the group to achieve 4^th place and finish the tournament unbeaten. The finest of details costs you matches in tournament football and they cost us. But the players brought into the ethos of the week and were rewarded for hard work, top preparation levels and the togetherness and mentality of professionals.

4^th - 6^th Place

Southend United v Aarhus. Won 3-1

Southend United v Farum. Won 3-2

Finished 4^th Place.

Squad: Joe Langenhan, Harry Skinner, Zac Toye, Dominic Iorfa, Robert Hyams, Daniel Ferrigno, Jack Bridge, Marlon Agyakwa, Charlie Barlow, James Akintunde, Lewis Creek, Rory Thompson, Joshua Banton, Sammy Knott, Lewis Webster.

Mark Bonner
Recruitment Officer