Having already won the Watford Friendly League U11 League Cup and the 'Play on the Pitch' tournament at West Bromwich Albion, the young Lions went to Cuffley with high hopes, but aware that the tournament contained some of the best teams in Hertfordshire.

In a group that contained the hosts, Hertford Town, Enfield Town and Protec Football Academy the Lions flew out of the blocks winning each of their first three games 4-0. Goals were shared between Ollie Whiteley, Zac Benedick, Ethan Gold, Fredi Rexhepi, Charlie Whiteley and Joshua Doctors as the Lions set out their intentions.

The final group game was against Protec Football Academy, with the winners set to top the group. In a hard-fought match no breakthrough was forthcoming and a 0-0 draw meant the Lions topped the group by two points.

A quarter-final with a physical Buntingford Cougars side was the Lions’ reward. Dominating possession the Lions created an abundance of chances, with Charlie Whiteley running the game from the midfield and Zac Benedick causing havoc on the wing.

With neither side able to break the deadlock the game went to extra-time. The Lions seized their chance and clever work from Harrison Davis put Ollie Whiteley through on goal. He made no mistake to give the Lions the lead. With the momentum firmly in their favour Fredi Rexhepi broke up play to put in Joshua Doctors for the Lions’ second goal and a place in the last four.

Chars Youth awaited in the semi-final. Chars were strong in attack, but were no match for goalkeeper Daniel Ben-Yair and captain and central defender Max Mandel. The Lions were patient in their build-up and in the first half of extra time the ball fell to Charlie Whiteley who played a through ball to Ethan Gold. Just like in the recent League Cup final, Gold made no mistake with a tidy finish to the right of the keeper. The young Lions were into another final against familiar foes.

The final against Protect was a repeat of the League Cup final and the group match earlier in the day. As with the group stages the teams could not be separated and after extra time a dreaded penalty shoot-out awaited. The Lions converted all of their penalties, whilst the final Protec player shot agonisingly wide. With that the celebrations began and the U11 Whites cheered another trophy and mightily impressive performance, winning the tournament without conceding a goal.

SQUAD:

Daniel Ben-Yair

Max Mandel (capt)

Zac Benedick

Joshua Doctors

Harrison Davis

Ethan Gold

Ollie Whiteley

Charlie Whiteley

Fredi Rexhepi