Classy Uxbridge Dig Deep To Take Title
It can often be something of a tired cliché that in a knockout football competition the best team doesn’t always win.
Well, apart from being able to boast the tag of best small sided team in the United Kingdom, ‘Uxbridge 1’ doused the flames of those sentiments, after producing a string of classy displays to take the National Tournament crown.
240 hopefuls marched through the gates of The Pavilion on Moor Lane in Birmingham, all bidding to clinch the silverware - and there was an array of talent on display, much to the pleasure of the on-looking scouts in attendance.
It was clear from the outset that the competition boasted the crème de le crème of 6 a side outfits, with the morning section of the tournament, consisting mainly of more local, Midland sides, lighting up the looming dark clouds. Loughborough 1 were one of the stand out performers topping their group with a perfect record, which was underlined with an imposing goal difference of plus 12.
Other sides laying claim to an immaculate showing were, to name a few, Bletchley 1, Brierley 2, Loughborough 10, Runcorn 1, and Stratford 2.
The occasional downpour did little to dampen spirits, and if anything added a real zip to the playing surfaces, which was lapped up in the afternoon group stages - notably so by Sittingbourne 1 who fittingly donned Real Madrid colours, setting alight Group 54 with their attacking prowess.
Amongst those competing in the second section of the group stages, were a commendable nine teams from Rhyl, crossing the border and travelling the 130 miles, whilst Weston 2, who were sporting an unmistakable pink and black shirt, put in countless battling performances, only to be ousted by the eventual winners.
Uxbridge 1 were getting into gear, including a 5-0 drubbing of opponents from Warrington who could only sit back and admire the two touch football on display. The whitewash didn’t prove to be their most handsome victory, that was saved for the last 32, when plucky Neath 3, who simply ran out of st
eam following a grueling penalty shoot out win in the previous round against Worthing 3, were put to the sword by an incredible six goals to nil.
Next up Widnes 2, whose stylish football was more than a match for the colourful PSG colours adopted, but they eventually succumbed despite a spirited display. Loughborough 5, one of 10 teams to travel from the Leicestershire town, were next to go down in the quarter finals, whilst another Midlands side, Tamworth 3, were edged past in the Semi’s, setting up a finale with Cannock 10 – the conquerors of the Galacticos Sittingborune 1 in the last four.
It was a remarkable achievement for the Staffordshire boys, having captured the National Tournament two years previously, whilst also holding a remarkable record in their Leisure League competition under the guise of Cannock Wanderers.
The sun, which had made a welcome, lasting appearance in Birmingham, was beginning to set as the finalists took to the field, bringing a close to the greatest 6 a side tournament on these shores.
What materialised, despite both sides demonstrating an arsenal of attacking capabilities throughout their path to the final, it was a cagey affair, with Uxbridge striking early and shutting up shop.
The solitary goal was enough to see them past resilient Cannock, who threw everything they had left at their capital city opponents, but it wasn’t enough, Uxbridge limiting them to a handful of half chances and chasing very few stray balls.
So the 2011 title trophy headed down the M40 to Uxbridge, and the victors now have the opportunity to test themselves on the continent, jetting off to the Algarve – and judging by the football showcased in Birmingham, they won’t face much sterner tasks in Europe than encountered here.
To view how the groups ended up click here