Burnham-On-Sea’s Burnbridge U12s are celebrating after becoming League and Cup Double Winners – their first cup win for 15 years.
Burnbridge faced high-flying Clevedon United on Sunday in the final of the Woodspring league cup.
In an exciting match, the final score was Burnbridge Wanderers 3, Clevedon United 3 after extra time. The Burnham side went on to win 4-3 on penalties.
Burnbridge were wearing their new bright yellow kit for the first time since sponsors Burnham Plastering Limited presented the club with the strip just in time for the final.
Burnbridge began the game as under-dogs although the spectators said you would never have thought of it as they started well, with a very high pressing game and fast tempo.
Clevedon looked nervous and it wasn’t long before Burnbridge were 1-0 up after a fantastic move started by Keelen Woolacott who slotted a fine pass to Leo James to cross an inch-perfect pass to striker Charlie Crook for a header into the net.
Clevedon were ratteled which allowed Burnbridge to take full control with some fantastic interchanging passing through the midfield, solid defending and great leadership by captain Ben Jaminski in goal.
The pressure paid off and Burnbridge were soon 2- 0 up when Michael Cooper scored a fantastic 25-yard free-kick that was too hot to handle by the Clevedon keeper.
This seemed to inspire Clevedon and they slowly took control of the game and got their just-rewards before half time with a superb left foot strike into the bottom corner of Jamanski’s goal.
Half-time arrived, along with some tactical changes and an inspiring team talk by Richie Crook.
Burnbridge took to the field knowing that they were in a battle and needed to play at 100% to have any chance of winning.
Clevedon started well and took control of the game, however the rock-solid Burnbridge defence and last-ditch tackles from the midfield and striker kept Clevedon at bay until 10 minutes from time when the constant pressure finally paid off and they scored a headed goal from a corner.
The final whistle went with the score closely poised at 2-2. Extra time started and both teams looked tired. The first half ended in a stalemate as both teams looked to be playing out a draw for penalties. Clevedon started the second half of extra time strong and gave a real push to try and score the winner and they nearly did after a looping header that was set to go in until Michael Cooper somehow headed the ball over the bar just before it crossed the goal line.
With two minutes to go Clevedon’s pressure paid off with a goal after yet another corner came in and this time the ball was headed home by the Cleavdon striker.
Now it was Burnbridge’s turn to attack and they piled on the pressure on Clevedon’s defence and goalkeeper. With 30 seconds left and some tears already flowing, the ball was crossed in by Kru Parkinson and the ball was handled by the Clevedon defender.
The referee didn’t hesitate to blow his whistle and gave Burnbridge a penalty with the last kick of the game. Michael Cooper stepped up to take the penalty and drove it low and hard to the keeper’s right who saved it superbly, but the ball bounced back towards Cooper who slammed it into the net to score the goal and take the game to penalties.
Penalties came and the advantage swung from Burnbridge to Clevedon until the shoot-out went to sudden death.
Sam Grant scored a superb goal into the top right corner of the net meaning that Clevedon had to score to stay in the tie. The player struck the ball perfectly, aiming towards the top corner although Ben Jaminski was determined to save it and palmed the ball against the cross bar and wide. Burnbridge had won the cup for the first time in 15 years!
Wild celebrations followed and the cup was presented to Burnbridge Wanderers Under 12s in front of a large crowd of supporters. Burnbridge coach Richie Crook said: “. Well done to all the players involved this season. We have now won the league and the cup to finish a very successful season as double winners.”
“The lads worked very hard to get the win by sticking to our tactics and game plan and having a real desire to win.”
“Thanks to all the parents and our very generous sponsors Highbridge Caravans, South West Rendering Limited and our new sponsors Burnham Plastering Limited.”
