Vipers are the Champions!
 
Following a seventeen match unbeaten run, the U11 Vipers sealed victory in Division 4 with a 2-0 win over runners up Sandhurst Town. The Vipers had been top of the division since the beginning of March but Sandhurst were carrying more postponed games and so caught up over the Easter break. The Sandhurst results over the holidays meant that the last game of the season was for the title however the Vipers held a slight advantage as we could afford to draw and still be champions whereas Sandhurst had to win. The game was very even and remained goalless for the first 50 minutes. Both teams had shots but the keepers did well and overall, both teams defended conscientiously whilst trying not give anything away.
 
With just 8 minutes to go it was the Vipers Joseph Baker that broke the deadlock and with a skillful lob over the keeper scored the first goal. The second was not far behind with JJ Hughes scoring one of his trademark distance shots to ensure the game and the title was ours. This year, the team is much improved and our success was been built upon a solid defence that has given us the best defensive record in all the U11 divisions. Our record reads played 22, lost just 2 games.
 
Without a regular keeper the boys took it in turns to wear the goalies jersey and we saw some excellent performances this season. Rotating the keeper gave them all an appreciation of the goalies role and how hard it is to organise everyone from behind! In front of the rotating keeper has been the solid back three of Luca di Gangi, Max Harrall and new recruit Theo Beckett. Not many teams have been able to break through this defence and with most teams opting to play just two at the back, our defence is harder to get through than most!  Theo, with an impressive turn of speed is capable of tracking back and tackling almost everyone who does get through! This defence has let in just 7 goals in our 15 games since December.
 
Across midfield and into attack there are plenty capable of scoring a goal or two. Joda Burgan, golden boot winner for the last couple of years had a fight on this year and despite scoring his first hat-trick against Pinewood the trophy was eventially shared between Joda, Ben Wiltshire and Joe Baker. Also capable of scoring has been the impressive midfield of Patrick Davis, Luke Douglas, JJ Hughes and Thomas Morris who have all put in some great performances. Coming into the team towards the end of the season was Charlie Derby who helped stabilise the defence as the holiday season meant not everyone was available for every game.
 
At the end of the season and our time playing 7 a side football it's really pleasing to see how far everyone has come in the 5 years they have been together. Thanks to Nigel and new assistant coach Joe for helping them all improve so much.
 
The Vipers are now starting to plan for their move to 11 a side football next season. If you would like to play, or just know more, please send an email to Martin Douglas, the team's manager at;
 
Vipers@winnershrangers.com