High Holborne Shield final
Avishayes Combe YFC 1, Somerton Town 0

AVISHAYES Combe YFC Under-12s have won their first ever High Holborne Shield, the final taking place at Yeovil Town FC’s Huish Park.

In the first half the wind was in the favour of Somerton Town but it was Avishayes ‘Vultures’ who had the first two opportunities to open the scoring.

A shot from Callum Boyland was excellently saved by the Somerton keeper Louis Marshall, who then pulled off a great save from Tae Wakeling’s header.

Somerton tried putting the ball over the top of the Avishayes defence, but keeper Charlie McManus made some great high catches in spite of the ball moving a lot in the air due to the wind.

Somerton had a couple of long-range shots but it was Avishayes who were pressing, with both Boyland and Wakeling having shots saved and centre-back Jake Denis also going close as the first half ended 0-0.

Avishayes pressed again from the restart, but the Somerton keeper kept out efforts on goal from Boyland, Wakeling, Toby Harding and Josh Davies.

The Vultures were pinning their opponents back in their own half, and on 50 minutes they finally got their reward with a close-range shot from Boyland giving Avishayes a deserved lead.

The last 10 minutes was nervy for the Avishayes management, friends and family because even though the Vultures continued to press for a second goal there was always the chance that Somerton would break and snatch a late equaliser.

Fortunately their opponents only threatened a couple of times, with a long-range free-kick their best opportunity, and the Vultures held on to take the title.

Jake Denis (voted Man of the Match by Yeovil Town officials) and the other Avishayes defenders kept any moves into their half to a minimum.

At the other end, Avishayes had 70 per cent of the chances and if keeper Louis Marshall had not had such a great game the score could have been a lot higher.

Avishayes have reached the final three times in its 31-year history but this was their first victory.

The team would like to thank all the local businesses who have supported them in the fundraising for this event, and also Yeovil Town for giving the children a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at Huish Park.