Uckfield Grasshoppers 4th July 2009

Marle Place Wanderers 0 : 0 Hailsham United Blue

A bit of a sleepy performance to start off, not surprising given the relatively early 9.15 start to the tournament. Few chances for either side

East Hoathly Eagles Blue 1 : 0 Marle Place Wanderers 

The early start should have worn off by this time, but the boys were caught napping by East Hoathly and lost to an unfortunate own goal that bobbled about a bit in the area before eluding the defence and creeping in near the post after a corner was floated in.

Marle Place Wanderers 3 : 1 Broad Oak and Horam Tigers

Same six boys, completely different performance. Switching to one in defence, the boys tore into Broad Oak and were 3-0 up at half time thanks to goals from Stu Ellmer (neat finish), Ads Chilcott (stroked into the top corner from the edge of the box) and Josh Crow (cross-cum shot that eluded everyone and sneaked in the far corner). The intensity dropped a bit in the second half and Broad Oak snatched a consolation, but an excellent performance all round, Jake Chantler and Josh Crow working particularly hard in midfield despite the heat

Uckfield Grasshoppers Blue 0 : 2 Marle Place Wanderers 

Another very good performance and a comfortable win, goals from Stu and Ads. Wills Brimacombe (in goal) and Joe Russell (our by-then lone defender) had little to do as Place dominated.

Ringmer Rovers 0 : 1 Marle Place Wanderers

Crunch game of the group with a win needed to stand any chance of going through against Ringmer, who had won all their previous games and not conceded a goal. In contrast to the previous game, Wills and Joe had it all to do as Ringmer attacked regularly, but some excellent saves and tackles kept them out, and Josh's great goal, headed in from Ads' corner (yes, headed !) was enough to take Place through to the semis on goal difference as runners up

Hastings Youth 1 : 0 Marle Place Wanderers

This looked a bit like one game too many for the Place lads, who started to look tired after 5 games on a hot day with no subs. Hastings scored mid way through the first half after a smart move but real credit to the lads as they didn't give up. The best chance of an equaliser fell late on to Stu who was unlucky to put his shot just wide after a great run through the centre

The six boys did brilliantly to get through to the semis after a weak start, playing three excellent games to do so. There was a real air of disappointment afterwards which can only be a good thing - they know that they are now capable of going further in these tournaments. Well done to the team :

Wills Brimacombe
Joe Russell
Jake Chantler
Josh Crow
Stuart Ellmer
Ads Chilcott