WALSH ON TARGET TO CLINCH CUP FOR OWLS AT MOOR FARM
Date : 05.05.08

Derby County opened the doors of their Academy to hundreds of football-mad youngsters once again for this year's Academy Cup.

Ninety-six teams from across the region descended on the Moor Farm training ground to try and get their hands on one of four trophies - one for each of four age categories.

Many were also hoping to catch the eye of talent-spotting Rams scouts, who watch the competition in the hope of spotting up-and-coming stars.

One key difference to this year's tournament, running for the fourth time, was the adjustment of the age groups.

A growing interest from younger teams meant that Under-7 squads were invited to take part in the competition for the first time.

After watching the six-year-olds battle it out on Saturday morning, Dave Webster, the assistant academy recruitment officer, felt that this was a wise decision to make.

He said: "It's the first time we've had an Under-7 category in this tournament and, according to the scouts, it was the highest standard we have seen at this age.

"The Under-7s are at the very foundations of identifying talent and probably the most important age in this tournament. We spotted at least 10 lads in this category and we are going to write to them and invite them to attend our development centres.

"These feed into the academy and the majority of our recruits come through these centres. It's the first stepping stone to an academy place."

Oadby Owls had the most to smile about at the finish after winning the Under-7 section.

The Leicester-based side won four of their five group games to progress to the semi-finals, edging out rivals Woodhouse Juniors Green by one point.

Oadby opened the scoring in the penultimate round against Woodhouse Colts JFC and doubled their lead moments later.

They booked a place in the final round against Long Eaton United, despite a late goal from Woodhouse.

Long Eaton had seen off an unbeaten Allexton New Parks side to make it to the final but they could not overcome Oadby.

A goal from Josh Walsh midway through the match clinched the win for the Owls, much to the delight of manager Steve Lewis.

He said: "It was a great performance and it was all down to a lovely bunch of lads.

"We have got some lovely individual players but the squad also played well as a team and I'm really proud of that. Josh scored for us in the final and he scored a few goals throughout the tournament but he was part of a very strong squad.

"Long Eaton were an excellent side. They played well as a team but we were just lucky enough to get the winning goal towards the end and hold out.

He added: "We were under quite a bit of pressure because Oadby Owls, as a club, have always done well in this tournament - the Under-9 team won last year.

"But we've come along and performed beautifully. If I can keep hold of them, we've got some really good players and, because of that, we'll definitely be back to defend our title next year."

Long Eaton manager Kevin Culverwell, however, was far from disappointed.

"We're not disappointed at all and I'm really proud of the lads - every last one of them," he said.

"They did a fantastic job and have worked together as a team all season but that's football.

"One goal can make all the difference and Oadby did really well. We'll just have to try and beat them next time.

"The lads were a little bit emotional at the end but they are always learning and they'll learn from their defeats and come back stronger. I have every confidence in them.

"I really can see us coming back next year. These are great facilities and there are good people here, good camaraderie and the games were played in the right spirit."

Another manager who left the training ground with a smile on his face was Garry Wiltshire.

The Woodhouse Colts JFC boss, whose side were edged by Oadby in the semi-finals, was delighted as his player Lee Buchanan was named the Under-7 Player of the Tournament.

He said: "Lee has been outstanding for us. He's a natural defender, has natural athleticism and the ability to play anywhere.

"The lad also has a good left foot and I believe he has a promising future.