Roberts Cup - 2001

RESULTS

FINAL:
Kungshamn/Hunnebo - 0, Ledbury Swifts - 4 (Preedy, Stockley, Skyers, Berry)

SEMI-FINALS:
IFK Stromstad - 1, Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Preedy, Merrick)
Kungshamn/Hunnebo - 0, GAIS - 0  --  Kungsham/Hunnebo win 3-2 on penalties

GROUP 2 MATCHES:
Leds FF - 1, Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Ledbury)
Kungshamn/Hunnebo - 1, Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Ravenscroft)
Tanums IF - 0, Ledbury Swifts - 4 (Preedy, Ledbury, Stockley, Mitchell)

REPORTS

Fri 03 Aug 2001: A heroes welcome to greet the Swifts

The Ledbury Swifts Under 16 side returned to a heroes' welcome in the town centre on Sunday evening after triumphing in an international soccer tournament in Stromstad. Around 100 people gathered to greet the coach which brought back the Roberts Cup from Ledbury's twin town, and the High Street was temporarily blocked as well-wishers waved banners and flags. Player Michael Preedy said: "We came over the Top Cross and saw so many people waiting for us, and it brought a smile to our faces. It was nice to know how much the town appreciated us, and our tiredness turned to delight." Once the team left the coach, it was over 30 minutes before players were able to leave the town centre, as well wishers crowded round the youngsters to congratulate them. They included Ledbury's mayor, Coun Phil Bettington, and Coun Spencer Lane and Andy Ward, stalwarts of the Ledbury and Stromstad Twinning Group. Coun Lane, the twinning group chairman said: "This is an absolutely marvellous achievement! They've done Ledbury proud." 

Swifts secretary Robert Barnes said of the team's triumph and their "exemplary" conduct during their stay in Stromstad: "This is the positive side of youth in Ledbury. They behaved impeccably throughout and were a credit to the town. You couldn't ask for anything better." 

During their stay, the team observed a strict curfew and good will was maintained, both on and off the pitch. The hosts treated the 14 players and seven adults to a boat trip to Koster Islands, a local beauty spot, where they saw basking seals. Some of the team then enjoyed a "white knuckle ride" on a Stromstad's powerful sea rescue boat. 

The tournament itself, set up in honour of a Stromstad teenager who died in a car crash, engaged the Ledbury squad in three group games, the semi-final and then the final, all against well-prepared Scandinavian sides. Swifts won through, going one better that last year, when they were runners up. The heat and the long journey and the tight schedule meant that throughout the Swifts had to battle with fatigue. Mr Barnes said: "In the heat, it was quite testing. A lot of adult sides would not have been able to cope with the pressure, and the fact it is a foreign culture." Swifts have thanked local businesses making donations to help them find the £4,000 needed for them to take part.

(Ledbury Reporter)


Wed 01 Aug 2001: Swifts lift Roberts Cup

LEDBURY Swifts U16s have returned from their visit to Sweden with the silverware that eluded them last year following a tournament final penalty shootout. The Ledbury squad travelled to the Swedish twin town of Stromstad on Wednesday and enjoyed a confidence-building 8-0 victory on Thursday against their hosts with Dean Matthews grabbing four goals with one each for Ben Ledbury, Toan Ravenscroft, Tom Stockley and Ian Merrick. For the Roberts Cup tournament, set up three years ago in honour of a Stromstad teenager who had died in a car crash, Swifts were in Group Two alongside three Swedish teams with the group winners and runners-up qualifying for the semi-finals.

Swifts first game at 10am was against Eds FF where the Ledbury side started slowly in the 20 minutes a half game lacking match practice after the foot and mouth crisis had wiped out the home football programme since March. Losing 1-0 at half time to a deflected goal, Swifts finally struck with five minutes left with the goal of the tournament when Joel Skyers crossed from the left and Ben Ledbury fired home a spectacular volley into the top corner to bring the final score of 1-1. Player of the match was Toan Ravenscroft. 

At noon Swifts were in action again against Kungshamn/Hunnebo and the game became a midfield stalemate during the first half. Swifts took the lead with a twice-taken penalty by Toan Ravenscroft after seven minutes, but were disappointed to concede an equaliser with the last kick of the match. Player of the match was full back Grant Hathaway. 

Swifts lined-up for their final group game at 2.30pm against Tanums IF needing a victory. A Swifts corner in the 9th minute found Mitchell Preedy at the far post and he opened the scoring. Chance after chance came in the second half with Swifts converting three of them through Ben Ledbury, Tom Stockley and Lee Mitchell to run out 4-0 winners and secure runner-up spot in the group. Player of the match was Joel Skyers. 

The semi-final at 2.15pm saw Swifts up against Group One winners and hosts IFK Stromstad who produced a much stronger line-up than in the friendly game including one youngster who was involved with the National squad. Swifts were on the back foot from the start and went behind with a goal from a corner kick. In the first minute of the second half player of the match Joel Skyers challenged the goalkeeper after a long ball upfield and when it fell to Mitchell Preedy he tapped in easily to equalise. The winner came near the end when Matt Berry finished off a good move and set-up by Ian Merrick gaining a final spot place with a 2-1 victory. 

In the final Swifts lined up for the second time against Kungshamn/Hunnebo, who had defeated Group One runners-up GAIS 4-3 on penalties. Although showing signs of tiredness for their fifth game of the day in very hot conditions Swifts were in no mood to let the trophy slip again and after showing much improvement as the tournament went on they now dominated the game. Swifts midfield were superb with Tom Stockley outstanding and it was from his cross that Mitchell Preedy opened the scoring after the goalkeeper had failed to hold the ball and it was Stockley again who supplied the cross for Dean Matthews to finish in the top corner for a 2-0 half time lead. The Ledbury defence were solid again at the start of the second half and went 3-0 up midway through the period when Joel Skyers raced round the keeper and slotted home. In the final minute Matt Berry completed a convincing win when he vollied home for 4-0 to collect the cup, which was presented by the parents of the dead boy.

Swifts club secretary Rob Barnes said: "The lads were determined to go one better and bring the cup back to Ledbury. It was an excellent performance, the Swedish players have fabulous technical ability but have not got our boys passion." After the trip the victorious team were welcomed back to the Town by over 100 people. Mr Barnes said: "It was a great reception, much appreciated by all, and we would like to thank all the people who have helped and supported us."

(Ledbury Reporter)


Fri 20 Jul 2001: Swifts fly north for the summer 

Ledbury Swifts Under 16 squad will be travelling to the Swedish twin town of Stromstad again in a bid to win a prestigious international soccer trophy. The £4,000 return visit has been made possible by community support, extensive fundraising and by Ledbury businesses digging deep and making donations. 

Last year the Swifts played against seven Scandinavian youth sides for The Roberts Cup, only to lose in the final on penalties. This year the teenagers will be hoping to go one better when they set off for Sweden on Wednesday, July 25.

Swifts spokesman, Steve Onions, said: "The trip begins with a coach ride to Heathrow, then a flight to Gothenburg and a coach to Stromstad, where the team will meet their hosts for the five day visit. The cup tournament will be the highlight of the trip, but there will also be plenty of time for sightseeing and meeting the locals, who are extremely friendly and welcoming. 

"It is a wonderful opportunity for the lads, some of whom have never flown before, to experience a foreign culture and create relationships between the two communities. "The boys who went last year are still talking about it even now, and I am sure that there will be plenty to talk about this year, when the team returns," he said. 

The Roberts Cup is a new tournament set up in honour of a Stromstad teenager who died in a car crash. Ledbury businesses that have made donations to enable the Swifts to take part include MPP Holdings, Sequani; John Goodwin, HSBC; the Ledbury Royal British Legion; Ledbury Preserves, Kemps, and Morepack Packaging.

A donation has also been given by Coun Don Rule, president of the Swifts. In addition, gifts for a raffle have been donated by Westons; David Waller; Gaynons, The Toy Box; M&M Sports and Tesco. Mr Onions said: "The club would like to thank all most sincerely for their support, and we would also like to say a special thank you to Steve Emery and Keith Wildig for their fundraising activities. "This has enabled us to keep the costs down, to the lads, as low as possible, so that they can enjoy this fantastic opportunity."

(Ledbury Reporter)