Roberts Cup - 2002

RESULTS

FINAL:
IFK Gothenburg - 2, Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Skyers) -- IFK Gotherburg win 3-2 on penalties 

SEMI-FINALS:
Gunnilse IS - 0, Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Mitchell pen)
IFK Gothernburg - 2, Degefors - 1

GROUP MATCHES:
Eds FF - 1, Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Koral)
Kungshamns IF - 0, Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Koral, Mitchell)
IFK Gothenburg - 0, Ledbury Swifts - 0

REPORTS

FOLLOWING their final Herefordshire triumph, winning the Russell Jenkins Memorial Trophy, Ledbury Swifts U16s were in confident mood, as they embarked on their trip to Stromstad, Sweden, for the Roberts Cup tournament. The loss of assistant Phil Meakins at the last minute due to illness was a blow, but Derek (Sam) Skyers was asked to help manager Colin Goodrum and his experience, this was Sam's third trip, was to prove invaluable. The hosts, IFK Stromstad do not have an U16 team this year, so a friendly was arranged for the Thursday evening with Degefors IF, one of the most respected clubs in Sweden. Colin made many positional changes to give everyone a run out, but Degefors approached the game as if it was a cup final. It was therefore not surprising that Degefors won comfortably, inflicting Swifts' first defeat in Sweden. The real cost of this defeat though was the number of injuries picked up, physio Andy Kibble was the busiest man in the group.

By Saturday though all the players reported fit, except Simon Meakins, who had sustained an eye injury on the Friday, he was hopeful though of taking part in at least one game. Swifts first of their three group games was against EDS.FF. Swifts started nervously and when keeper Luke Ledbury spilled an easy pick up EDS took full advantage to take the lead. Swifts composed themselves and slowly took control of the game. On the stroke of half time Joel Skyers flicked on a clearance by Luke Ledbury and Zeki Koral was on it in a flash to force it past the keeper at the second attempt. Half time 1-1. Chances were limited in the second half, Joel Skyers went close with a free kick and Ledbury atoned for his earlier error with a point blank save as EDS applied some late pressure. Swifts held out to secure a point. Full time 1-1.

An hour later, Swifts took the field again against last year's beaten finalists Kungshamns IF. Defences dominated the first half with few chances being created, then with half time approaching, Luke launched a long goal kick, Koral ran on to it and coolly slipped it past the keeper. As the players left the field an aggrieved Kungshamns' defender said something to the referee who immediately dismissed him. Half time 1-0. Swifts made the most of their advantage, creating chances for Koral, Chris Hodges and Dean Kibble but it wasn't until the 16th minute that Kibble made the game safe when he coolly finished when put through by Lee Mitchell. Full time 2-0.

With qualifications for the semi finals still not certain, Swifts then faced IFK Gothenburg, who had won two, scored nine, conceded nil. IFK started strongly but Swift's defence, with Tom Barker outstanding, held firm. Defences dominated preventing any score. Half time 0-0. The second half was much more open. Peter Boyle had to make some timely interceptions as IFK threatened and Barker deflected a goal bound shot over the bar. At the other end Skyers and Koral were causing problems before the former combined with Kibble to put Koral clear but his shot was just the wrong side of the post. In the dying minutes, with the Swifts finishing the stronger, the IFK keeper saved well from Koral. Full time 0-0. Swifts had qualified for the semi finals.

Swifts then met another Gothenburg side, Gunnilse IS, the winners of the other group. IFK playing Degefors IF. The game started at a cracking pace, Swifts opened up their opponent's defence with some crisp passing moves. Wing backs Chris Goodrum and Tom Hurrell played important roles. With a minute left to half time Steve Widdows played the perfect through ball to Dean Kibble who raced clear only to be brought down by the keeper. Captain Lee Mitchell stroked home the resulting penalty, the only goal to be conceded by the Swedes. Half time 1-0. Swifts spent most of the second half on the defensive, as Gunnilse fought for the equaliser, but always on the look out for a quick break. Two minutes from time Luke made a crucial save with his feet, followed by Tom Hurrell clearing off the line, from the resulting corner. The English spirit would not be broken and Swifts held out for a 1-0 victory, reaching the final for the third time.

Their opponents were IFK Gothenburg who defeated Degefors IF, 2-1. Both teams started the game slowly as players forced their tired aching limbs into one final effort. Joel Skyers and Lee Mitchell were particularly suffering, but the mental strength of the boys was most impressive. On 12 minutes a tired tackle from Tom Barker conceded a penalty, the IFK keeper strode forward and gave Ledbury no chance for 0-1. Swifts were in no mood to give in though and a persistent break by Skyers levelled the score before half time. Half time 1-1. Swifts made the better start to the second half, with half chances for Koral, Chris Hodges and Skyers after fine work by Adam Reynolds. IFK came more into the game again, but the defence, well marshalled by Pete Boyle, held firm and were well supported by Andy Heaysman in midfield. A snap shot from IFK skimmed the bar whilst at the other end a speculative shot from Skyers almost deceived their keeper. Full time 1-1 and the game went to penalties. Joel Skyers scored, IFK scored 1-1; Lee Mitchell saved, IFK scored 1-2; Steve Widdows saved, IFK scored 1-3; Adam Reynolds scored (retaken), IFK missed 2-3; Luke Ledbury saved, IFK not taken 2-3 to IFK. With three first class saves, the IFK keeper had won his club the trophy.

Ledbury Swifts had nothing to be disappointed about, for they had gone beyond all expectations by skill, tenacity and an unbelievable team spirit, so admired by the Swedes, and they have maintained the clubs record of not having lost in normal time over 15 games and three years. On behalf of the Swifts, Bob Barnes would like to thank the players and parents for their loyalty and commitment to the club over the last ten years, and wish them well in the future. Mr Barnes said: "I would like to say a special thank you to Colin, Tina, Phil and Anthony Mitchell, who have worked tirelessly with this team through many difficult times. You will all be missed, but what a way to go."