Roberts Cup - 2003

RESULTS

FINAL:
IFK Gothenburg - 2, Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Locke) 

SEMI-FINALS:
Kvik Halden - 0, Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Locke, Willis)

GROUP MATCHES:
Kungshamns IF - 1, Ledbury Swifts - 0
Eds FF - 0, Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Locke, Curtis)
Gais - 0, Ledbury Swifts - 0


LEDBURY CUP
Stromstad - 3, Ledbury Swifts - 2 (W Smith, A Smith)

REPORTS

FIFTEEN players, three coaches and 14 supporters from Ledbury Swifts made the long trip to Stromstad in Sweden. The trip had a dual purpose of furthering the twinning ties with their Swedish friends and to take part in the Roberts Cup competition, organised by IFK Stromstad. The competition is for U16s and is held annually in memory of former Stromstad player, Robert Hasasling, who was tragically killed in a car crash aged 16. The Swifts party arrived in Stromstad at noon Wednesday. The boys were eager to get started, but before the training session, a minute's silence was observed in memory of the McCoig-Lees family, remembering the events taking place back in Ledbury at that time. The silence was observed impeccably. Thursday evening brought the boys their first taste of `continental' football, with a friendly against their hosts. On an excellently maintained pitch, the game was fast and furious. With the wind at their backs, Stromstad held the upper hand and from a corner in the 7th minute took the lead; Ashley Nicolson's attempted clearance sliced off his boot and past the startled Adam McTear. Five minutes later though, Swifts were level, a smart move ended with Will Smith equalising. Stromstad regained the lead on 20 minutes, when their captain surged through the midfield and let fly from 20 yards. McTear was then called upon to make a fine save to prevent the third, but just before the break another Stromstad corner was headed in at the far post. The second half was a very different affair. The Swifts' midfield, Tom Hurrell, Matt Fortnam and Rodney Hathaway, began to exert pressure, and Adam Curtis up front was giving the Stromstad defence some problems. Despite this dominance, it was Stromstad that went further in front. A long high ball forward was caught by Adam McTear, but under a strong challenge, the ball broke free. McTear appeared to be held down and the ball was stroked into the empty net but the referee allowed the goal to stand. Swifts became even more determined to avenge this injustice, and a through ball from Hurrell was seized upon by Asa Smith, who rounded the keeper to score. The Stromstad keeper then made three more outstanding saves, from Smith and Matt Fortnam, and though Swifts finished on a strong note, Stromstad held out to retain the Ledbury Cup.


LEDBURY Swifts U16s first game in their attempt to lift the Roberts Cup during their visit to Sweden was against Kungshamns IF. Wearing a new kit supplied by Hayrove Farms Ltd, they made a good start, Adam Curtis going close after just five minutes. Adam Willis then had a shot deflected over the bar and captain Rodney Hathaway went close with a 25-yard effort. Against the run of play, Kungshamns forced a corner, which the powerful centre back met with force to open the scoring. Kungshamns were forced back throughout the second half, but despite all their efforts, Swifts were unable to break through, resulting in their first competitive defeat in three years. In the other group match, Eds FF surprisingly beat Gothenburg side Gais, 1-0. Swifts got underway in their next match having just seen home side Stromstad eliminated in Group A. The game started quite evenly, with Will Smith having a shot tipped over. On 15 minutes, Ashley Nicolson's long pass found Pat Locke in the clear and he slotted past the keeper to give Ledbury the lead. Just two minutes later, Swifts were presented with another chance when awarded a penalty. Matt Fortnam strode forward confidently but put his kick just wide of the post, his first penalty miss. Half time and Swifts deservedly led 1-0. Swifts had all the early pressure in the second half, and following a corner Adam Curtis hooked the ball over his shoulder into the net for the second. Swifts then played out time to record the victory.

In the other game in Group B, Kungshamns defeated Gais 2-0, leaving the Swifts qualification in their own hands.

After lunch, Swifts lined up to face Gais. Both sides took things easy, but Ledbury finished the half the stronger, with Rod Hathaway forcing a good save from the Gais keeper and Matt Fortnam hitting the post. The Swifts continued this form into the second half. Fortnam again went close, and Pat Locke had an effort cleared off the line. Despite adventurous play from the Swifts the deadlock could not be broken, and the game finished 0-0. Kungshamn's 2-1 defeat of Eds FF meant Ledbury qualified for the semi-finals as group runners up. There they would face Norwegian side Kvik Halden, who had not yet lost and only conceded two goals. Despite the Norwegian's record, Swifts started in a positive mood. With less than 20 minutes gone, Pat Locke rose at the far post to meet a corner and headed firmly home, giving Ledbury the boost they needed. Minutes later, Swifts increased their lead when Adam Willis capitalised on a mistake by the Norwegian keeper to make it 2-0. The Ledbury defence were under pressure at the start of the second half, and in the second minute gave away a penalty, Fortunately, Adam McTear made the save of the tournament, diving low to his right to parry the spot kick away. Swifts regained their composure thanks to good work by Nick Panniers, Luke Taylor and Asa Smith. Once again Ledbury defenders Dickon Justice, Marc Wildig, Ashley Nicolson and Edward Gallagher were outstanding, protecting keeper Adam McTear. Against all odds, Swifts had reached the final, maintaining their record of appearing in the final every year they have taken part. Their opponents would be IFK Gothenburg to set up a repeat of last year's final.

Gothenburg started the livelier, their match fitness giving them the edge. Swifts gradually got into the game, Pat Locke going close with a long-range shot, but just before half time their opponents took the lead. Hurrell gave away a free kick, the resultant cross wasn't cleared properly and the loose ball was driven into the roof of the net. With the rain getting heavier, Ledbury started the second half with a flourish and were soon back on terms, Pat Locke ghosting in at the far post to head home a Tom Hurrell free kick. Swifts started to pressure the Gothenburg defence, with the pace of Adam Willis and Will Smith causing problems. Gothenburg were resolute however, and hit back strongly. A looping shot just dropping inside Adam McTear's post to make it 2-1. Injuries and fatigue were taking their toll, and the Swifts were unable to come back again. Gothenburg, fresh from their victory in the Gothia Cup, retained the Roberts Cup.

The club would like to say a special thank you to Mark Frost of Marcle Holdings, for his generous support which helped make this unique visit possible.