Soccer success for Birchfield youngsters!

6:40pm Sunday 4th May 2008

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THE Birchfield Youth FC became worthy winners of the Somerset Football Association's Youth Shield after they defeated Brislington Juniors 2-1 in a hard-fought final.

This is a most notable achievement as over 70 under-16 teams from Somerset and Avon took part in this competition.

In the exciting final, played at Street Football Club, Birchfield started well and took control of the game.

A fluent passing movement, in which Daniel Burton combined with his captain Jack Burnett, set Daniel Snell up for a well-taken first-half goal.

Brislington responded with a series of attacks, but were kept at bay by the strong Birchfield defensive partnership of Matthew Bullock, Daniel House, Chris Kirkland and Craig Lodge, ably marshalled by goalkeeper Toby Gallagher.

After the half-time interval Brislington again pushed forward and scored early in the second period.

But Birchfield responded soon after with a goal by Luke Jennings, following a Daniel Snell free-kick.

This left an anxious 20 minutes when Birchfield's discipline, team spirit and determination came to the fore.

Playing some excellent football Birchfield created a few more opportunities, with the best coming for Jamie Dyas from another Daniel Burton pass, but his shot went just wide of the post.

Throughout the game the tireless and skilful midfield partnership of Tom Gallagher, Jack Burnett and Nico Brooks gave Birchfield the edge in terms of possession.

Manager Jon Burton and his assistant Lee Burnett are very proud of the entire Birchfield squad.

"The boys have worked tremendously hard for this success, which is the culmination of hours and hours of hard work and dedication," they said. "They fully deserve this trophy, with all Birchfield Youth squad being excellent ambassadors for the Yeovil and District Youth League."