PHOENIX U-12s 0 SWIFTS U-12s 0

Swifts travelled to Hereford last Sunday to play in the I.M.I. Mouldings Cup, and after last weeks heroics were hoping for a good cup run. Alas for the 3rd year running Phoenix managed to put Swifts out of a cup competition after this game went to a penalty shoot out. On a bitterly cold afternoon, which was made worse by a strong wind, Swifts failed to get a consistent flow into their game even though they dominated possession against the wind in the first half. On nine mins Swifts nearly took the lead when Tom Powell lifted the ball over the keeper but on bouncing spun the wrong side of the post. Shortly after Powell was put through again, this time the keeper made a fine save. Wingers Crichard and Peplow were doing well to get some crosses into the box, but Phoenix were defending in mass and easily dealt with the danger. Though Swifts defence were coping against the wind, they were dealt a blow on 20 mins when full back Ian Davies had to be replaced by Ndlovu due to a foot injury, Parsons dropped back from midfield. Savidge and Davis continued to probe, but the final ball was missing. Even with the wind at their backs Swifts started the second half slowly and were nearly punished on a couple of occassions as Phoenix put some good attacking moves together. Midway through the half Swifts had a good chance to open the scoring, as Powell's shot agonisingly went past the far post. Then Powell again turned in the box only this time shot over. Try as both teams did nobody could find a winner in normal time. In extra time players began to struggle more with the conditions, Swifts had more of the play but lacked that final bit of composure to pick out the vital pass which could have settled the tie, but the only winner in this game was the weather. The penalty shoot out turned out to be a anti climax for the Swifts, as the first four players all missed, with Phoenix scoring three out of their four to go throught o the next round. Swifts have three play off games left to play to finish their season, the dates for these have yet to be confirmed.