Wollaton Pirates 1 – 3 Radcliffe Olympic

The Pirates were seconds away from a famous victory but were pegged back to 1-1 late on. Click Read More to read the full match report and found out how.

Both teams had great support from friends and family and the atmosphere was great because of it.

Being a cup final, the tempo was high and played with a competitive edge.

Both teams had similar chances and possession. The Pirates broke often down the wing with pace from Pilerio and Killeavy and up front from Frankie and Fraggy. Radcliffe’s chances were limited to long rang efforts thanks to the solid back four of the Pirates. The Pirates’ chances were also limited but may have edged it in terms of being closer.

The fierce tackles from both teams did not go unpunished with both Reeves brothers getting a talking to form the ref and a Radcliffe player getting booked. One tackle of note against Killeavy could have ended his match as two Radcliffe players slid into him as he advanced with the ball. Despite the Pirates’ protest only a free kick was given.

Half time 0 – 0

Radcliffe started the second half much the better and had the majority of possession and chances. The Pirates found their tempo again and the match evened out.

The Pirates’ had the best chance of the game only to be denied by the keeper as he somehow palmed the ball behind for a corner from the resulting shot.

The game really heated up 10 mins from time. A ball was played over the top of the Radcliffe defence and Frankie chased. It looked like the two Radcliffe defenders had done enough by edging the chance, but Frankie’s strength and skill prevailed and he slotted the ball home. The Pirates’ fans erupted.

The Pirates held out until injury time. As Radcliffe pushed forward they found themselves in a crowded box. The ref pointed to the spot for a miss timed tackle (I couldn’t see from where I was stood how bad the tackle was). The Radcliffe striker stepped up and coolly sent Rikki the wrong way. The final whistle blew after the game restarted and extra time followed.

With the Pirates seconds away from lifting the cup inevitably their heads went down and with a dramatic equaliser form Radcliffe they were flying high. Radcliffe had the majority of the possession in extra time but it took a wonderful goal to edge them in front.

After a foul on the left corner of the box a shot was surely an ambitious thing to try. By that is exactly what happened. Smashed into the top right hand corner Rikki didn’t stand a chance. 2-1 Radcliffe.

The Pirates pushed and pushed but their chances were in vain with the Radcliffe defence resolute and the keeper having good hands. The second half of extra time was a much more even contest but again Radcliffe scored after a quick break with some quick passes from the left.

The Pirates were denied what looked like a clear foul on Pilerio was bought down in the box, but the ref waved away the protests.

A disappointing result for the Pirates especially as they were so close to lifting the cup. Let’s not take anything away from Radcliffe. They never let their heads go down after going a goal down so close to the end.

Despite the loss, a great many positives can be taken from the game. The Pirates were only entered into the County Cup Sunday Junior Cup because the reserve team were entered into the County Cup Sunday Minor Cup and the rules state that a first and reserve team cannot be entered into the same cup. So in effect, the Pirates where playing in a cup with all the other teams being at least one league higher than them, so to get to the final is such a huge achievement and compliment to the skill that this young Pirate side possess. So much so that the powers that be gave the man of the match to Piliero for his outstanding performance.

Radcliffe are also a very experienced side having been in existence since 1876 so have a huge history and also have 3 Saturday teams and 2 Sunday teams. The Pirates were only formed three years ago so to reach a cup final in such a short time is a credit to all involved at the club.

Although the cup defeat is hard to take it has still been a very very successful season for the Pirates. They have won their second league title and promotion in a row, again as unbeaten champions. Not only this, they haven’t lost a league game for two whole seasons! A League title, a quarter final in one cup and a final in another is a successful season in anyone’s book.

A big thank you to everyone involved with the club this season, from the management of both the first and reserve teams right to the players who are not regulars but have played their part. A big thank you also to all the friends and family for their support, for putting up with all of us throughout the season, listening to our moans and groans and stories of victory.

Plans are afoot to take this club further and in close season the management will see that these plans are met. Dino has promised new faces for the first team, and Luke and Pete wish to bring in some new faces for the reserves too so next season will be our greatest yet.

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