Football: Halton & District Junior League squad are still winners despite losing on penalties in Germany

Jul 2 2009 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

HALTON & District Junior League’s Under 13s representative side could not change the course of footballing history as they lost on penalties in Germany.

But their appearance in the Dynamo Cup in Berlin was a great success as they progressed through to the final of the international tournament undefeated.

Glory looked to be on the cards as the borough youngsters led 2-1 against a team they earlier beaten 1-0. But with time up, the addition of six minutes saw Halton concede an equaliser and with no extra-time allotted, it went straight to spot kicks.

With the teams level after the first five kicks, it went to sudden death.

Julie Cole, the H&DJFL secretary said: “Sadly, we lost out but we all know that these lads did themselves, clubs, League and families proud.”

She praised and thanked coaches Andy Cole and Dean Ramanouski for all their hard work and time given up over the previous seven months for Sunday training sessions.

“The coaches said we could not have asked for a nicer bunch of lads. Their behaviour was impeccable and their football was fantastic,” added the league secretary.

“They only met up once a week and most weeks they were not all there as the league had finals etc.

“These lads are from all different teams and had never played together before and some were even in different positions.

“So to achieve what they have, they should be proud of themselves because we are.”

The secretary also paid tribute to Jackie Feeley, her fellow committee member for her hard work and help this year on the trip.

She thanked all companies, who donated towards the trip and especially the parents who also pledged and fundraised.

“BFC Dynamo also needs a big thank you – as their guests, we could not have asked for more. They organised barbecues for us and the parents, let us use the ground and even got us back to the hotel after a big thunderstorm.

“They really do go out of their way to welcome us each year and we would like to thank Tommy, Carola, Connie and Clausen for all the hard work that goes into the tournament.

“Mostly, however, I want to thank the lads for their great behaviour, attitude and great football and hope they all have a great season with their clubs this year.”