Redhill’s U18s went into this weekend knowing that 3 points would secure them the Surrey Youth League Championship. They would be up against Sheen Lions, a very good and well established club at youth level. In previous meetings, Redhill lost to Sheen in the cup and beat them away in the league. It wouldn’t be an easy ride and most certainly not an easy 3 points. But with a great run in form and unbeaten in 2019, the young lobsters were more than up for the challenge!

The Reds started strong, seeing most of the ball with little pressure from Sheen. Moving the ball wide, full back and Redhill first team player Bryant, was able to push forward and get plenty of crosses into the box. Soon, one of them paid off… a superb cross with plenty of pace and whip landed perfectly for striker Matt who finished it off with a great volley past the Sheen keeper. The second soon followed with a cross from Bryant sailing over the keeper and into the Sheen net.

Redhill looked strong, they were running the middle third of the pitch. They were confident in passing the ball around, playing through the lines and comfortable in taking players on it tight areas. It was great to watch and great to have first team manager Barry watching on!

Corners have been a great asset to the tam this year and have scored many goals from them. Midfielder Sam put in another great cross, landing perfectly for defender Elliot to head home. It adds another headed goal to his tally for the season! Redhill continued to press and wanted to kill off the game. Striker Meshach chased down the Sheen back line, stopping them from playing on every occasion and it soon paid off, after a great interception he slotted the ball past the keeper. The reds went into the half time break 4-0 up! 45 minutes away from the championship!

The second half started and Sheen looked the better side, it looked like they wanted to get themselves back into the game, or at least a goal and they did. A good press from their strikers, the first press from them all game left the Redhill defence with a bobbly pass to deal with, but the striker nabbed it and finished well past the keeper. But Redhill replied, keeping the ball well and asking many questions of Sheen. A more conservative spell for Redhill where they tried to not over commit in their attacks, a very professional approach.

Midfielder Sam Price looked sharp, looking hungry for a goal and he got his chance. A ball received on  the front foot 25 yards form goal lead to it sitting nice enough for a well struck shot, it rocketed past the keeper for the teams 5th goal of the game, 12 minutes left to play and it seemed like a certain win!

The full time whistle blew and Redhill were champions. Champions with 2 games to spare! The team celebrated by spraying each other with bottles of fizz.

The team play their last match of the season at home on Sunday 14th April KO 11:00 against Sutton Common Rovers. Again, all support for the team would be appreciated. The team now look forward to travelling to Holland over the Easter bank holiday weekend where they are taking on many teams from across Europe where they look for European success!  They then also await a date for the league presentation where they will officially receive their league title!