Category: Year 5

Year 5 FA Cup Final – Match Report

So the day of the FA Cup Final arrived and there was a real buzz in the air as the clock ticked down towards the 3pm kick-off. The teams appeared from the tunnel and lined up on the pitch. Some were surprised when the special guest was announced as the Queen, who came out to greet them, accompanied by her entourage. With the Queen being a secret West Ham supporter, she was a little unhappy that she had missed the League Cup Final a few months ago and would have to suffer watching ‘these two ghastly teams’!

The game soon began and both teams found the Wembley pitch to be much softer than their league pitches. This resulted in the ball running a bit slower, meaning it was a scrappy encounter. This affected the first half of the game, with a lot of mistakes and poor passing. Norwich took the upper hand by attacking, with Notts Forest sitting back and trying to counter on the break. Both sides had a couple of chances which were off target, until Norwich had the best moment of the half with a shot on the edge of the area. The Norwich striker hit the ball well, but the Forest defenders stood firm and managed to bundle the ball out for a corner.

Norwich earn a free-kick in a dangerous position

It was all equal at half-time as the players left the pitch to take a well-earned break.

In the second half, Norwich continued to dominate possession, but Forest suddenly had a good break. The Norwich defender mistimed his rushed tackle and brought down the Forest forward. The referee awarded a direct free kick to Forest.

Forest line up the free kick with Norwich making a wall

Norwich put up a 4 man wall, but the Forest player struck the ball perfectly and the ball found the far corner of the goal. Norwich players claimed that the ball had not crossed the line, but replays showed it clearly had. The Forest players ran towards the corner in celebration. 1-0 to Forest.

Replays show the ball cleared crossed the goal line

Despite Norwich attacking even harder in the last 20 minutes, they could not find the target. Forest players defended for their lives and played extremely well. The referee allowed some extra time, which frustrated the Forest team, but Norwich could not find a way through. The final whistle was blown and Nottingham Forest fans cheered as their teams has won the FA Cup 1-0. They are also the first team to win the famous trophy twice.

The Queen came back onto the pitch to award the teeny-tiny trophy to the winning team. She could be heard talking to one of her advisors, commenting that it was an awful match and she could not wait to get back home to her Corgis. Charming! The Forest players could not care less, as they were too busy waving the trophy in the air and downing cheap champagne.

The Forest players celebrate as the Queen tries to hand over the trophy!

The results for all of Year 5’s FA Cup games can be found here.

Year 5 FA Cup Final Preview

This years FA Cup Final is between Division 1 Norwich and Nottingham Forest. Nottingham Forest last won the FA Cup in Year 3, after beating Wimbledon in extra time. The bookies were expecting an Arsenal v Everton final, based on League performances, so the two finalists have surprised many to get all the way to the big game.

It will be an intriguing final as these two teams are amongst the most successful in my league and both reside in the top division. Norwich City have made it to their second consecutive final after losing to Arsenal last year. Nottingham Forest won the FA Cup a few years ago and are aiming to be the first team to win the Cup twice.

A Cup win for either side will help them put the league performances behind them and will launch the winners into the revamped (and larger) European Cup next year.

Nottingham Forest have been teetering on the edge of relegation this year and therefore no-one expected them to get to the Cup Final. During their cup run, they took apart Division 2 Southampton 4-0 before defeating Division 3 Leeds United. Their toughest game was the semi-final against holders Arsenal, where they went against the odds to book their place in the final.

Norwich were last years losing FA Cup finalists and are looking to go one better this year. During their Cup journey, they endured a tight encounter to get past Division 1 West Ham, before an easier game against Division 2 relegation favourites Derby County.

They were not expected to win the semi-final with Everton, but their never-die attitude brought them out on top. They now go to their second FA Cup final in two years and hope to get their hands on the trophy this time.

The ground staff at Wembley have been busy with the lawnmowers, with the pitch changing from the standard stripes to special a chequered pattern for the big match – although there are still a few bumps to iron out! C’mon lads, jump to it!

Meanwhile, the marching band are being put through their paces ahead of the Final, practising their marching skills ready for the traditional FA Cup Final ‘Abide With Me’ anthem. They have been in isolation for quite a while, so are pleased to be able to stretch their legs! There may even be an appearance from the Queen to hand out the trophy to the winners!

The band practice their moves on the pitch