Charterhouse Win ISFA Cup
Boodles ISFA Cup Final
Charterhouse 0 Millfield 0
(Charterhouse won 8-7 on penalties)
Charterhouse finally got its hands on the Boodles ISFA Cup after winning a tense encounter with favourites Millfield with their tenth penalty in a penalty shoot-out.
This was the fourth appearance in the final for both teams and, while Millfield had won the trophy once before in 2005, Charterhouse had come home empty-handed on each of the three previous occasions. In 1993 and last year Charterhouse had endured the heartbreak of losing a penalty shoot-out. In 2000 they had lost to the only goal of the match against Shrewsbury.
Despite ending goalless, the match itself was an exciting affair with both sides having chances to win it. Charterhouse began quickly with Jamie Hall being denied as early as the third minute by Millfield’s England schools goalkeeper. More attempts followed and at half-time the statistics showed that Charterhouse had had more shots than their opponents, the best of which was a Jack Rogers header which just cleared the crossbar after an inch-perfect cross from Tom Kimmins.
When they turned to face the strong wind, however, the situation changed significantly and for ten minutes after half-time the Charterhouse goal was under siege. Charterhouse’s renownedly obdurate defence came into its own. They had conceded only five goals in nineteen school matches prior to this fixture and had kept a record 15 clean sheets. Like all those teams before them Millfield found it impossible to break them down despite their very evident strength, pace, trickery and skill.
Indeed the best two chances of the half fell to Charterhouse. On the hour Jamie Hall twisted on the edge of the box and created an opening for himself only to see an excellent shot draw an equally impressive save from the goalkeeper. Five minutes later, Anthony Beddows struck a viciously dipping volley which beat the keeper but dropped agonisingly just over the crossbar.
Both sides were tiring as Premiership referee, Howard Webb blew for full time but, while Millfield brought on fresh legs, Charterhouse decided to stick with the tried and trusted for extra time. The difference showed as Millfield certainly finished the stronger and the pivotal moment came with just six minutes left on the clock. The impressive Millfield striker found some room on the edge of the box and struck a fierce shot which was destined for the bottom corner. George Ellis, who had been immaculate in goal for Charterhouse all day, sprang to his right and somehow managed to turn the shot round the post. Danger – and defeat – averted.
And so it came down to another penalty shoot-out. Both sides knew what they were in for: Charterhouse had beaten Shrewsbury 8-7 on penalties in the Quarter final while Millfield had finished a marathon shoot-out at Eton almost in pitch darkness, winning 16-15.
Both sides converted their first two attempts, Rogers comfortably for Charterhouse and Beddows with something less than his usual conviction. Then the drama began. Ellis made an outstanding save to stop the Millfield third penalty. Will Walker, who had only been on the pitch for three minutes of playing time was, not surprisingly, somewhat tentative with his attempt and it was saved. Still 2-2. The next Millfield champion stepped forward and stroked the ball wide of the post. Surely now Charterhouse must seize the advantage. It was not to be as the Millfield goalkeeper again pulled off a fine save to deny Charlie Watson. From then on the Millfield penalties were immaculate and, try as he might, Ellis could not keep out numbers 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Each time the Charterhouse taker, following on was ‘serving to save the match’. In turn, Tom Kimmins, George Ellis, George Adolphus, Harry Peat and Sam Parsons stood up to the plate and converted amidst growing pressure and almost palpable tension. The last two produced wonder strikes showing extraordinary sang froid in the circumstances.
It could not go on for ever, of course. Penalty number ten for Millfield was reasonably well struck and on target in the bottom corner, but George Ellis guessed right this time and was able to palm it away with a strong right hand. Cometh the hour… up strode Ollie Black, stalwart of the defence, and calmly stroked the ball into the net to give Charterhouse victory.
The crowd, who had behaved perfectly throughout, now lost all its inhibitions and players and trophy were swamped beneath a surging mass of joy and relief. Poor Millfield were left to watch in dismay, but they received a good hand for their part in an epic match as they received their medals and accepted their defeat in very good grace.
