Thorley Manor teams perform well at annual Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club tournament

There were gutsy performances and moments of brilliance when Thorley Manor teams took part in the annual Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club tournament.

The under-eights netted some outstanding goals as they reached the quarter-finals of their competition.

They showed plenty of flair and enthusiasm, with their efforts setting the tone for the rest of the club’s sides.

Three under-nine teams were in action for Thorley - Blacks, Whites and Oranges - and all of them made impressive progress.

Blacks made it to the last eight and Whites went one better by reaching the semi-finals before being edged out in a tight contest.

Oranges stole the show in the under-nine category, however, by powering their way into the final with some dominant attacking displays.

In a cruel twist of fate, a defensive error proved costly in the final, but, despite the heartbreak, the players remained in high spirits and were proud of how they did.

Under-10 Oranges progressed to the quarter-finals before their campaign ended in dramatic fashion as they lost a tense penalty shootout.

A similar fate was suffered by under-10 Blacks as they got to the last four and were within touching distance of the final before being defeated on penalties.

“All TMFC teams started the day slowly, taking time to find their rhythm in the group stages, but as the tournament wore on, the performances ramped up and the results followed,” said Thorley Manor coach and founder Greg Sambridge.

“Coaches, parents and players alike were proud of the club’s display – a fantastic advertisement for youth football and TMFC’s growing reputation.

“With heads held high and lessons learned, TMFC returned home not just with results to celebrate, but memories that will last a lifetime.”

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