Thorley Manor under-15 Black are runners-up at Hertford Town Tournament

Thorley Manor under-15 Black went on a thrilling run to go agonisingly close to winning the Hertford Town Tournament.

They suffered the disappointment of losing the final in a penalty shootout, but they left full of pride for the character and quality they showed.

The side took a while to find their rhythm in the group stage before stepping up their performances to achieve the results required to reach the knockout rounds.

Thorley dug deep in their semi-final and produced some of their best football of the tournament as quick passing, strong defending and clinical finishing helped them advance.

The final proved to be a tense affair, with neither side being able to break the deadlock.

It was heartbreak for Thorley as they lost on spot kicks, but the team spirit proves the future is bright for the side.

Meanwhile, the club’s players have kept cool with some ice-cold drenchings during training sessions in the hot weather.

“The kids loved it and it made the sessions much more enjoyable and fun,” said coach and club founder Greg Sambridge. “Everyone went away exhausted but cool.”