In the league the team currently sit in a fantastic position with a fair few games in hand. As the lobsters have been busy in the Youth County Cup they have managed to accumulate games in hand on teams above them. But with the league leaders 4 points ahead and Redhill having played 2 games less than then AND having to play that team this weekend, Redhill look well set up for a late charge for the top spot. The league was recently reshuffled to allow less teams in a league, which works out well considering some recent bad weather and pending school exams, as well as the 2 cup competitions that all need to be completed by the end of April or early May.

The team find themselves in the quarter final of the league cup with their next fixture against tough opponents Meadow Sports. They are a team that always perform well against Redhill and the young reds will need to work hard and perform to beat this physical side!

Excitingly, in the Surrey Youth County Cup, Redhill played Kingstonians in a well contested semi final match and came out victorious! Setting up a brilliant Cup Final in March! The semi final was played at one of Kingstonians youth grounds, the pitch was surprisingly dry considering the rest of their pitches but the game was always going ahead and the lobsters looked confident going into the game! The first half was a difficult one, the pitch starting to cut up and the wind against Redhill meant that the team spent large spells in their own half. It didn’t stop them wanting to go forward, early chances for Kelvin Massango were struck well and the keeper pulling off some great saves to deny Redhill the lead. Kingstonians asked many questions of the lobsters. Knowing their ground and the conditions it was clear that they wanted to send long balls into the box and hope for it to drop at a strikers feet for a sharp finish. Yet Redhill denied them these chances and defended well. A Kingstonians throw in deep into Redhill’s half was brought under control well, the kings striker turner and quickly struck the ball on the half turn forcing our keeper, Billy Nicolaou to throw a strong instinctive hand out and save what was a certain goal. A let off for Redhill! The remaining minutes of the first half were all in Redhill’s half, defending countless long balls, but defending them well!

The second half was a different story. The Kings games plan of using the conditions hadn’t worked and Redhill knew this could be used in their advantage. A Reds set piece with Sam Price standing over it, a perfectly driven cross falling kindly for striker Rhys Tucker who slotted it in the bottom corner to give them an early lead. The second wasn’t too far away, a kings defender being clumsy in their own penalty area, bringing down Rhys and gave the referee no option but to give a penalty. After winning it, he took it and Rhys got his second goal of the game!

Redhill looked comfortable, midfielders Sam Tutt and Isaac Wilson-Jones worked tirelessly to win back the ball and get their team pushing higher up the pitch. They worked well together and had an answer for every question Kingstonians asked!

In the 80th minute, Redhill counter attacked after Kings pushed forward in hope of a goal. A cross from wide right fell for Kelvin who hit it well past the keeper for Redhills third goal and sealing their place in the final! Redhill without a doubt deserved the win on the day and the team celebrated their place in the final on Wednesday March 25th at Meadowbank, Dorking Wanderers ground.

The team had some great support at the semi final, watched on by First Team Manager, Barry Wilde and members of the Redhill committee. The team now want as much support as they can get for their game next month. The opponents have yet to be decided but they hope to know soon. So please, if you can find the time, please book the date in the diary and come and support the young Redhill team. County Cup Finals don’t come round often and this squad are well set up for success in this competition!