Melton Foxes U9s win tournament after penalty shoot-out

It was an early start for the Melton Foxes Jades Under 9s at the Leicester and District Football League Festival on Sunday. but the alarm call would prove worth it.

After fighting their way past some old rivals in a tough group stage, the boys made it through to the semi-finals.

More superb play from the whole team was rewarded with a win and a place in the final.

After an inspirational team talk by coaches Dom and Nick, the Foxes faced fantastic opposition from Dunton and Broughton Rangers.

The final was a close game and despite some clever passing and great attacking play, the two teams were evenly matched and the game ended in a draw.

With the game heading for penalties, the Melton supporters groaned as they remembered the same situation in last year’s final when they lost by a single penalty.

But the boys held their heads up and went into the shoot-out with an air of confidence and determination. The shoot-out was tense, but the Foxes edged it 3-2.

This achievement was followed by a team lunch in McDonalds, at Melton, who kindly treated each of the boys to a chocolate McFlurry.