It was certainly colourful, as well as interesting, when over the weekend at Roots Hall, Ricky Duncan's Southend United Under-18 side took on Premiership academy youth team of Wolverhampton Wanderers on the Saturday, followed by Norwich City in the final, and beat them both!
It's been known as the Toomey Cup in the past with Everton and West Ham as previous winners as the young Shrimpers have even matched and beaten the mighty Arsenal Under-18's.
Now known as the Cars4All Trophy, the dealer is based in London Road, Westcliff, it was the hosts who were destined to come on top in a cracking final.
Cars4All Trophy Final: Southend United 3 Norwich City 2
The Shrimpers under-18's twice took the lead, but twice the young Canaries equalised, however, Michael Hylands’ second half goal finally saw off the Premier League Academy team in a great match.
On 14 minutes, Southend took the lead Della-Verde scored from 10 yards.
However, after 26 minutes, Jason Dobbs made it 1-1 before Harry Toffolo gave the hosts the lead again with an own goal!
Norwich though were to equalise for once again in the 33rd minute when Hall Johnson headed home from eight yards.
Seven minutes to the break the Blues were awarded a spot-kick, but Ryan Auger’s effort was saved by the Norfolk club's shot stopper Matthews.
After such a cracking first half it was not surprising the second 45 was quieter but there was still time for Hyland to tap in to the winner from close range after good work from Della-Verde on 61 minutes.
Seeing out the last half-hour allowed the Shrimpers under-18's to win their owntournament for the first time!
Congrats to veryone in the squad.
Southend United Under-18's: Pascoe, Furlonge (Jeffery 76), Hyams (M Pinnock 61), Hyland, Baucutt, Tatham, Agykwa (Payne 50), Auger, Njie (J Pinnock 61), Paxman (Bridge 68), Della-Verde
Subs not used: Hassini, Smith, Bridge & Mullings.
For a fuller report go here: www.southendunited.co.uk
Photos from the game: www.southendunited.co.uk
Third/Fourth Play-Off: Leicester City 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0
Tom Hooper's first half goal was enough to grab the young Foxes third place in the four team youth tournament in a game they dominated and very much deserved the result.
For a fuller report, including both teams, go here: www.southendunited.co.uk
Shrimpers see off Wolves: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk