Diamonds first match against Kidderminster 'B' was a good game and one that they should have won but they were unable to turn their superiority into goals and were caught by a sucker punch on the break. Having said that the lads were denied a clear penalty when they were leading 1-0 and

the error by the referee proved costly for Diamonds and the match finished 1-1. Unfortunately Diamonds' second opponents were unable to attend so the lads had an enforced break of over two hours before their next match against Wythenshawe which they started in sluggish fashion. Diamonds were three down and effectively out of the match in the first half and there was no way back against a very good team that included a number of academy players. Diamonds eventually lost the match 4-0. The lads were still reeling when they faced Naylorsfield, who also included a number of academy players, and they were a goal down within minutes again. The lads steadied the ship but were unable to cause their opponents many problems and they fell further behind in the second half before going on to lose 2-0. With their final opponents of the day leaving early rather than wait for around two hours, as Diamonds had done earlier, the lads first day was complete with a disappointing draw and two defeats to show for their efforts. The match against Green Lane was to be held over until the following morning.

Diamonds had an early start on Sunday and they came flying out of the blocks and put on a good performance against mainly older opponents to win by a 3-0 margin. The result meant that Diamonds finished third in the group which probably, with the benefit of hindsight, was as good as they could have done considering the quality of the two teams that finished above them although the lads could and should have performed better in their respective matches against them. The third place finish in the group meant that Diamonds would go into the play offs for 5th/6th/7th/8th place overall competing against Orchard, Millers and Kidderminster B.
Diamonds started their first play off match against Orchard in awful fashion and fell two goals behind in the early stages and it was looking certain that Orchard would claim victory. However the lads made a second half recovery and pulled a goal back and with time running out in the 50 minute play off match they eventually equalised with virtually the last kick of the match to take the tie into a penalty shoot out. Diamonds won the shoot out 3-2 with a penalty kick to spare and they must be given credit for an excellent fight back.
The lads final match was against their original opponents Kidderminster B and they raced into a three goal half time lead and were looking very comfortable. However there was a complete turnaround in the second half, presumably due to a mixture of injuries, tiredness and complacency and Kidderminster were very nearly able to get back on level terms. Diamonds held out for a 3-2 victory to secure 5th place in the tournament overall. Based on their performances this is probably where they deserved to finish and although it is a reasonable outcome there is plenty of room for improvement. The lads can now enjoy a short break before resuming training and they can look forward to competing in the Liverpool Champions League in July. The tournament organisers put in a sterling effort and many thanks from Diamonds boys and parents go to all those concerned.

Won 3-2 on pens