DUE to the introduction of small-sided soccer, this year's Ken Long Trophy was played as a four-team tournament which ended with Swifts U9's retaining the Trophy.

The first game saw Swifts up against Tredworth Tigers from Gloucester. Swifts started the game at a great pace and Joshua Emery played a captain's role to score twice before Thomas Boyle added a third before half time. In the second half Swifts were able to give the whole squad a taste of the action as they ran out winners 3-0.

The second semi-final saw Hinton overwhelm a spirited Welland side who never gave up but had no answer to the strong Hereford side.

In the final the traditional Ken Long fixture Ledbury v Hinton again proved to be a close affair as were the League and Cup meetings. Hinton looked for revenge and in the first half had the better of the match and took a 1-0 half time lead.

But in the second half after some words of advice and encouragement from the management team of Steve Onions, Andrew Hodges and Mark Branch, Swifts looked a different side as the now pressed Hinton back. Thomas Boyle again produced some magic to make it 1-1 and soon Joshua Emery volleyed home a Lewis Hodges corner put them in front. The defence of Baden Widdows and Thomas Watkins never put a foot wrong as Swifts deservedly ran out winners 2-1.

A mention must be made of the rest of the squad who deservedly picked up winners medals, Alister Williams, Jamie Onions, Harry Weaver, Rhys Gwynne and James Branch.