Southbourne’s soccer stars made history in the 2006 English Language Schools Six-a-Side Spring Tournament by reaching the semi-finals – for the first time on record. Three draws and a win, with goals from Davide and Ayman saw the team through to the last four, where they held eventual champions Aspect to a closely fought 0-0 draw in normal time. Their luck finally ran out in extra time when Aspect slotted home the winner. But like true sportsmen, the Southbourne lads cheered their rivals to a deserved victory over fellow finalists BEET. Who knows what the result might have been, if our boys had been cheering for the other side instead.

Ahmed paid the price for a courageous defeat-defying tackle in the opening match when he injured his calf and was forced to retire to the bench. Later Hak Eun took a blow in the face which left him dazed and unable to play any further part in the semi-final.

Southbourne’s deciding goal in the match with BBSI was hotly disputed, the referee overruling appeals for a foul prior to Ayman’s dazzling run into the box.

But the greatest controversy of the day came with a goal awarded against Southbourne, the distantly placed referee judging the ball to have crossed the line, despite keeper Philip’s best efforts. To the ref’s credit, he chose not to bring out a red card when Philip responded by practising his finest Anglo-Saxon.

Was it a goal or wasn’t it?

Did the ball cross the line or not?

The referee, depsite not being on the spot, awarded a goal. The decision meant Southbourne drew their match against Anglo European 1-1. The dubious call could have put Southbourne out of the competition, but fortunately, victory in their final group match gave them the points they needed to go through to the semi final.

Okay, so we didn’t make it to the final this time, but we won the Most Lively Spectators Competition hands down! And we celebrated with the winners!

We are the cheering champions!