Bourne Town Juniors U12 Claret have been crowned the 2024 Net World Sports County Under 12 Boys' Cup champions after an entertaining and closely fought contest at Sleaford Town's MKM Ground. 

James Millar's side claimed the title in a 1-0 win over Carlton FC U12 A, in front of a 150 strong crowd. 

Carlton FC began the game looking threatening and the more likely of the two sides to score, following a charging run up the right wing from Jack Harris, who attempted to twist and turn into a dangerous area. Bourne's Fraser McKay stood strong though and denied the Carlton number 10 from opening the scoring early on. This movement sparked some early momentum for Carlton, as a Jack Harris delivery soon followed up by a Jack Wilkinson cross tested the resolve of the Bourne Town back line, but the Clarets stood strong to ride the early storm.

Jude Smith soon attempted to strike the first blow from Bourne with a superb free kick on the edge of the Carlton box, but his effort curled just wide of the post. Jack Harris continued to look a real threat for Carlton, and the number 10 came close to an opener after Ellis Couser played a great ball along the right touchline to Harris. He then drove into the box, and attempted to find the bottom left corner, but Bourne's Freddie Norman was down to deny the Carlton attacker. 

The game began to be taken up a notch, when Jude Smith tried to capitalise on a loose touch from a Carlton defender. Smith struck an effort from just outside the box, trying to find the bottom corner, but unluckily dragging his effort just wide. Jack Harris tried to respond for Carlton, as he bombed up the right wing to deliver a terrific ball into the Bourne box, which was met by Freddie Hitchens at the back post. The number 11 was only able to knock the ball narrowly wide of the post though.

Minutes later though, Jack Burke struck what would turn out to be the winning goal, as he chopped and drove into space inside the Carlton box before striking a sublime effort into the corner of the goal to give the Clarets the lead.

It was merely a matter of seconds before Carlton were given the chance to respond. A Carlton attacker was brought down inside the penalty area and the Referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot. Freddie Hitchens stepped up to take the penalty, but was spectacularly denied by Bourne's Freddie Norman who went the right way and made a fantastic save to keep Bourne in the driving seat. We then headed into the break with one goal the difference. 

The second half proved to be a strong battle of the midfields, with neither side creating much in the way of clear cut chances. Both sides looked to play balls through the defensive line for wingers to get on the end of, but both sides countered these attempts with good high lines. Jude Smith then came close to doubling Bourne's lead in the 42nd minute, rattling the bar from a superb free kick. Frankie Fasulo then tried to run in and head the ball into the back of the net, but was only able to nod it over the bar. 

Efforts from Harrison Stafford and Jack Wilkinson were enough to make the Bourne defence sweat, but not quite enough to bulge the back of the net to level the game up. At the other end of the pitch, George Breed was putting in a heroic performance to keep his Carlton side in with a chance. Ethan Pierre was through one-on-one with the Carlton keeper, before Breed made a spectacular save to deny him. 

Time soon ran out though for Carlton, who despite throwing everything at it weren't able to find a breakthrough and meaning Bourne Town Juniors U12 Clarets were crowned 2024 Net World Sports County U12 Boys' Cup champions. 

Luke Jones, Co-Manager of Bourne Town Juniors U12 Claret, said: "It was a tough game. The kids worked hard, they were all nervous - I think for both teams - as both looked a bit cagey to start with. But I'm relieved to come away with the win, and I'm pleased for our lads who've worked so hard this season. Congratulations to Carlton as well, I thought they put up a really good fight. 

We were coming into this thinking there would be plenty of goals for both teams, so to come away with just a 1-0 win probably reflects the game in all fairness. I think the kids battled, it was just a tight and cagey game. In the first 20 minutes, I don't think anyone really wanted to show their hand. Obviously we saved a penalty, which helped as well. I think we potentially had a little bit more in midfield, I think that's where the game was won."

The Player of the Match award was presented by the Chair of Lincolnshire FA, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, and the Match Officials were Alex Van-Tam, William Ruddock, Jacob Hill, and Cameron Lee-Godley. 

The full image gallery, taken by Lincolnshire FA's Official Photographer - Ed Mayes Photography - can be viewed here. 

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