TT No.141: Paul Roth - Tues 11th December 2007; ISFA Boodles Cup Rd 4; Haileybury School vs. Westminster; Res: 0-0 AET - Haileybury win 5-4  on pens; Att: 100+; Admn: Free; Prog: 8 pages; Weather: Sunny but chilly.

View matchday images  01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 I'll tell you what, I don't want to see another pistachio nut for a very very long time! Set in beautiful grounds amongst historic buildings in Hertford Heath, Haileybury School is another stunning venue for my third game in this year's Boodle's ISFA Cup. For more about the school visit www.haileybury.com After eventually locating exactly where the football pitch is....it took me a good 10 minutes to do so, I'm joined by a plethora of other 'hoppers taking advantage of another opportunity to watch midweek, afternoon football.   The soccer pitches are actually in the furthest reaches of the schools' grounds, but this is explained in the excellent 8 page programme, which included today colour photographs and pieces about both Haileybury and Westminster Schools, as it is actually Haileybury's rugby playing term at present! The football is moved up nearer the school proper next year. Where the game was played was still very scenic on this crisp, sunny Winter's afternoon.   The tie was to be another very close affair, just like the one I saw at Westminster School in the last round, with both sets of talented young footballers not giving an inch. At times the play resembled more a game of chess than football, as the two sets of young men tried desperately to outwit each other. Chances were again at a premium and in fact during the entire 80 mins, plus the period of extra time not one clear-cut goal-scoring effort comes to mind.  Everyone I spoke to commented too on the narrowness of the pitch not helping either team.   With the light fading fast, open play yielded to penalty kicks and with a big crowd now present the tension mounted. After missing their first attempt, Haileybury held their nerve to eventually triumph 5-4, after six kicks each and book their place in the semi finals, where they will now visit Millfield. Ultimately Westminster's inability to score goals had cost them dear.   Another superb afternoon out, amidst glorious settings, augmented by seeing friends I don't often catch up with.   Oh, and before I forget, those nuts! Because I'd arrived early I popped into the College Arms, just along the road from the school towards Hertford. A very up-market establishment indeed, and I made the mistake of asking for a packet of 'salt & vinegar'. "No crisps here", I was informed, but I was offered a ramekin of the aforementioned pistachios for £2. I tell you here and now, you get an awful lot of pistachio nuts for your money here.......I'm completely pistachioed-out!   FGIF Rating 4*.....it would've been 5 if the pitch had been wider!

contributed on 12/12/07