Game 1 The first game starting at a blistering pace with the U9s Jack Sherwin, starting up front, quickly stabbed home the opener; 1-0. The 8's broke quickly down the field and it took a great save from James Tweed in goal to keep the 8's out. The end to end stuff continued with a speculative shot from Tom M whistling over the bar. U9's pressure told with Charlie M-I grabbing his first and the 9'st second from the edge of the area. Charlie pounced again on the end of a great passing move that started all the way from the back, only for the 8's again to keep James awake in goal with a smart shot that needed a strong save. Jack tuned provider next, going down the wing and crossing for Charlie to grab his third before Jacob, in goal for the 8s saved well from Lewis Dobson before in one final break before half time Lewis D fired wide.
HT: 4-0
In the second half the U8s came out fired up with instant pressure and a shot just wide. Tom M again took the ball and danced down the wing to strike just wide but it Was James Callis who got the nest goal with a strong run and shot. 5-0. Jon Haase for the 8s was keeping his team mates pumped up and has a shot himself with James Tweed in goal denying another goal. The 8s contijnued to press and for around 5 minutes they controlled the game without managing the breakthrough. However, the 9's composed themselves and were patient, with James Callis finally steadying the ship, first with a strike that was saved and then grabbing his second to make it 6-0. The U8's weren't finished and showed some great spirit and team work that will see them well as they grow as a team. Callum ? (no6 on the day) broke down the field to slot home a goal for the 8s - well deserved for all their effort, but as the final whistle approached, James Callis matched Charlie's hat-trick, going on a quick break away and grabbing his third to leave the final result 7-1; a score that while emphatic didn't tell the whole tale.
In Game 2, the 9s were fielding enugh on the day to play a completely fresh side and to stop the 8s becoming too tired they also fielded some of the U9s who played in game 1.
Game 2 saw the U8s continue to put real pressure on the 9s, taking the ball forward and have two efforts on goal seemingly even before the 9's had had a touch. Joseph alleviated a bit of pressure with a great run and shot, only for the 8s to break again and strike the post and then just put the follow up over. The game was even with some good passing from both teams which was great to see. Slowly, the 9s fitness and size started to play a role, with another good run and snap shot from Joseph seeing the 9's take a lead. The 8s came again only to face Josh 'the rock' Fewtrall calm as ever at the back to clear the danger. Lewis Francis then went close before another run from Joseph saw a cross met by Joel to stab home the second. 2-0. Joseph continued his one-man battle to get on the score sheet, first bringing a save and then going just wide and just over with further efforts. James Haveron then ventured forward and saw his long range effort fly just over. Half time, and despite a hat full of effort the 9s only had a 2-0 scoreline to show for it. Could the 8's make them pay?
The second half saw some under9 nerves with a mix up at the back nearly ending up as an own goal. The boys needed that third goal to clam them, and it soon came with another run down the wings from Joseph who put an early ball in for Lewis Francis to volley home a great finish. 3-0. The move was almost repeated a minute later, this time seeing Lewis F edge the ball just wide. Frankie then tried his luck, pressing on and firing just wide, shortly followed by seeing another effort well saved before joseph grabbed his second and the boys 4th. To their credit, the 8s continued to try and play their football and Josh and James were again called upon at the back and in goal to keep them out. A frrekick to the 9s from the edge of the box saw joseph strike the wall and the ball go for a corner. Quick thinking between Joel and Joseph at the corner saw a short one give Joseph the angle to bend one in for his hat trick to make the score 5-0. As the match drew to a close, Frankie got a well deserved goal for his efforts before one final run down the wing and cross from Joseph see Joel meet it perfectly with his head for his second. The final whistle and 7-0; reward for some really positive and attacking play and great finishing.
At the final whistle it was great to see all the boys congratulate each other and that the 8's still had big smiles on their faces. They had given the matches a real go and should be proud.
MOTM for Game 1 went to James Callis for his all round effort as well as dribbling runs from the wings. Game 2 MOTM went to Joel Mannion who was the man in the right place at the right time to grab the goals that capped off some great moves. Well done though to all the boys from both teams who played with some fabulous spirit and skill.
