Saturday 16th November 2013 @ Braemar Road
Erdington and Saltley 4 – 3 Kings Norton
Team: Dermot; Marc, Alex; Ramello, Kruize (George), Ethan, Michael, Amari; Shilo (Leyton)
Scorers: Amari x 2, Shilo and Ethan
Following the disappointment of last week (we didn’t get out of the group during the West Midlands 7-a-side) the pre-match talk was about the need for our attitude to be perfect and for each and every player to do the job that they had been asked to do. Both Ton and I went through the tactics with the boys and stressed how dangerous Kings Norton would be, especially in midfield with Rico and up front with Tom.
Despite starting the match as the better of the two teams, The Ton couldn’t make the most of their superiority and after about five minutes Kings Norton took the lead. Tom raced through to slot home to give his team a 1-0 from their first attack. The boys had been warned about his clinical predatory nature but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. To the enormous credit of the boys, The Ton got themselves back in the game via a classic counter attack. Defending a corner, The Ton won the ball back thanks to the commanding debutant Alex, who then sprinted up field before playing Shilo in down the right. With Ethan busting a gut down the left and screaming for Shilo to cross, the young Villa striker went it alone and superbly finished to equalise. The finish was amazing but the effort of Ethan must also be commended.
Going into the break all square, The Ton knew more was to come and with George now in the centre and Ethan out on the left, there was class all over the park. However, football can be cruel and you only have to ask Michael for confirmation of this. Tom ran down the right for Kings Norton and put a low cross into the box. Michael, who had the game of his life, stuck out a boot and put the ball past the stranded Dermot. Nevertheless the boys picked themselves up and got on with things. There was still a good 25 minutes to play and boy did The Ton start playing! Some of the play during the next twenty minutes was breath taking. Pace, trickery and technical ability were all on display and Amari added to his outstanding scoring record, whilst Ethan scored a screamer from distance. Amari’s second goal would be replayed again and again on Match of the Day, if only the BBC would send the cameras along for the morning! Picking the ball up on the half way line, the midfield wizard waltzed past four players before expertly finishing. Not to be outdone, Ethan scored a dazzling goal of his own. Winning the ball on the left, he skipped past a challenge before smashing the ball over the head of the Kings Norton keeper from outside of the area.
The drama wasn’t over yet! With three minutes to go and with The Ton looking in full control, Kings Norton dusted themselves off and dragged themselves back into the game. With the score now 4-3 to The Ton, Kings Norton piled forwards and could have scored from distance only for Dermot to pull off a truly world class save.
Both teams should be immensely proud of their efforts and their desire to play attractive, technically advanced football. It was the best game of football that I’ve seen this season and a perfect advert for district football. Well done to both teams!
Man of the Match: This was difficult as it could have been so many of you! I genuinely mean that! However, for his all action display in the centre of the park, Michael must take the accolade this week. Stepping into midfield for the first time this season, he was combative when defendning and composed when attacking.
Well done boys, enjoy your game on Sunday and the week ahead. Roll on South Birmingham next week!
Up the Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 