Thursday 21st August 2014 @ Yardley and District Rugby Club
Bromford 1 – 1 Erdington and Saltley
Team: Kai, Shaun, Kye, Jamie, Kruize, Brayden, Jermaine, Hayden, Tristan
Subs: Little Dylan, Elijah, Ryaq, Harvey, Oakley, Tierry, Daniel, Jacob,
Scorer: Kruize
With the season fast approaching The Ton visited local Sunday league team Bromford Colts with every player bidding to further their claim for a place in the first team when we take on Solihull on Saturday 6th September. With six lads (Shilo, Marc, Kane, Troy, Ty and Cameron) rested and several on holiday, this was an opportunity for the other lads to stand up and make their case heard.
Prior to the game, Tonn and I asked the lads to focus their efforts on winning the ball back quickly, whilst applying pressure to the opposition whenever they had the ball. The first of four 15 minute periods got under way with The Ton playing some wonderful football – playing through the thirds and with the ball on the floor – but failing to capitalise on the possession they were enjoying. As is always the danger, Bromford countered and scored a goal, taking the lead 1-0.
The second 15 was very much Bromford’s. They have played around 20 9-a-side games since July (now that’s a preseason!) and were exceptionally well organised and drilled as a result. Friend of the district Gio (for those who don’t know, he is the brother of Ton star and Birmingham City FC schemer Tyrese) was using his strength to bully and torture the back three of The Ton. Time and time again Shaun and Gio came up against each other in an epic battle. Fortunately for The Ton, Shaun is a tough cookie and he matched Gio every step of the way.
During the final 15 minutes, The Ton looked to get back on top of the game and poured forward in an attempt to snatch an equaliser. Bursting through one-on-one with their keeper, Ryaq rounded him before shooting from a narrow angle, only for the retreating defender to clear off the line. With the clock ticking down, Kruize cut in from the right and carried the ball to the edge of the area. Unleashing a wonder of a shot with his left foot, he stood back and watched as his shot sailed in over the keeper, who could do nothing to stop it. With three minutes remaining The Ton looked to score the winner, only to run out of time.
A draw was a fair result for both teams. We wish Bromford Colts the best of luck in this season’s CWYFL Division Two and I’m certain they’ll build on the success that they’ve experienced in recent years. They’re a cracking bunch of lads who gave us a tough, yet highly entertaining game.
As for The Ton, we’re please for many reasons. Firstly the passing and movement during the first quarter. It was quick, crisp and purposeful. The boys were confident on the ball and never afraid to go backwards in a bid to go forward. Secondly, the manner in which they kept going right up to the final whistle. It’s easy to forget that we’ve not played together as a full team yet! Thirdly, half of the squad were under 10s. Finally, many players were asked to play in two different positions during the match, with many players playing in a position unfamiliar to them. This decision was taken on purpose by me and Tonn as a way of testing the lads. We’re more than happy with the answers that the lads came up with every time they were questioned.
Well done boys!
Man of the Match: Kruize
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 