Saturday 11th October 2014 @ The Priory School
Kings Norton 2 – 0 Erdignton and Saltley
Team: Harvey, Shaun, Kruize, Kane, Teon, Tyrese, Jermaine, Troy, Shilo (c), Brandon, Hayden, Tristan
Football seems a very simple game in theory. Kick that round thing down that end of the pitch and into the rectangular metal thingy. However the reality is never so simple. The Ton played really well today and they’ll be games where we play no where near as well but still win. Kings Norton were clinical and ruthless, scoring with their only two real shots on target. The district from the south of the second city had other shots but they were mainly from long distance and hopeful. They also had other attacks, but invariably The Ton defence snuffed them out. This should take nothing away from Kings Norton who gave it 110% and took their chances perfectly. They played well and are sure to have a good season. Full credit to them. However, the lads shared my feeling that on another day we would definitely have got something from that game. Alas, we’ll pick ourselves up and go again!
The first half was all about The Ton. Kruize and Kane were offering a threat out wide from defence, with both players having a superb game in an unfamiliar position. Shaun was sweeping up like a seasoned Italian defensive master and Harvey was alert in goal. The midfield was hard working and easy on the eye in equal measures. Short, intricate passes were pinged around left, right and centre. Troy belied the fact that he was a year younger and much smaller than all of the opposition to play the type of football that I could only imagine playing on the X-Box – a lovely flick with the outside of his right boot and spin sticks in my mind! Jermaine was working beautifully with Kruize down the left and Teon was his usual selfless self. If there is a better team player than Teon I’m yet to see him. He just kept doing the simple things and kept the midfield ticking over nicely. In attack Shilo and Ty were linking up well, with Shilo offside six times in the first half! Six times! Coupled with the fact that he was fouled when racing through one on one with the keeper and it’s easy to see why the lads felt they should have been leading at half time. As it was, Kings Norton snatched a goal shortly before half time from a corner.
Over the past few years The Ton haven’t found it too easy to deal with going behind. Heads have dropped in the past but this team kept trying to play their passing football as the second half got underway. As the half progressed, The Ton had to take a few more chances and even went to two at the back, throwing an extra player up front. This gave Kings Norton opportunities on the counter and left us a little stretched at times. However as Del Boy would say “He who dares Rodders, he who dares.” Kings Norton’s second goal was a fine one indeed. Racing down the right, the speedy winger crossed a beaut of a ball for the striker to prod home first time from a couple of yards out. Yet still The Ton continued to press. Tristan rampaged down the right and into the box only to unleash a great shot straight at the keeper. Hayden and Brandon came into play, with the former offering a threat down the right and the latter helping Shaun keep things tight at the back.
As I stated at the start, we should take nothing away from Kings Norton, but at the same time we shouldn’t be too despondent either. We’re turning into a great team and we’ve started to develop a terrific work rate and the camaraderie is fantastic – you only had to be in the changing room before the game to witness this – 12 talented footballers turned into 12 laughing nut cases! We couldn’t be happier with the way the team has come together since the Solihull game and we’re very excited about the next game and the season ahead!
Make sure those heads stay up high and chests pushed out – you should be proud of what you did today for the primary schools of Erdington and Saltley!
Man of the Match – Shilo put in a superb performance today and lead like a real captain. He was everywhere! However, he was pipped to the man of the match by Kane. The young Hodge Hill Primary School pupil and Villa player was faultless, both in defence and later in midfield.
Well done lads!
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 