Saturday 6th December 2014 @ Braemar Road
Erdington and Saltley 2 – 2 Aston
Team: Harvey, Shaun, Kane, Brandon, Kruize, Jermaine, Tristan, Troy, Tyrese, Teon and Cameron
With the winter bugs wiping out a couple of players during the week, we shuffled our pack around in search of that winning formula. Following a Man of the Match performance the night before for the Under 10s, Cameron answered a late SOS call to join the squad.
After a delayed kick off, we were quickly into our stride with Tristan being played through by Kruize, who was playing his first 9-a-side district game since signing for the Villa, only to shoot straight at the Aston keeper. However, The Ton kept plugging away and were rewarded shortly after when the young magician that is Troy finished expertly following a great passing move, at the centre of which was captain Tyrese. Talking of the big man, Tyrese has been a revelation this season, taking on more responsibility and leading by example. Keep it up Ty!
Back to the action…with The Ton in control of the game, Aston burst through our defence, although the ever assured Kane had it all under control. Holding his older opponent off and shielding the ball out of play, the ref blew his whistle after watching Kane get pushed to the floor. Ton free kick we all, including the Aston manager Adam, thought. But no! The ref confusingly pointed to the spot, having adjudged Kane to have fouled Kye, even though Kye ended up on top of the Hodge Hill pupil. Ah well, these things happen! Kye dispatched his penalty with power and precision. 1-1 and game on!
This team is made of strong stuff and the lads refused to let this disappointment derail their efforts. Kruize continued to cause trouble down the left whenever he had the ball at his feet, eventually slotting away following a fine move down the opposite wing involving the three Ts – Ty, Troy and Tristan. The Slade wizard has been absent over recent weeks and it was great to have him back! Yet once again Aston refused to lie down and give in. This time Diego raced through The Ton defence and levelled the scores at 2-2 going into the half time break.
At half time we shuffled our pack once again, putting Kane into the centre of the park alongside captain Ty, and slotting Teon into defence, whilst Kruize went up front. These changes almost paid instant dividends when Kruize sprinted through one on one with the Aston keeper, only for the shot stopper to come out on top. Further chances came and went, most notably a few goal mouth scrambles and a jinky run from Jermaine which left the Lea Forest winger through on goal, although he selflessly passed when a shot was perhaps the better option.
It’s fair to say that we had chances to win the game, but then again so did Aston. A result was probably the fairest result and as ever, it was an entertaining game against our dear friends Aston. Adam, Tonn and myself stood at the side of the pitch before the game and watched proudly as all players from both teams warmed up as one, with no instruction from us. There is a great bond between the two teams and this entertaining game was played in the right spirit from start to finish.
Man of the Match – Tyrese
Well done boys, what a team! Enjoy your week and roll on next Saturday.
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 