Saturday 3rd January @ BCFC Training Ground, Wast Hills
Erdington and Saltley Under 10s 9 – 1 North Birmingham Celtic
Team: Tyler, Harvey, Sam, Eddie, Samim, Kane, Tion, Kye, Pharrelle, Jake, Luke and William
Scorers: Kane x 4, Sam, Pharrelle, Luke, Jake and Tion
The score line doesn’t always tell the whole story and I certainly think that is the case today. First of all we were missing five players (Troy, Kian, Ilani, Oakley and Cameron), who between them have played 37 district games and scored 15 goals. Not to mention the fact that Troy and Cameron are mainstays of the under 11s team, never mind the under 10s. That is a lot of talent and experience to lose. Throw into the mix the fact that there’s been no football for a few weeks and four new lads taking part in a trial (Pharrelle, Luke, Jake and Tyler) and it would have been easy for the unbeaten run to have been lost today. However, as we’ve said on many an occasion…these boys have talent!
The first ten minutes was all about North Birmingham Celtic. They were quicker than us out of the blocks and bossed the opening stages of the game, deservedly taking the lead early on. However with ten minutes of the first third remaining, we managed to impose ourselves on the game and took a 2-1 lead. Don’t ask me who scored as I haven’t got a clue! Although I clearly recall the manner in which we were incredibly organised and how we defended from high up the pitch in the final ten minutes, preventing NBC from playing the ball out from defence.
The second third saw more of the same from The Ton, as we stretched our lead to 4-1 thanks to more bright attacking play and organisation all over the pitch. It was great to watch as the lads defended in packs and snuffed out any threat, leaving Tyler with nothing to do but watch and admire from goal.
The third and final third brought more goals, although at times I think we lost our shape a little as many of us went hunting for a goal. This is not a criticism, as we earned the right to do this, but it is something that we must be mindful of as we go forward. A flurry of late goals meant the score line looks more one sided than it actually was, as NBC deserve great credit for the challenge that they put up. At the same time it was nice to hear that the supporters of NBC, as well as the management, were very complimentary of the attitude and football of our boys. In fact it’s great to hear such kind words. Fully deserved too!
It’s also worth mentioning the efforts of the four lads who were on trial today, as they all put on a great show and should be very pleased with their efforts. It’s never easy walking into a new team and it’s even harder walking into a team that has been winning. Well done lads.
Finally, without wishing to signal anyone out in particular, I think it would be difficult to talk about today’s match without mentioning the efforts of Kane and Sam. Villa midfielder Kane put on a true captain’s performance, covering every blade of artificial grass, making numerous vital tackles and scoring four fine goals. Whilst Castle Bromwich stopper Sam was a rock at the back, winning every ball in the air and tackle on the ground. Well done boys. In fact, well done everyone, including the NBC lads!
Man of the Match – Kane
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 