Friday 27th February 2015 @ Heartlands Academy
Erdington and Saltley 2 – 0 Solihull
Team: Harvey, Ilani, Sam, Kye, Harvey, Kian, Oakley, Kane, Troy, Cameron, Eddie and Pharelle
Goals: Eddie and Kane
Once again, for a second week running, I’m sorry for the late publishing, but for some unknown reason I thought it would be a good idea to go watch Villa away at Newcastle yesterday. Like I say, I still don’t know why I did this! As awful as Villa were, The Ton were anything but awful when they took on and defeated a talented Solihull team on Friday night. Composed and professional are two apt adjectives to describe the performance.
The first twenty minutes started with The Ton making their intentions clear, attacking from the outset and forcing a save and corner in the very first minute of the game. Unfortunately for all of our possession we were unable to make it count in terms of goals. Although the first third was notable for the composed performance of Ilani at left back. Despite being a year younger than the opposition, the Yenton baller was cool and composed in everything that he did.
The second third was very similar to the first, despite the tireless efforts of Kane in the centre of the park. We never found ourselves in trouble but couldn’t quite find that penetrative zip going forward. However the work rate and willingness to track back and tackle was a pleasing feature of everything that we did.
Before the final third, the lads were told to be patient and keep playing their possession game, as chances would come. The first of which fell to under 9 Eddie. The Paget pupil darted in at the back post and slotted the ball away to give The Ton a 1-0 lead. The second goal wasn’t far behind and what a goal it was! Starting at the back, the ball was played out to Cameron, who produced a lovely piece of skill to open up the pitch and allow himself to slot Kane in. Miles out from goal, the Hodge Hill star looked up and unleashed a wonderful strike which smashed off the underside of the goal, before nestling in the back of the net. There was still time for more chances, with Troy uncharacteristically placing the ball wide when through on goal. Alas, easy come, easy go.
Overall it was a good performance, even if it lacked a little in the final third. Nevertheless, we should be pleased with the fact that we remained patient throughout the game, whilst working our socks off when not in possession. The victory was fully deserved and it is a great confidence booster ahead of our trip to Bath on Saturday. Watch out Bath, Plymouth and Cardiff, the boys of Erdington and Saltley are coming!
Man of the Match – Kane
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 