Wednesday 25th March 2015 @ Heartlands
Erdington and Saltley 6 – 3 Sutton Coldfield
Team: Harvey, Brandon, Shaun, Teon, Kye, Sam, Tyrese, Marc, Kruize, Troy, Shilo, Jermaine and Hayden
Goals: Shilo x 5 and Marc
Under the lights of Heartlands Academy, The Ton took on Sutton Coldfield, as a busy end of season kicked off. With poor weather causing the postponement of a number of games earlier in the season, it’s now a case of trying to fit the games in whenever possible. However, despite playing for the district on Saturday and their academies/Sunday league teams the following day, the lads looked fresh and energized as the game kicked off.
Despite showing our attacking intent from the very beginning, we found ourselves 1-0 down through a well worked Sutton corner. Never the less, there was a real determination to the lads play, and they leveled the game at 1-1 thanks to a Shilo goal. Allowing the ball to run through his legs, the St. Matthew’s striker spun around and burst through the Sutton defence before rifling home powerfully. Yet The Ton couldn’t hold on to the lead and Sutton retook the lead following some uncharacteristically hesitant play in the Ton defense. Refusing to lie down, the boys bounced back again thanks to another strong Shilo run and powerful finish. 2-2, game on! This time The Ton pushed on and took the lead for the first time in the match, thanks to Shilo’s hat-trick goal and by far the best of his five finishes. Following a Sutton foul 20 yards out from goal, Shilo took responsibility for the direct free kick. Curling the ball high to the keeper’s right, it nestled perfectly into the top left hand corner. Perfect, Truly sensational. Not to be undone, Marc got in on the act courtesy of a brilliant left footed long distance strike.
The second half started exactly how the first had finished, with The Ton attacking at every opportunity. Two more Shilo goals came in quick succession and we found ourselves 6-2 up with 20 minutes to play. However that’s where the goals stopped, although it wasn’t for our lack of attacking intent. On another day I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say we would have scored a few more goals. Huge respect must go to the Sutton lads who refused to drop their heads and continued to play football that was pleasing on the eye. With a minute to go, they got their reward when they scored to make it 6-3 on the night.
Well then boys, that’s all you can do for now. We asked you to attack and you did just that! We’re genuinely proud of you and couldn’t have asked for more. Every single player contributed to this result. You were amazing and have been amazing all season. We’ve watched you grow as a group and it’s been an honour to manage/coach you this season. All we can do now is sit back and wait until we meet Kings Norton in a few week.
Proud!
Man of the Match: Shilo – five goals and a great return to form for the captain.
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 