Saturday 9th January 2016 @ Heartlands Academy
Daniel Sturridge Cup Round One
Team A: Rob, Sam, Kye, Rio, Kane, Cameron P, Troy, Samim, Tion and Okaley
Team B: Gerard, Taylor, Blessing, Kian, Che, Resharne, Ilani, Cameron E, William, Samim, Harvey, Tion and Oakley
U11s:
The Ton 6 – 1 Wolverhampton
The Ton 5 – 0 Aston
U10s:
The Ton 0 – 2 Wolverhampton
The Ton 0 – 1 Aston
The Ton 2 – 0 Sutton Coldfield
Goals: Kane x 5, Troy x 3, Samim x 2, Blessing x 1, Cameron x 1, Blessing x 1
After a number of inactive weeks, the boys put their selection boxes to one side and dusted off their boots, before slipping back into action as if they hadn’t been away. Furthermore today was also the day when the under 10s stepped it up in terms of the quality of their opponents, as they tackled three different u11s districts.
First up were the u11s, who raced into a three goal lead against Wolverhampton, thanks to some lovely neat interplay between Kane, Troy, Cameron and Rio. Another goal came and leading four goals to nil, we decided to go with one at the back and a second man up front, as Samim stepped into the action. Prior to Christmas the Birches Green schemer was in sublime form, scoring 9 goals (second only to Kane’s 10) to help The Ton lift the BPSFA Futsal Championship, and he picked up where he left off, scoring a great goal to cap off a fine 6-1 victory.
Our second game saw us square up against near neighbours Aston. Despite dominating the opening exchanges, we couldn’t find the back of the net with our first few chances. Just when we thought it was going to be one of those days, we scored a goal, and then a second and a third. Now controlling the game, the boys played some majestic one touch football, playing the ball out from the back and through the thirds. The crowd were clearly enjoying what they were being served and by the end of the game The Ton had secured a 5-0 victory.
Next up were the u10s, who were determined to build on the thumping 22-1 victory which came in their final game of 2015. Not only were they up against u11s teams this morning, but they were up against u11 district teams. A whole new challenge compared to u10s opposition.
Controlling their first game (Wolverhampton), the boys looked right at home in this company. Despite having most of the ball they unluckily fell behind to Wolves, before conceding a second late on as they pushed for an equalised. Nonetheless it was a great first game, packed full of positives!
The second game saw a similar pattern of play, with the lads doing themselves proud and matching their older opponents for the vast majority of the game. A 1-0 loss was far from what they deserved.
Their final match saw the fruits of their efforts come to ripe, with a 2-0 win over a talented Sutton Coldfield team. The most pleasing thing about this final game was the manner in which they moved the ball around and the way they they competed physically with their older and stronger peers.
Overall a superb morning and a great way to kick off 2016! Exciting times indeed!
Let’s end with a quote from arguably the greatest ice-hockey player to ever grace the NHL:
“The highest compliment that you can pay me is to say that I work hard every day, that I never dog it.”
These words sum up today’s efforts perfectly!
Men of the Match:
U11s – Kane/Troy
U10s – Ilani
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 