Friday 4th March 2016 @ Heartlands Academy

Erdington and Saltley 2 – 4 Boldmere

Team: Gerard, Taylor, Aidan, Tiarno, Eddie, Kian, Reece, William, Cameron E, Blessing and Che

Goals: Blessing and William

Man of the Match: Aidan

Against an unbeaten and quality opponent, the boys learned that if they don’t start a game at 100% it can be very hard to claw your way back into it. However they equally learned that they can stand up to anything that the weather has to throw at them – be it wind, rain, sub-zero temperatures or snow!

Playing three thirds of twenty minutes, the boys simply didn’t get going at all in the first third. Boldmere were faster, stronger and more committed.

Two goals behind after the first twenty, the boys played much better during the middle third and at least matched their opponents. However a couple of momentary lapses in concentration meant Boldmere doubled their lead with their third and fourth goals.

Down but certainly not out, the lads awoke from their winter hibernation during the final third to dominate their first period of the game. Within a few minutes of the restart, they had reduced the deficit to two goals, as William and Blessing made it 4-2 to the Sutton Coldfield team. Shortly after our second goal, Blessing cannoned a shot off the crossbar, only for the Boldmere keeper to excellently save Che’s header from the rebound. Had that goal went in, who knows what could have happened. As it was, Boldmere held firm to record a much deserved win.

Win, lose or draw, the result is genuinely irrelevant. It’s all about learning and we learned far more from this defeat than we ever could from a one-sided victory. There was more than enough in the final third to show what this group of talented lads can do. Hard work coupled with talent is an impenetrable mixture. This is something that we have to remember as our season enters into the home straight. We will bounce back, that much is certain.

Finally, without a shadow of a doubt the final word must go to Reece and Aidan. This under 9s pair worked their socks off throughout the game and refused to be beaten by older, bigger opponents. Well done lads!

Thank you for a great game Boldmere. We can’t wait for the rematch in May!

I hope you’ve warmed up parents and boys! Thank you so much for your commitment to the cause!

Up The Ton!