Sunday 3rd July 2016 @ Moor Green Lane, Kings Heath

Erdington and Saltley Whites: Gerard, Tiarno, Rio, Kane, Reece, Kian B, Blessing, Dalton and Che

Erdington and Saltley Clarets: Tyrese, Aidan, Sam, Cameron P, Ilani, Cian T, Resharne, Cameron E and William

Goals:

Kane x 7, Reece x 2, Tiarno x 1,  Blessing x 1

Ilani x 4, Cameron P x 3, William x 2, Cian T x 2, Cameron E x 1

Men of the Match: Kane and Tyrese

In the words of the great Bob Marley:

“The sun is shining, the weather is sweet. Makes you want to move your football feet.”

The sun was most definitely shining and there was some great football on show for the slightly sunburned crowd!

Following Wednesday’s game against Boldmere, the boys continued their preparation for the new district season in September by taking part in an under 11s 7-a-side tournament. With a squad of 18 and only 4 under 11s (4 under 9s and 10 under 10s), the boys were going to have their work cut out if they were going to emerge from their groups.

However as we all know, there is something in the water in Erdington and for that matter, Saltley. We are blessed with talent, year after year and 2016/17 has the potential to be the same again.

With both teams finishing top of their group with a 100% record, it was on to the semis, with the whites taking on MJPL outfit Burton Sils and the clarets squaring up against Kings Heath u11s, who had impressed throughout the group stage.

The clarets turned on the style during their semi final, thanks to a performance of class and hard work. Two up at half time following two Ilani goals, the boys solidified their position during the second ten by bagging a further three goals.

At the same time on the other pitch, the whites found life a little trickier thanks to a couple of pieces of bad luck. Trailing 2-1 after conceding two own goals, the whites equalised via the left boot of Kane. With thirty seconds remaining and penalties looming, the boys conceding a free kick on the edge of the box and suffered the worst possible punishment when Burton converted. Despite losing in the cruellest of ways, the boys did themselves proud by dominating the game and creating a number of great chances.

In the final the clarets dug deep and showed their metal by edging the lively encounter by a single goal to nil. However the goal was a beaut! A stunner! After being chopped on the edge of the box, Resharne picked himself up to curl a stunning free kick home and give the lads the lead. Other highlights of the final include Cameron P’s breathtaking volley that was somehow tipped over by the Burton keeper, a Sam goal line clearance from under his own bar, a number of amazing Tyrese saves and also the manner in which Aidan picked himself up and demanded to be put back on the pitch after a tough, but accidental, challenge.

With the cup theirs and the fans reflecting, we were left to admire the spirit and camaraderie that was obvious for all to see. It’s crazy to think that this squad hasn’t even got going yet!

Well done lads!

Up The Ton!