Friday 8th July 2016 @ Stud Lane, Stechford

Phoenix Rangers FC 0 – 7 Erdington and Saltley

Team: Gerard, Tyrese, Aidan, Fareed, Tiaron, Blessing, Eddie, Liam, William, Reece, Resharne, Cameron E, Kian, Che and Danny

Goals: Reece x 3, Resharne x 2, Liam and William

Man of the Match: Aidan
Following last weekend’s 7-a-side tournament victory, the 2016/17 team played their first ever 9-a-side game as their preseason gathers momentum.

With six year 4 lads in the squad, the boys started the game determined to overcome the advantage that they were giving to their year 5 opponents. The first 15 minutes saw The Ton attempt to take control of the game by passing their way through the thirds. Their attacking efforts were rewarded when Reece scored the first goal of what would become a hat trick by the end of the evening. Phoenix United, who were only playing their second ever 9-a-side game, were proving quality opposition and had their fair share of possession during the opening exchanges.

The second 15 minutes saw five changes, although the composure shown during the first quarter was once again evident during the second. Having moved from attack to midfield, Liam chased down a seemingly lost cause, before putting the keeper under pressure and tapping home the second of the game. Prior to that, Tyrese pulled off a couple of great saves to protect the team’s clean sheet.

The third quarter passed without much excitement, but once again the lads controlled the games and passed the ball around the pitch with great confidence and composure. On the right, Cameron was causing problems and looking to cross the ball at the earliest possible opportunity.

Starting the final quarter two goals to the good, The Ton applied more pressure than at any other stage in the game and bagged themselves a further five goals, the best of which was a long range strike from Abbey midfielder William.

A great performance built on a foundation of hard work and effort. A solid showing from both keepers (Tyrese and Gerard) was built upon some resolute defending and exciting attacking play. The perfect blend!

The boys have once again shown that there is reason to be excited ahead of the 2016/17 season.

The same should be said of the Phoenix Rangers boys, who showed their quality on a number of occasions and gave their managers and parents reasons to be really excited ahead of their new season. It’s also worth mentioning the welcome that the Phoenix fans gave the boys and the positive attitude that they showed throughout, which isn’t always the case at Sunday league games nowadays. Thank you Phoenix and you’ll always be welcome at Heartlands!

Roll on next week!

Well done boys!

Up The Ton!