Thursday 4th August 2016 @ Alan Higgs Centre, Coventry
Coventry City FC 0 – 4 Erdington and Saltley
Team: Gerard, Taylor, Cian Tevlin, Kian O’Neil, Cian Shewell, Cameron E, Resharne, Alfie, Toby, Jeval and Aidan
Goals: Alfie, Toby, Jeval and Kian O’Neil
Man of the Match: Cian Tevlin – composed in defence and cool in possession
Goals from Alfie, Toby, Jeval and Kian O’Neil gave the Ton lads a great away win at Coventry City FC. In a high quality game, both teams put a great show on for the on looking crowd, with the Ton’s finishing making the difference on the night.
Over the past couple of years, the district have taken on a number of professional clubs, including Derby County, Chelsea, Everton and Rayo Vallecano. Thursday night was another example of the great links we have developed with our local clubs and we wish to extend our thanks to Coventry for inviting us over to play.
Toby’s goal was a result of his refusal to give up on any cause. Firing in a low, powerful shot, the Abbey schemer chased up his own shot as the keeper parried the initial effort out. Toby’s quick reactions put the boys one goal up in the first quarter of the game.
The next goal came courtesy of an Alfie thunderbolt and in doing so he became the second Abbey pupil to score in the game. I another night he might have had a couple more, after being denied by the woodwork and a couple of great saves from the Coventry keeper.
Next up was Jeval, whose goal was a thing of real beauty! Racing on to a through ball, the Featherstone winger drew gasps of amazement from the crowd by scooping the ball over the head of the onrushing keeper.
Last but by no means least was Kian O’Neil who was playing further up the pitch as opposed to his usual defensive position. With Alfie crossing the ball from wide right, the Brownmead player managed to sneak in front of his marker to finish on the half volley.
Whilst goal scorers often earn the headlines, a special mention must be reserved for our defensive unit which largely consisted of Cian Tevlin, Kian O’Neil, Taylor, Aidan and Gerard. They were brave, tight and composed from start to finish.
Throughout the night the boys grew in confidence and their play became more cohesive as the game went on. It might be early days, but the signs are very positive for this set of boys. The more they get to know each other, the more they’ll learn to trust each other on the pitch – we can’t wait to see them in full swing!
A huge thank you to Coventry who were quality all night and impressed us all with their bravery on the pitch and refusal move away from their footballing values. Time after time they played the ball out from the back in a composed and intelligent fashion. There was so much to be admired about their DNA and style of play. Thank you boys.
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 