Saturday 12th November 2016 @ Heartlands Academy
Erdington and Saltley 5 – 2 Aston
Team: Gerard, Taylor, Kian B, Tiarno, Danny, Ilani, Cian T, Cameron, Blessing, William and Che
Goals: Ilani x 3, Cameron and Taylor
As a teacher who has spent the majority of his career working in the Aston district, I always look forward to this fixture more than any. There’s a special bond between the two teams, especially as so many of the lads are friends and also team mates away from the district game.
Today’s game was a belter! A humdinger!
The first twenty minutes brought five goals, with the lead changing hands on three occasions! The Ton started brightly and took the lead via the right boot of Captain Ilani, although they were quickly pegged back by a high-pressing Aston. Minutes after levelling, it was Aston’s turn to take the lead. If Aston’s first goal was a little fortuitous following a deflection, their second goal was a well worked counter attack after excellently defending a Ton corner.
With the wind very much behind their sails, Aston closed us down brilliantly, refusing to allow us to settle on the ball. Consequently it took us a short while to regroup but once we did, we started to pass the ball about with confidence. Our equalising goal came from Cameron and ended a brilliant team move. Then as the ref checked his watch for the end of the first third, Ilani popped up again to regain the lead for The Ton.
The second twenty was a little less eventful, although both teams created a couple of chances and on another day one or two might have been converted.
Prior to the final third we asked the boys to be positive and to treat the last twenty as a new game in its own right. Suddenly the boys looked a lot more comfortable on the ball and created three super chances, only to see the Aston keeper pull off a trio of great saves. Despite their Herculean efforts, Aston were unable to hold out for much longer and The Ton bagged a couple more goals courtesy of a thunderous Ilani free-kick and a thumping Taylor header from a Cameron corner.
At times today our play was majestic. Then at other times it was a little scrappy, although this was very much down to the effort on show from the 10 Aston lads.
The Ton boys should be proud of their efforts today, as to score five goals and produce moments of magic in the way that they did, whilst not being at their best, is worth more than a pat on the back.
Well done boys!
Man of the Match – Tiarno continued his rich vein of form in defence, whilst Cian T stepped up into midfield with distinction. Blessing produced some of his best football after slotting into the right hand side of defence and Cameron caused problems throughout the game thanks to his insatiable work rate. However the MOM has to be awarded to Ilani who bagged a hat-trick.
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 