Saturday 4th March 2017 @ Wednesfield High School
West Midlands County Schools’ FA League
Wolverhampton 0 – 4 Erdington and Saltley
Team: Gerard, Taylor, Danny, Kian B, Cian T, Cameron, Blessing, Che, William, Tiarno and Toby
Scorers: Cian T x 2, Cameron and Che
Man of the Match: Taylor. Gerard never had one shot to save. Not one. This is testament to the excellent defending of the Abbey shot stopper’s back three. Danny and Tiarno were excellent, as was Blessing, who had his best game for ages. However at the heart of defence was Colebourne’s answer to Paul McGrath who was a steady presence throughout. Often the attacking players get all of the credit, but as brilliant as they were today, the defence deserve all of the praise that comes their way!
After a week of heavy rain, it was touch and go this morning whether the game would go ahead. After inspecting all six of the Wednesfield pitches, we found one that was just right. Nestled in the far corner, it was a relative oasis compared to the other five, boggy pitches.
With the game now in full swing, it was clear to Tonn and me that the boys had taken on board our warnings about the need to work hard. The need to work harder than we did against Sutton a few weeks ago. All over the pitch the lads competed for 50/50 balls, chased lost causes and gave it their all. This was the hardest they’d worked for months and unsurprisingly it yielded their best performance since long before Santa had even considered servicing his sleigh.
By the time halftime came, the lads were three goals to the good, with a strike from Cameron and a brace from Cian T. Cam’s goal came after a beautiful one-two with midfield partner Cian T, before the midfield maestro got in on the act himself, rifling high into the net on two occasions.
The first half was also memorable for a return to form for Blessing. The Court Farm wing wizard was sensational down the right, beating his man time and time again before whipping in some delightful balls for the hard working Che to attack.
With 30 minutes left to play, it was now the turn of Toby to get in on the act. The Abbey youngster was playing against boys two years older than him but you’d never have known it judging from the ease as which he coped physically. Determined and brave, he broke forward with regularity and showed bravery in demanding the ball whenever possible. A truly brilliant competitive debut!
The fourth goal was a tap in from Che, although that does him a disservice as he sprinted into the box in hope of picking up a rebound, which is exactly what he did. The goal was just reward for the excellent effort that he put in all game.
Keen to grab his first ever hat trick, Cian T unleashed a couple of great long distance shots, with one low drive hitting the post and going out for a goal kick.
That leaves William, Gerard and Kian B. William attacked with flair after joining the game as a 20th minute substitute, before spending the second thirty bravely diving in to a number of tough 50/50 balls. Kian linked up well with Toby on the right during the second half, finding himself in advanced positions on a number of times and putting several great balls in the box. In goal, Gerard kept it simple and did what he had to do well. Throughout the game he could be heard communicating with his back line, reminding people of their duties with great maturity.
Well done boys! That was a great performance against a talented Wolverhampton side.
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 