Saturday 23rd March 2019 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale
Erdington and Saltley Gold 1-3 Sutton Coldfield u10s
Jude, Wiktor, Sean, Oscar, Ethan, Elijah, Josh, Kian, Kayden, George, Kyran, Emron and Daniel
Goal: Josh – a menace in attack; composed and inventive throughout
Man of the Match: Ethan – A true captain; led by example, fearless and committed
Erdington and Saltley Black 9-1 South Birmingham
Danny, Elijah, Kyran, Kian, Rhys, Jeval, Tavani, Markie, Callam and Daniel E
Goals: Daniel x 4, Markie x 2, Callam, Jeval and Kian
Man of the Match: Everyone – it’s impossible to pick just one player after all of them played to their capacity and worked tirelessly for the team.
After hitting the post four times and finding a goalkeeper in sumptuous form, the gold team were left to reflect on what could have been. Yet despite falling to a 3-1 loss, the boys walked away with their heads held high following a great team showing. With seven players absent for various reasons, the boys also showed their strength in depth as they went toe to toe with a super Sutton side.
Despite having the better of the opening exchanges, the lads fell behind to a first third Sutton strike. Still positive, the boys in gold equalised early in the second third when the brilliant Josh raced through and calmly slotted home.
In between, the lads rattled the woodwork on a number of occasions and were thwarted by some incredible keeping!
It simply wasn’t their day but nothing should be taken away from the performance and effort of the boys. They shone brightly from start to finish and did us all proud!
Shortly after the gold team departed the pitch, the black team entered. After two and a half minutes, they found themselves with a two goal lead. From the opening minute of the game, the boys had the bit between their teeth, pressing high up the pitch and defending in numbers.
The opening third saw Daniel claim his hat trick with a forward performance Alan Shearer would be proud of.
The middle period brought a fourth goal and a penalty save for Danny. Yet while the goals slowed down slightly, the dominance of the boys failed to relent.
As the game entered the home straight, the boys stepped it up a gear and converted their chances brilliantly. The highlight of the game was arguably the sight of Kian racing forward from defence, encouraged by the whole team who were determined that he would get on the score sheet. His fine finish made it 9-1 and put a gloss on a brilliant performance.
While the scoreline was impressive, the attitude of the lads was even more incredible. This was our greatest team performance of the season. Each and every one of the boys encouraged teammates, congratulated others and played selflessly. It was brilliant to see and an example of what we can achieve when we put our mind to it.
Well done boys!
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 