Saturday 30th March 2019 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale
Erdington and Saltley Black 4-0 Leicester
West Midlands County Schools’ FA Cup Semi-final
Team: Danny, Kian S, Rhys, Jeval, Elijah, Romaeo, Kyran, Toby, Daniel, Callam, Tavani and Markie
Goals: Toby x 2, Markie and Callam
Man of the Match: Jeval – An attacking threat throughout the game; closely challenged by Toby who was a dominant force in the centre of the park.
Erdington and Saltley Under 10s 7 – 4 Aston Under 10s
Representative Game
Team: Corey, Nathan, Ethan, Oscar, Chase, Josh, Lennon, Keon, Jason, Kayden, Uzi and George
Goals: George, Ethan, Jason, Keon x 2, Kayden x 2
Man of the Match: The accolade is shared between the dynamic wing wizards of Jason and Keon, although Ethan, Josh and Lennon could make a strong claim for the title….in fact, everyone could!
As glorious spring sunshine rained down over Vale Stadium and the bluest of skies engulfed the pitch, everything was alright with the world. Saturday was a day of breath-taking football, of exciting skills, unrivalled teamwork and stunning goals. It was a day to be proud of!
Both teams played as united sides. Both teams excited the crowd. And both teams were a pleasure to work with.
As Toby gave the Black team a deserved early lead in their county cup semi-final, Jason, Josh, Lennon and Keon were linking up almost telepathically on the adjacent pitch. As the opening third drew to a close, the young guns found themselves leading 3-0, while the old boys were two goals to the good.
More pleasing than the goals was the manner in which both sides played. The spirit amongst all of the boys was incredible and this resulted in some fantastic football.
After hitting the woodwork a couple of times, the Black team extended their lead via a solo dribble and finish from Markie. This all but put the tie to bed with half of the match remaining.
Things were not as clear cut in the under 10s game as Aston forced themselves back in the picture early in the middle period thanks to their never say die attitude. With goals flying in from all angles and both teams on top form, the scoreline was soon 5-3 to The Ton.
With the temperature rising, the Black team put both feet in the final when Callam rifled home the fourth of the day and his 31st of the season. Yet as pleasing as the goals were, it was the dogged determination of the boys to protect their clean sheet that pleased most, especially as the back line bore an unfamiliar look as the game drew to a close.
In the under 10s game, Kayden arguably grabbed the goal of the day. Cutting in from the left wing, he put the ball onto his favoured right foot and curled it into the top corner. It was a thing of beauty!
The past two weeks have been some of the most enjoyable of the season. The Black, Gold and Under 10s sides have played amazing football and exuded the kind of positive energy that we always dream of!
Well done boys!
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 