Saturday 28th September 2019 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale
Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA Under 10s League
Erdington and Saltley A L – W Sutton Coldfield A
Erdington and Saltley B 3-3 Sutton Coldfield B
Erdington and Saltley C 1-0 Wolverhampton
Under 11s Representative Game
Erdington and Saltley 10 – 1 Sandwell
Team: Danny, Corey, Hughey, Ethan, Devante, Cole, Kortney, Jahkadi, Markie, Joshua, Kayden, Oscar, Lennon and Keon
Goals: Markie x 4, Joshua x 2, Ethan, Oscar, Lennon and Keon
It’s easy to get carried away with a good result. It’s equally easy to get carried away with a heavy defeat. In truth, each end of the spectrum is about learning.
The under 10s A suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of an on-form Sutton Codfield but soon after the game, many of the boys were larking around and playing football as the under 11s took on Sandwell. And so it should be. The boys were not at their best but that’s okay – they’re 8 and 9 years old! I often have an off day at work, especially on Mondays!
They have a chance in two weeks to show what they have learned and move on.
Despite the tough outcome of the game, Andrius and Uzi stood out for their tireless work rate and refusal to give in, even when the possibility of victory was well and truly gone. Such spirit will see us achieve much this season.
The under 10s B team shared a barnstorming game with their Sutton Coldfield counterparts, with goals coming from Mahliq, Kian and Younusa. Throughout the game, the boys showed sublime skill and many positive signs of their burgeoning camaraderie. In their first game as a team, they played with a pleasing sense of unity and bravery, as exemplified by Mahliq and Younusa who were daring in attack, pulling the creative strings throughout and Yaw and Cairo who worked tirelessly in defence.
However, the result of the day goes to Erdington and Saltley C, who dug in deep and defended with their lives to snatch a 1-0 victory against an excellent Wolverhampton side. If truth be told, it would not have been unfair if Wolves had left Vale Stadium with all three points. Yet full credit must go to our boys who were incredible! They defended with every part of their body, throwing their heads, backs, bottoms and feet in the way of everything Wolves threw at them. Each one of the boys were immense and played like giants. Each tackle, block and header was greeted with cheers from the appreciative crowd and back pats from the united teammates. Brilliant!
The final game of an action packed morning saw the under 11s play Sandwell in a historic game. Not only was it the first ever meeting between the two associations, but it was Sandwell’s first game at under 11s for over a decade.
The Black Country boys started the game brightly and took the lead thanks to a sublime lobbed finish.
This proved the turning point and the game swung our way with the score 5-1 in our favour by the end of the first third. A clinical ten minute period of shooting from Markie put the game out of Sandwell’s reach.
While the goals were pleasing, the manner in which they were created was even more pleasing. Just as they had done last week, the boys passed the ball throughout the game, playing in a selfless way from start to finish. It’s early in the season but the evidence suggests the boys are developing into a strong unit that is greater than the sum of their parts.
Attackers understandably often receive the majority of the plaudits, but once again Hughie, Danny and the rest of the defensive unit were excellent, giving the opposition nothing but scraps. This was perfectly seen in the second third when Cory was between the sticks and only touched the ball once.
So overall, it was an excellent morning for The Ton. We learned just as much from the defeat as the victories. We saw our youngest team pull off a superb backs against the wall victory and we welcomed Sandwell back into the district fold.
Men of the Match:
Andrius and Uzi – never gave up when things got tough
Mahliq – a superb box to box display
Tobi – a defensive masterclass
Ethan – a dynamo in midfield
Well done boys!
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 