Saturday 5th December 2020 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale
Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA League
Erdington and Saltley A 6-1 South Birmingham
Jack, Myiano, Younussa, Rhys, Omari, Lennon, Keon, Ebrima, Michael and Dylan
Goals: Younussa, Omari, Dylan, Keon, Ebrima and Michael
Man of the Match: Younussa and Myiano – a defensive masterclass
Erdington and Saltley B 1-3 Aston
Jayden, Tobi, Yaw, Shaun, Shane, Sean, Mahliq, Kian, Daniel and Mathaar
Goal: Kian
Man of the Match: Yaw – a solid game in defence
After Lockdown 2.0 finally ended and the rain relented, the A team boys excitedly took to the pitch for the first time since their bizarre and memorable 5-5 draw with Gloucester in October. That day, the boys were majestic for 43 minutes. They were truly sublime for huge periods of that game, yet ultimately left disappointed and sodden wet.
Against South Birmingham, the boys were once again majestic. However, this time they stayed dry and free from a late collapse. They were breathtaking! This is no mean feat considering they were up against a quality South Birmingham outfit and missing a number of key players due to COVID isolation.
Early in the game, South Birmingham took the lead when they broke our high-line and slotted the ball past the sprawling Jack who could do nothing about the excellent finish. Despite the early blow, the boys ended the first half with a 3-1 lead and the wind well and truly behind their sails. Goals from Dylan, who was excellent in his debut game upfront, Keon and Michael. The interchange and linking play between Dylan and Keon was immense. Throughout the first period, Dylan dropped deep, held up the ball and played Keon into the final third. It was a joy to watch,
With Lennon sticking to his pregame promise of #BigTackles, the boys exerted their control early in the second period when Ebrima got on the scoresheet shortly after entering the game during the break. Arguably the two most eye-catching goals belonged to Younussa and Omari, with both wide players scoring from distance to rapturous applause.
The fact that all six goals were score by a different player illustrates how strong performances were right across the team. As does the fact that two defenders, Younussa and Myiano, were named man of the match. Not to forget Rhys, who as he has done all season, created all manner of problems down the right wing. Throw into the mix Jack and his excellent double save that was brimming with quick reflexes and amazing agility, and you have yourself a brilliant morning at the office! Oh and the little matter of Michael’s first goal for the district in a 9-a-side game!
There genuinely was nothing more we could have asked from the boys. It was an excellent performance and one that will stick in the memory for a long time. There are days when everything clicks into place and this was one of them!
Well done boys!
Up The Ton!
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 