Wednesday 14th April 2021 @ Jaffray Road, Erdington

Erdington and Saltley A 8 – 2 North Shropshire

Team: Jack, Myiano, Reo, Rhys, Lennon, Keon, Jason, Omari, Uzi, Dylan, Kyle and Ebrima

Goals: Keon x 2, Rhys x 2, Kyle, Uzi, Lennon and Dylan

Man of the Match: Keon – A tornado of energy in defence and attack

After the blow of losing heavily to Wolverhampton on Saturday, the boys picked themselves up and dusted themselves down in emphatic fashion. From front to back, across the whole pitch, the boys showed unrelenting energy and determination to win their battles and impose themselves on the game. It worked. They were brilliant. The boys played with real unity and spirit during the extended 80 minute game.

The opening period saw Mr Utility Uzi start upfront and his tireless pressing was rewarded with a goal. It was nothing less than the Heathlands baller deserved for his efforts, not just this week, but each and every week. Uzi has played every position during his time with The Ton and has never moaned, even when asked to play an unfavorable position.

Another two goals came courtesy of Rhys and Keon – the former a menace down the right while the latter was a whirlwind of energy through the middle.

To their credit, North Shropshire showed immense character throughout and refused to give up, even when faced with the tough task of overturning a three goal deficit. Their spirit was rewarded when they reduced the arrears, leaving the score 3-1 at the end of the opening quarter.

The unrelenting energy that characterised the first twenty minutes was once again in abundance during the second period. The boys worked their socks off and gave their everything for the team. In defence, Reo and Myiano complimented one another brilliantly after switching to a two-man back-line. Their communication, along with Jack, was clear and vocal, something that had been missing against Wolves.

Further up the field, Kyle set up our fourth goal when he smartly laid the ball off to Lennon who rifled home a rasping daisy-cutter of a drive into the keeper’s bottom right-hand corner.

At 4-1, the boys started the third quarter with a goal from Dylan, only to see North Shropshire once again battle their way back into the game after a brilliant free kick. At 5-2, North Shropshire created another dangerous chance which could have changed the game dramatically had Jack not pulled off a smart save.

Spurred on by Jack’s reflexes, The Ton flooded down the other end of the pitch and scored a trio of goals in quick succession. Keon made it a brace of goals to cap off a stunning performance, as did the ever-dangerous Rhys. The final goal of the match belonged to Kyle who drove into the box and lashed home seconds before the ref’s whistle signaled the end of a brilliant game!

What a performance! The whole team were excellent and should be proud of their efforts! To a man, they were a joy to watch. From the marauding runs of Omari, Jason and Ebrima, to the telepathic defending of Myiano and Reo. Brilliant.

Putting the result aside, it was a pleasure to play North Shropshire for the first time in our history. The boys from Market Drayton and the surrounding areas were a credit to their district and we look forward to many more games in the future.

Well done boys!

Up The Ton!