Saturday 29th May 2021 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale
BPSFA Chris Smith Cup Final
Erdington and Saltley A 1-6 South Birmingham
Team: Jack, Myiano, Reo, Rhys, Uzi, Kyle, Rion, Lennon, Keon, Omari, Ebrima and Jason
Goal: Lennon – rose like an angry salmon at the back post to crash home a thunderous header
Man of the Match: Rion – excellent in defence and not awed by the occasion despite playing a year up
Fresh from the blow of missing out on the Daniel Sturridge Cup seven days previously, the boys once again locked horns with South Birmingham in a showcase occasion. As the holders of the BPSFA Chris Smith Cup, the boys were determined to write their own headlines and bring the curtain down on their time as a team in style.
Alas, it didn’t go like that. Once again, South Birmingham were too strong for The Ton despite the fact that we beat them twice during our league championship winning campaign. Once again South capitalised when we failed to do so.
With 15 minutes to play, we were back in the tie with a bang when Lennon smashed home a bullet-header at the back post. With the wind in their sails and energy levels replenished, the boys could sense the tide was turning. However, football folk-law reliably informs me that a team is at its most vulnerable after just scoring and so this proved.
South just refused to lie down and reinstalled their two-goal cushion 90 seconds after Lennon’s header. From there it was all South.
However disappointed the boys felt after the game, it was just one game in a two/three year journey for the boys. Over the past three years, this team has evolved and grown in front of our eyes. They have won leagues, cups and reached national finals (curse you Covid!). In fact, for the likes of Lennon, Jason, Reo and Keon, they have won two leagues in two seasons without losing a fixture. Those sort of achievements do not get wiped out by one game. Those sorts of achievements live long in the memory, just like this team will.
It has been our pleasure to coach the boys and we are going to genuinely miss them.
Man of the Match – Daniel: two goals and two assist for the midfielder schemer
Goals: Daniel x 2, Leeson x 2
Save the best ’til last, or so the saying goes.
At half-time, the boys trailed 5-2 and were dead and buried. Fortunately for us, they failed to read the script and dragged themselves off the canvas to claim several knock-out blows of their own during the second period.
At this point I have to be honest and admit I did not see much of the game but I heard the screams and saw the joy emanating from the boys. They simply couldn’t hide their enjoyment as the goals flew in and the excitement reached boiling point. It was a pleasure to talk to the boys after the game and listen to them enthusiastically recoil tails of their incredible fightback.
Hollywood couldn’t have scripted it better.
The B-Team have been a joy to work with this season and have gelled as a team, especially over the past month. They have come up against some tough teams but have never let themselves down and never been out of their depth. This feat is even more remarkable when you consider half of the team are only in year 5. What a team!
Goals: Lennon x 5, Keon x 5, Rhys x 4, Omari and Ebrima
Wayne Sherlock broke the world record for eating sprouts in 60 seconds when he gobbled an astonishing 33. Jeffrey Warrick did 175 push-ups in 60 seconds to claim a world record. 60 seconds doesn’t seem like a long time. But it is. Especially in football.
With 60 seconds remaining on the clock in the opening game of the Daniel Sturridge Cup, the A-Team were leading rivals South Birmingham 2-0. Then it went a little wrong. Just a bit. South Birmingham roared back into the game and snatched a draw when it seemed inevitable they were going to lose their opening game.
Unfortunately for the A-team, they were unable to truly recover from the blow of losing and went on to finish second. Despite shining against Aston and Erdington B in their next two games, the A-Team were unable to get anything from their return game against a rejuvenated South Birmingham. Whilst the drama that concluded the opening game of the tournament spurred South on, it left our boys deflated.
Nevertheless, they achieved the best Ton finish since we won the prestigious tournament in 2018. Every cloud has a silver lining!
The B-Team finished third overall on a morning of highs, lows and encouraging performances. In their first encounter with South Birmingham, the boys battled valiantly to keep the scores level at 0-0 with 3 minutes to play. Yet as they had done all morning, the boys from the south found a way to get over the line when they snatched a late 1-0 victory. Nevertheless, the lads picked up some excellent points against Aston and Erdington A.
Am I alone in thinking 34 sprouts in 60 seconds doesn’t sound that difficult?
Man of the Match: Jason and Omari – both boys were a constant threat down the wings
Saturday was one of those days when everything clicks into place. It was 8:30am and we just knew it was going to be a good day as every member of the team had arrived “on time-ish”. I had no reason to check my phone, no reason to frantically phone around parents and plenty of time to just stand around and pretend to be working on a tactical master plan for the game.
The game started with a bang as Lennon applied pressure high up the pitch, won the ball and unleashed a long distance shot that whistled agonisingly wide of the right-hand post. Nevertheless, the captain’s energy set the tone for the whole team, who replicated his zest as they buzzed around all quarters of the pitch. Our first goal came after Omari refused to let the Staffordshire defence rest and won the ball back before calmly slotting the ball home from close distance.
As they did all game, the South Staffordshire boys continued to play a brand of football that was pleasing on the eye and demonstrated a coherent style of play. They consistently played the ball out from the back, moved it through the thirds and retained possession when attacking options were limited.
After opening the scoring, Omari turned provider when he slotted Ebrima through on goal before the Firs forward rounded the keeper and smashed his shot into the top right-hand corner. Clearly energised by his first goal, Ebrima added a second thanks to some mouthwatering interplay down the left with wing wizard Jason.
Clearly on top form, Lennon rounded off a superb half of football by stroking the ball home from outside the area to make it 4-0 when the ref called a close to proceedings.
The second half saw South Staffordshire grow in confidence and pose us a number of questions, only for Jack to make a number of saves as he, along with the defensive stalwarts that are Myiano, Reo, Rion, Yaw and Younussa, worked hard to protect his clean sheet.
Unbeknown to the throbbing crowd of 17 people, Lennon and Rhys had been working on a series of stylish celebrations ahead of the game. Unfortunately for the 17 hardy souls, they chose to ignore these celebrations, instead opting for a Macarena-machine gun hybrid that left all in attendance longing for the simple, yet classy days of Alan Shearer’s raised right arm as both boys added further goals in the second period.
Overall, it was a brilliant game, played between two very talented sides. Both sets of players, parents and coaches conducted themselves in a manner befitting to the occasion which made for a really enjoyable morning of football.
The A-team ended their league campaign with a 100% record after beating South Birmingham 4-0 on Saturday 17th April 2021. The Ton’s third title in a row was the end result of a faultless league season that saw the boys score a superb 32 goals in 6 games, conceding only 4.
We are all incredibly proud of the boys’ efforts and their achievements in what has been a far from simple season due to Covid.
Team: Jack, Myiano, Reo, Younussa, Uzi, Yaw, Rhys, Kyle, Omari, Dylan, Lennon, Keon, Jason and Ebrima
Man of the Match: Lennon – continuous pressed and probed South Birmingham in the hope of finding that elusive breakthrough. A special mention for Omari who was superb during the first period and posed South numerous questions and problems.
Football is a funny old game. There are weeks when you don’t play well but win comfortably and weeks when you’re excellent but get nothing to show for your endeavors. This was one of the latter. From the opening whistle, the boys were a menace, putting South Birmingham under incessant pressure. In fact, South didn’t enter our defensive third for the first time until the 11th minute, such was our dominance.
And so this proved the story of the game. We dominated possession, created goal scoring opportunities but failed to find the back of the net.
Yet, it would be impossible to review the game without highlighting the superb effort of the South Birmingham lads. While we were in control for most of the game, the boys in red defended brilliantly. To a man, they knew their role, understood their tactics and expertly executed a game plan. It was arguably the best defensive display seen at Vale Stadium this season. The South Birmingham boys were fantastic!
Alas, it was just one of those days. There will be better days. There will be worst days. It was just one of those days.
Man of the Match: Uzi – Mr Versatile has now played every outfield position for The Ton!
B-Team: Bryan, Kian, Shane, Sean, Shaun, Matharr, Cairo, Tobi, Leeson, Mahliq, Jeremiah and Daniel
Goals:
Man of the Match: Tobi – incessant work rate and unwavering determination
For the first time this season, all seven Midlands’ district sides descended onto Vale Stadium at the same time. Before a ball had been kicked, it was brilliant to see so many teams and so many lads present and representing their schools and communities.
On the pitch, the B-team started the morning slowly before picking up pace and battling their way to a pair of great victories. The A-Team finished the morning atop of the seven-team league, before falling just short in the final against Telford and finishing as runners-up.
The effort and spirit shown by the B-Team was brilliant to see. Despite failing to register a victory during their opening four games, the boys refused to give up. Instead, they rolled up their sleeves and claimed two excellent wins in their closing games. Overall, it was an excellent morning from the boys and one that puts them in a good position going into their BPSFA Cup quarter-final on Saturday 8th May.
If the B-Team built up momentum during the morning, the A-Team started the day like a steam train, picking up points in each game they played and keeping five clean sheets in their opening five games. With victories against Erdington B, South Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield, the boys also gained valuable points against Telford and Wolverhampton. After their six league games, the A-Team boys finished clear of the pack at the top of the table.
With their confidence sky high, the boys went into their final against Telford determined to claim their third trophy of the season. Unfortunately, Telford had a little more in the tank and ended the morning as winners. Nevertheless, the A-Team boys were superb all morning and produced many moments of magic, including a stunning Rhys goal from long distance against South Birmingham.
Overall, it was another morning to be proud of both teams and our fine district.
Saturday 17th April 2021 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale
Representative Fixture
Erdington and Saltley B 4-3 Phoenix
Team: Bryan, Tobi, Leeson, Yaw, Mathaar, Sean, Shane, Daniel, Kian, Jeremiah, Sean and Mahliq
Goals: Sean x 2, Daniel and Shane
Man of the Match – Mathaar: A special mention for Kian and Shane, who were both excellent, but Mathaar nicks this one for his persistent probing and creative spark.
After missing several opportunities to win last week’s game against Gloucester B, The Ton B-boys put ‘brilliant’ into the B this week! From start to finish against Phoenix, they worked their socks off and gave everything they had for the cause. They were superb.
The opening goal came from superb forward play from Kian who picked up the ball to the left-hand side of the box and crossed for fellow under 10s Daniel to slot home. Shortly after, Shaun broke forward from midfield to rifle home a shot from the outside of the area.
Everything was going to plan.
The boys were in a commanding position after about 20 minutes but the Phoenix boys are quality footballers and they showed great character to claw themselves back into the game. Within minutes of taking a two-goal lead, The Ton found themselves drawing two goals apiece.
Once again, and in keeping with the frantic nature of the game, The Ton took the lead. Once again it was Shaun and Kian who proved instrumental in the goal. A sweeping Shaun free kick evaded the Phoenix keeper after Kian caused a nuisance of himself in the opposition box.
At half-time, the fixture was evenly poised!
The second half saw the excited crowd grow in volume as they cheered every shot, tackle and near miss. After both teams gave their all during the opening 45 minutes, it was no surprise to see the game stretched during the final quarter. As a result, the frantic nature of the play increased and chances started flying in from all directions for both sides. It was only a matter of time before more goals were scored and it was Phoenix who capitalised as they leveled the game with ten minutes to go.
As they had all game, The Ton bounced back and retook the lead for the third time in the tie after the superb Shane scored a scorcher of a free kick!
A breathtaking game. A game played in great spirit and with both sets of boys a credit to their respective team.
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.
Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA 