Tuesday 31st March 2015 @ Four Dwellings Academy

Harborne 3 – 4 Erdington and Saltley u10s

Team: Alex, Sam, Harvey, Tion, Kye, Kane, Shaun, Samim, Cameron and Kian

Goals: Kane x 2, Cameron and Samim

After being left in limbo all day by the unpredictable nature of the British weather, we decided to play on with the game, although the torrential downpour that welcomed us had us all questioning our decision. However it did give us a laugh at the sight of Tonn fighting with his umbrella!

After the clouds parted and blue sky came out to play, it was decided to play 10 a side in order to involve everyone, without anyone having to stand on the side and freeze, or worse, get blown away. In hindsight it was a few players too many, with space at a premium. However, that in itself posed the boys with a problem from which they could learn. It meant they had to be quick with their decision making and look to pass the ball rather than dribbling with it.

No sooner had the game started, than The Ton found themselves two goals up. This would normally be an astonishing start to any game, but even more so considering the opposition were a district team, and an under 11s team at that! The goals came courtesy of Kane and Samim, with the former at the heart of both. First dropping his shoulder and jinking past a couple of defenders, before slotting Samim through to finish cooly. Then finishing superbly himself from a tight angle. The Hodge Hill captain was on fire, as were his whole team, who tackled with tenacity and refused to be bullied by their older opponents. It was great to see the manner in which they backed one another up time and time again. It was great to see the way that no player was over awed – don’t forget we had an under 9s player doing the business in there too! Well done Kian!

With Alex stepping in between the posts superbly (welcome back kid!), we entered half time with a 2-1 lead (although my memory was frozen, so it could have been 3-1 or 3-2 for all I know!). Dropping it down to 8 a side, we told the lads to make the most of the extra space, whilst ensuring that they close Harborne down in the same fashion that they did during the first half.

The second half was equally pleasing, with The Ton creating another 6 or 7 clear goal scoring opportunities. It was great to see them attack at every opportunity, although they did so safe in the knowledge that Sam was marshaling the defence at the back, ably supported by Tion or Harvey. Further goals came from the boot of Kane and Cameron, who expertly finished, shooting across the keeper and into the bottom corner. Only for the agile shot stopping of the Harborne keeper, we would have scored more, with a couple of direct Kane free-kicks coming to mind.

Overall it was a great performance and result. The conditions were tricky to say the least and the boys had to adapt to the conditions and restraints posed by the game, doing so with aplomb. Tonn, Lamar and I were talking after the game about how proud we were with the way that the lads stepped up to the challenge. It’s one thing taking on talented Sunday league teams, but an altogether different thing taking on an under 11s district team. You gave us everything that we asked for, and more! Couldn’t be prouder of every single one of you!

Well done boys!

Man of the Match – Kane for his commanding central midfield display, closely followed by Sam’s rock like performance at the back.

Up The Ton!

Wednesday 25th March 2015 @ Heartlands

Erdington and Saltley 6 – 3 Sutton Coldfield

Team: Harvey, Brandon, Shaun, Teon, Kye, Sam, Tyrese, Marc, Kruize, Troy, Shilo, Jermaine and Hayden

Goals: Shilo x 5 and Marc

 

Under the lights of Heartlands Academy, The Ton took on Sutton Coldfield, as a busy end of season kicked off. With poor weather causing the postponement of a number of games earlier in the season, it’s now a case of trying to fit the games in whenever possible. However, despite playing for the district on Saturday and their academies/Sunday league teams the following day, the lads looked fresh and energized as the game kicked off.

Despite showing our attacking intent from the very beginning, we found ourselves 1-0 down through a well worked Sutton corner. Never the less, there was a real determination to the lads play, and they leveled the game at 1-1 thanks to a Shilo goal. Allowing the ball to run through his legs, the St. Matthew’s striker spun around and burst through the Sutton defence before rifling home powerfully. Yet The Ton couldn’t hold on to the lead and Sutton retook the lead following some uncharacteristically hesitant play in the Ton defense. Refusing to lie down, the boys bounced back again thanks to another strong Shilo run and powerful finish. 2-2, game on! This time The Ton pushed on and took the lead for the first time in the match, thanks to Shilo’s hat-trick goal and by far the best of his five finishes. Following a Sutton foul 20 yards out from goal, Shilo took responsibility for the direct free kick. Curling the ball high to the keeper’s right, it nestled perfectly into the top left hand corner. Perfect, Truly sensational.  Not to be undone, Marc got in on the act courtesy of a brilliant left footed long distance strike.

The second half started exactly how the first had finished, with The Ton attacking at every opportunity. Two more Shilo goals came in quick succession and we found ourselves 6-2 up with 20 minutes to play. However that’s where the goals stopped, although it wasn’t for our lack of attacking intent. On another day I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say we would have scored a few more goals. Huge respect must go to the Sutton lads who refused to drop their heads and continued to play football that was pleasing on the eye. With a minute to go, they got their reward when they scored to make it 6-3 on the night.

 

Well then boys, that’s all you can do for now. We asked you to attack and you did just that! We’re genuinely proud of you and couldn’t have asked for more. Every single player contributed to this result. You were amazing and have been amazing all season. We’ve watched you grow as a group and it’s been an honour to manage/coach you this season. All we can do now is sit back and wait until we meet Kings Norton in a few week.

 

Proud!

 

Man of the Match: Shilo – five goals and a great return to form for the captain.

 

Up The Ton!

Saturday 21st March 2015 @ Braemar Road

Erdington and Saltley 2 -0 Gloucester

Team: Harvey, Shaun, Brandon, Sam, Teon, Hayden, Marc, Tyrese, Troy, Kruize, Jermaine, Tristan, Cameron, Shilo, Kane

Goals – Troy and Tyrese

Braemar Road…we had started to forget what the place looked like! Yesterday was the first time that we’d played at “home” since December! It was good to be back, after all, we’d missed the luxurious surroundings! We’d been spoilt at Heartlands. Running water?! Anyway, back to the game…

With a lovely warm feel to the spring air, The Ton kicked off the first twenty minutes, choosing to play up hill first. Just like last week, we threw caution to the wind and played with an extra man up front, with Troy supporting Shilo in attack. Despite having much of the ball, we couldn’t make it count and the first third ended all square, with Gloucester proving a threat down the right, through their pacey winger.

We explained to the lads that we needed more fizz, more effort and more energy. Marc moved from defence to midfield to partner Kane, whilst Jermaine came in on the wing. These changes seemed to do the trick, with Jermaine causing havoc down the left and Marc and Kane controlling the centre of the park. At the back, Biggy slotted in next to Brandon and the two lads did a sterling job shutting out the quick and tricky Gloucester forward. Midway through the third, Jermaine wriggled his way down the left and swung the ball in. Arriving at the back post, Troy nipped in front of his marker to poke the ball away.

The second third was very much the point that we actually woke up and started to play football like we know we can. As mentioned, Marc and Kane were pulling the strings in the middle of the park, with Marc often picking the ball up from deep and starting the attacks, whilst Kane constantly burst forward to stretch the opposition defence. Although in it’s infancy, there were certainly signs of a promising partnership building up. Exciting developments as we enter the business end of the season.

The final third saw the reintroduction of Shilo and Tyrese, with the old timers showing their telepathic understanding of each other when they teamed up to score the second Ton goal. Captain Shilo burst down the left and cut in onto his right foot. Looking up, he thought about shooting, only to spot Tyrese making a lung busting run forward. Cooly slotting the St. Joe’s midfielder in, Shilo stood and watched as Tyrese expertly finished with the outside of his left boot. Great combination play. Well done boys.

Even though we created a many more chances, the Gloucester defence should be commended for their solid performance. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a back three be so commanding in the air. Every time we tried to switch play or play a striker through the middle, we were met with a commanding Gloucester defender. Well done boys. Also, as ever, their manners and temperament were perfect and they were a credit to their great district.

All round, a great display and advertisement for district football.

Man of the Match – Marc: It’s no coincidence that our best spell of the game came when Mr Witty pushed up into the centre of the park. Commanding throughout and at the heart of many attacks.

Well done boys. Bring on Wednesday!

Up The Ton!