Saturday 6th December 2014 @ Braemar Road

Erdington and Saltley 2 – 2 Aston

Team: Harvey, Shaun, Kane, Brandon, Kruize, Jermaine, Tristan, Troy, Tyrese, Teon and Cameron

 

With the winter bugs wiping out a couple of players during the week, we shuffled our pack around in search of that winning formula. Following a Man of the Match performance the night before for the Under 10s, Cameron answered a late SOS call to join the squad.

After a delayed kick off, we were quickly into our stride with Tristan being played through by Kruize, who was playing his first 9-a-side district game since signing for the Villa, only to shoot straight at the Aston keeper. However, The Ton kept plugging away and were rewarded shortly after when the young magician that is Troy finished expertly following a great passing move, at the centre of which was captain Tyrese. Talking of the big man, Tyrese has been a revelation this season, taking on more responsibility and leading by example. Keep it up Ty!

Back to the action…with The Ton in control of the game, Aston burst through our defence, although the ever assured Kane had it all under control. Holding his older opponent off and shielding the ball out of play, the ref blew his whistle after watching Kane get pushed to the floor. Ton free kick we all, including the Aston manager Adam, thought. But no! The ref confusingly pointed to the spot, having adjudged Kane to have fouled Kye, even though Kye ended up on top of the Hodge Hill pupil. Ah well, these things happen! Kye dispatched his penalty with power and precision. 1-1 and game on!

This team is made of strong stuff and the lads refused to let this disappointment derail their efforts. Kruize continued to cause trouble down the left whenever he had the ball at his feet, eventually slotting away following a fine move down the opposite wing involving the three Ts – Ty, Troy and Tristan. The Slade wizard has been absent over recent weeks and it was great to have him back! Yet once again Aston refused to lie down and give in. This time Diego raced through The Ton defence and levelled the scores at 2-2 going into the half time break.

At half time we shuffled our pack once again, putting Kane into the centre of the park alongside captain Ty, and slotting Teon into defence, whilst Kruize went up front. These changes almost paid instant dividends when Kruize sprinted through one on one with the Aston keeper, only for the shot stopper to come out on top. Further chances came and went, most notably a few goal mouth scrambles and a jinky run from Jermaine which left the Lea Forest winger through on goal, although he selflessly passed when a shot was perhaps the better option.

It’s fair to say that we had chances to win the game, but then again so did Aston. A result was probably the fairest result and as ever, it was an entertaining game against our dear friends Aston. Adam, Tonn and myself stood at the side of the pitch before the game and watched proudly as all players from both teams warmed up as one, with no instruction from us. There is a great bond between the two teams and this entertaining game was played in the right spirit from start to finish.

 

Man of the Match – Tyrese

Well done boys, what a team! Enjoy your week and roll on next Saturday.

Up The Ton!

Friday 5th December 2014 @ Heartlands Academy

Erdington and Saltley U10s 6 – 0 Mere Green

Team: Harvey, Sam, Ilani, Harvey, Eddie, Samim, Kian, Oakley, Cameron, Kye and Tion

Scorers: Cameron x 2, Oakley x 2, Tion and Sam

 

With Christmas fast approaching and a winter chill in the air, the young lads of Erdington and Saltley gathered for some festive cheer. After four wins out of four, the Under 10s were determined to make it a High Five as they took on Mere Green.

As the game started it quickly became clear that the game was going to be slightly different from the games over the recent weeks – more physical and frenetic. The first half followed much of the same pattern, with Mere Green closing us down in numbers. We didn’t help ourselves in the early exchanges as we crowded the ball and made the pitch narrow. However, as the half went on, the quality of our play increased steadily. This allowed us to enter half time with a 2-0 lead, courtesy of a goal from Oakley and a second from Cameron.

At half time Tonn and I talked to the lads about getting the ball out wide and remaining patient, insisting that more chances would come our way. This is exactly what happened. With the lads spreading the ball out wide at every opportunity, The Ton looked more composed in attack and scored a further four goals. I’m not sure of the order, but I know Sam got on the score sheet, along with Tion and a second goal for both Cameron and Oakley.

One of the most pleasing aspects of tonight’s play was the fact that the lads rolled their sleeves up and did the dirty work just as well as they did the pretty stuff. Mere Green were tough competition and a credit to their club, playing physically but very fair. This is the first time that the under 10s have come up against anything like this and they came away having done themselves proud.

With every passing game, Tonn and I get even more excited about the future! It’s now up to the Under 11s to see if they can pull off another win tomorrow when they take on Aston.

 

Man of the Match – Cameron

 

Up The Ton!

You may or may not be aware, but when the lads go to secondary school the district team becomes Aston, Erdington, Saltley and Sutton. This means there is even more competition for places. However, five of last season’s team made it into the Under 12s district team and Tonn and I went to watch them in action today.

Our former captain Dermot Mee was between the sticks, and he is once again the captain of his district. On the right wing there was the lightening quick Ramello Mitchell and on the left, the technically gifted Ethan Pearce, using his wand of a left foot to create magic at every opportunity.

Although neither Michael nor Amari were playing today, it was great to watch our former lads in action. We weren’t disappointed either, as they beat Nuneaton 5-0, with Ramello scoring two of the five goals. Well done lads!

 

Up The Ton!