Friday 28th November 2014 @ Heartlands Academy

Erdington and Saltley Under 10s  8 – 0 Sutton Town Cyclones

Team: Harvey, Kye, Harvey, Ilani, Troy, Kane, Tion, Kian, Samim, Eddie, Sam

Scorers: Kane x 2, Troy x 2, Tion, Kian, Samim and Sam

 

Tonight’s match report is not much of a report if truth be known as my memory has completely failed me in my hour of need! I can’t remember the order of goals or even the type of goals. However, I can remember the characteristics that ran throughout all of our play – hard work, tekkers and neat passing.

 

However before I ramble on, I would like to say a huge thanks to Sutton Town Cyclones for a great game and for the great attitude shown by all of their lads, from start to finish. They were a credit to their jersey and did their managers John and Paul proud. I would also like to apologise to John on Troy’s behalf for the ball in the face welcome that he received!

 

The Ton started off brightly, scoring shortly after kick off. With Kane performing his captain’s duties in abundance, the centre of the park belonged to us during the opening stages of the game. Our play was crisp and positive from the outset. However, despite having a large amount of the ball, we could only manage a 2-0 lead after the first half. That was thanks in no small part to the Sutton Town keeper who pulled off a string of class saves.

 

The second half saw a raft of changes, in terms of both personnel and positions. However, far from leaving the lads disorientated, it seemed to invigorate The Ton as we went on to turn our possession into a score-line dominance. From 2-0 up, we ended the game 8-0 winners after the goals flowed in at regular intervals. Even though I can’t remember the exact details of the goals (neither can Tonn, although you’re lucky if he remembers your name!) I do remember the camaraderie and team spirit that was on show and that is fast becoming a feature of our play. The boys have really struck up a great bond with each other and this bodes well for the future.

 

Man of the Match – This is a tricky one, as every player performed with distinction, especially the three under 9 lads. Nevertheless, captain Kane pips it this week for his mature all-round performance and exceptional work rate.

 

Up The Ton

 

http://gpsfa.brinkster.net/matchreport22Nov14.html

Click on the above link to be redirected to the Gloucester website and their report on Saturday’s match.

Saturday 22nd November 2014 @ Longlevens School, Gloucester

Gloucester 1 – 5 Erdington and Saltley

Team: Harvey, Shaun, Brandon, Teon, Jermaine, Troy, Tyrese, Kane, Shilo. Hayden, Kye

 

 

Driving to the game I was suddenly hit with the realisation that I hadn’t packed my flippers. The rain was coming down so hard that I could hardly see where I was driving. Luckily the clouds parted, allowing the sun to break through, soon after our arrival in Gloucester. As ever, our hosts were pure class, taking care of our every need and treating the boys like pros. I always look forward to an away day at Gloucester! With a bit of luck, we’ll have such a setup our selves one day in the not too distant future. For now we’ll make do with mismatching shorts, unflushable toilets and our great team spirit to get us through!

 

The game couldn’t have started any better, with Tyrese smashing in a first-time shot early in the game. The St. Joe’s midfielder was at his best today, using his strength, vision and teckers to keep the team ticking over from the heart of the pitch. More pleasing, his attitude was perfect as illustrated by the arm he put around Harvey’s shoulder immediately after The Gunter keeper conceded a penalty to leave the scores at 2-1 (although it was a class penalty and there was nothing he could do!). Prior to the pen, The Ton scored a second through Marsh Hill wing wizard Troy. A week after celebrating his tenth birthday, the Blues star jinked in and out before slotting the ball home. Once again he demonstrated the telepathic understanding that he has with fellow Year 5 player Kane, with both lads linking up well shortly before the goal, as well as many times after.

The second half saw the introduction of Hayden and yet another Year 5, Kye. With the average age of the team falling, the quality of the football did nothing of the kind. Our third goal came courtesy of Hayden who finished from close range after good work from someone or another down the wing (you know what my memory is like!). The fourth goal was a toe poke from distance from captain Shilo, who deserved it following a return to form today. With the game closing and with the chips being served up, Shaun side footed into the bottom right hand corner following trickery down the left of the highest order from Troy. It was Biggy’s first district goal of the season and it was clear to see from the way everyone ran over to him that the lads were more than pleased for their popular teammate.

 

Overall I think this was our best performance of the season and everyone of you should be incredibly proud of your efforts. We’ve got a tough game next week against unbeaten Redditch so we better make sure we bring more of the same to that match.

 

Man of the Match – Tyrese

I’m sure Tyrese won’t mind me saying this, but last season there were times when he acted like me as a 15 year old! I remember me as a 15 year old and I was a moody pain! However this season he is a new man. Mature, hard working and always looking to encourage his teammates. Well done Mr Nolan! What a class young man!

 

The final word should be saved for Gloucester who as ever were hosts of the highest quality. Thank you everyone associated with this fine district and good luck for the rest of the season.

 

Up The Ton!