Thursday 20th August 2020 @ Yardley and District Rugby Club, Shard End

Arden Forest u11s 0 – 7 Erdington and Saltley u11s

Team: Benji, Jack, Reo, Rion, Cairo, Uzi, Rhys, Lennon, Dylan, Kyle, Andrius, Ebrima and Mathaar

Goals: Lennon x 2 , Andrius, Rhys, Kyle, Ebrima and Reo

Assists: Ebrima, Andrius, Kyle, Lennon and Dylan

Man of the Match: Lennon – A captain’s performance from the centre of the park, full of energy and drive.

Five days after the curtain was brought down on the 2019/20 season, the 2020/21 season started with a performance packed full of promise and excitement.

Against a talented Arden Forest side, the boys started the new season by bagging seven goals and keeping a clean sheet. More impressively, they played with energy, pride and excited all in attendance. From the outset of the game, the boys closed down their opponents and pressed across the pitch, before driving forward whenever the opportunity arose.

With new captain Lennon producing a performance his predecessor Markie would have been proud of, the boys refused to let their opponents settle into their stride. Yet despite creating a number of promising chances, we ended the first-third all square at 0-0.

Everything we discussed during the break was about the need to remain positive and to enjoy our football. A slight tweak to the team saw Dylan move into the middle of the park and link up brilliantly with Lennon and Ebrima came in up front, causing all sorts of problems with his pace and link-up play. Consequently the goals started to flow, with Ebrima at the heart of the first two, scoring one and setting up another. Central defender Reo scored the third after weaving his way up the pitch and shooting from distance. All in all, it was a superb period for the boys.

With the scoreline now 3-0 to The Ton, the boys started the final third determined to put the game to bed. Andrius moved to the wing from his central position and started to have a bigger impact on the game before deservedly getting his name on the score sheet, along with fellow winger Kyle. A two goals came during this twenty minute period, with Lennon bagging himself a brace after a tireless performance.

Overall it was a great way to kick off the new era and one that left everyone thirsty for more!

Well done boys!

Up The Ton!

Saturday 15th August 2020 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale

Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA Cup Final

Team: Danny, Reo, Kortney, Joshua, Lennon, Markie, Keon, Jason, Chase, Kayden

Man of the Match: Markie – 7 goals to make it 96 for the season!

 

Erdington and Saltley 4-0 South Birmingham

Goals: Markie x 4

 

Erdington and Saltley 4-0 Aston

Goals: Markie x 3 and Kayden

 

Erdington and Saltley under 10s W-L Sutton Town u10s

Team: Jack, Benji, Yaw, Rion, Leeson, Younussa, Omari, Kyle, Rhys, Andrius, Kian, Mahliq, Tobi and Uzi

Goals: Andrius x 4, Kian x 2, Rhys x 2, Younussa x 2, Kyle x 3 and Uzi

Man of the Match: Andrius

 

COVID19 prolonged the season deep into the summer months, normally reserved for cricket. So good have the boys of 2019/20 been that we simply couldn’t let things end with lockdown. Therefore, the Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA Cup, normally played at the start of May, was contested in mid-August in a three-way round robin format.

In our opening game, the boys started a little nervy, which was to be expected having not played as a team for five months! Around the half-way point in the opening game, Markie thundered a low drive in off the post to settle the nerves and spur his team to move up a gear. From this point on, the boys bossed the game, restricting South to a few counter attacks, albeit dangerous ones.

With Chase marshaling the line superbly and holding the ball up for his midfield, the dangerous foursome of Lennon, Keon, Jason and Markie were able to build wave, after wave of excellent attacks.

A further three goals from Markie meant we went into the Aston game knowing a win would clinch us the prestigious Chris Smith Cup.

With Markie in intimidating form, the boys settled their nerves quickly as our talismanic captain side footed home followed some excellent work from his midfield peers. Shortly after Markie wrapped up his hat-trick, Kayden cut in from the right wing and took the ball away from his marker following a deft touch, before slotting the ball past the onrushing keeper.

A second 4-0 victory meant the boys lift the BPSFA Cup for the third time since 2016. As well as making it five trophies for the season, they also banished the ghosts of the 2019 final when we were soundly beaten by South Birmingham, with Lennon, Markie, Danny and Ethan playing that day.

The above would suggest the morning was all about the attackers, but two clean sheets was testament to the resolute work of Danny, Reo, Kortney and Joshua, the latter two who were playing out of position. Clean sheets have not always been easy to come by this season, so to get a pair of them in one morning is something to be very pleased with!

So the season that was cut short by an international pandemic finally came to a close. Overall, despite the obvious disappointment of missing out on the next round of the nationals and the West Midlands County Cup final, the boys have had an outrageously brilliant season. A few of the highlights include:

• Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA League winners
• Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA Cup winners
• Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA 7-a-side winners
• West Midlands County Schools’ FA 7-a-side winners
• Midlands Challenge Cup winners
• Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA Futsal runners-up
• 22 9-a-side games played, 21 wins
• Markie Meade scored 96 goals to add to the 62 he scored during 2018/19 (159 goals in total)
• Ethan Mee became the record appearance maker for The Ton after racking up 69 games across three seasons
• Danny, Ethan, Hughey, Joshua, Kayden and Markie represented Birmingham after being picked for the city team to play Leeds

The final word regarding this team has to be in praise of their attitude and the support given by the parents. On and off the pitch, it has been a dream this season. Supremely talented, with a desire to win and an incredible attitude, these boys will go far!

Thank you lads. It has been our pleasure!

Up The Ton!

 

Saturday 7th March 2020 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale

Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA Under 11s League

Erdington and Saltley 6-2 Sutton Coldfield

Team: Danny, Cory, Hughey, Oscar, Jahkadi, Reo, Joshua, Ethan, Markie, Jason, Kortney, Kayden, Chase, Ebrima, Omari and Kyle

Goals: Markie x 4, Kortney and Jahkadi

Man of the Match: Markie – Unplayable

After losing a close encounter to South Birmingham a fortnight ago, the boys were determined to end their title-winning campaign with a victory over Sutton Coldfield.

The Royals, who play superb fast paced football and counter with ease, posed a real threat to the Ton’s ambitions. Yet an excellent team performance ensured the boys ended the league season with 21 points from a possible 24. This was even more impressive considering we have a squad of 16 players, meaning 7 subs to juggle!

With a continuously changing lineup and formation, it would have been understandable if the boys had failed to get into their stride. However, this was not the case and after ten minutes of the game, the boys were in complete control after a Markie stunner and smart Kortney finish from a great team move.

A further three goals for Markie, including two more superb long distance strikes, meant our captain moved onto 89 goals for the season.

The loudest cheer of the day was reserved for in-form fullback Jahkadi, whose looping shot from outside the area brought whoops and hollers from all in attendance. His first goal of the season was definitely worth the wait.

As always, it is easy for the scorers to take the limelight, yet this victory was built on a united squad, rather than any individual, no matter how good they were. Each one of the lads slotted in, regardless of the position that they were asked to play and had an impact on the game. Almost all of the boys played in at least two different positions and excelled in everything that they did.

After the match, one of the boys innocently remarked that, “We are a really good team. I love it.” He wasn’t wrong. But while he may have been referencing the football ability of the lads, I believe they’re a really good team because of their exemplary attitude and understanding that the good of the team comes before any personal glory.

Well done boys!

Up The Ton!

Saturday 29th February 2020 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale

West Midlands County Schools’ FA Cup – Semi-final

Erdington and Saltley 6-1 Sandwell

Team: Danny, Hughey, Oscar, Jahkadi, Ethan, Joshua, Kortney, Kayden, Kyle, Omari and Uzi

Goals: Ethan, Omari, Kortney x 2 and Kayden

Man of the Match: Jahkadi – continues to go from strength to strength!

After the disappointment of last week and our first defeat of the season, we bounced back in style to secure a place in the final of the West Midlands County Schools’ FA Cup for the sixth time in seven seasons.

Our superb record in this prestigious competition was under threat prior to the Sandwell game, due to the fact that 8 members of the squad were absent. With only 8 players available one hour prior to kick off, we had to rope in Uzi, Omari and Kyle from the under 10s. Despite having just played a game with their u10s peers, the trio of young swashbucklers definitely enhanced the squad and made a great impression on all of us!

Even though he picked up an early knock, it was on-form Kortney whose brace gave us an early lead that we refused to surrender despite Sandwell testing us on numerous occasions.

With top scorer and captain Markie absent, the goals were shared out amongst the team. Thanks to some excellent teamwork and inter-play amongst the lads, we looked a threat with every attack.

We were all in agreement that this was by far our best team performance of the season and the one game that we are most proud of to date. Every one of the boys stepped their game up to another level and were determined to compensate for the absence of so many players.

It truly was a stunning team showing and one that’ll live long in our memory.

Today’s game proved that good teams win you games BUT good squads win you competitions.

Well done boys!

Up The Ton!

Saturday 22nd February 2020 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale

Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA Under 11s League

Erdington and Saltley 3-4 South Birmingham

Team: Danny, Corey, Ethan, Jahkadi, James, Oscar, Reo, Joshua, Kayden, Kortney and Jason

Goals: Chase, Jason and Ethan

Under 10s Representative Match

Erdington and Saltley u10s 2-4 Gloucester Under 10s

Goals: Mahliq and Omari

As the Met Office worked its way through an alphabet of storms, we found ourselves on the letter D as Dennis ripped through B35 and the Vale Stadium.

Any chance of attractive, intelligent football was blown away by the time both games commenced at 9:00am, yet credit to the boys, they gave it their best shot.

The under 10s played out three superb quarters and were only undone by one quarter when Gloucester were much better than us. Other than that fifteen minute spell, we held our own and created problems for our Southern friends. Alas, despite moments of magic, it was Gloucester who continued their season-long hoodoo over us and made it a trio of wins against the boys from The Ton.

After winning our first 14 9-a-side games of the season, we were left to rue a couple of moments of misfortune and a lapse in concentration as South Birmingham became the first team to beat us this season. Our southern rivals fought back from 3-1 down to deservedly take all three points on a blustery morning on the Vale.

While the result was dissapointing, we all agreed after the game that it meant absolutely nothing and would not prevent us from pushing on in what has been a historic season.

Next up, a semi-final and a chance to immediately rectify the mistakes from today.

Well done boys!

Up The Ton!

Saturday 15th February 2020 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale

Erdington u10s A 4-8 Sutton Coldfield u10s A

Team: Morgan, Olaf, Shaun, Kyle, Dylan, Younussa, Yaw, Rhys, Kian, CaIro, Shane, Andrius, Omari and Uzi

Goals: Kian x 2, Dylan and Kyle

Man of the Match: Cairo – another committed and selfless performance from a true team player

Erdington u10s B 3 – 1 Sutton Coldfield u10s B

Team: Olaf, Remi, Sidney, Tobi, Taio, Jack, Daniel, Mattar, Ayaan, Oliver, Marshall and Shae

Goals: Mattar x 2 and Uzi

Man of the Match: Sidney – best game of the season

As always, it was a cold morning at Vale Stadium. The seemingly never ending bitter winter meant the boys once again played in their jumpers!

Yet despite the far from appealing weather, the boys played some excellent football as both sides battled it out with near neighbours Sutton Coldfield in a pair of cracking games!

The B team game saw debutante Mattar bag a brace of goals to cap off an incredibly positive showing. In becoming the first Thornton pupil to represent the district in decades, the diminutive winger made a great impression with his relentless raids down the wing.

The victory was wrapped up thanks to a stunning strike from Uzi, whose form over recent weeks has been a huge positive.

On the adjacent pitch, the A team battled it out with Sutton A in a barnstorming encounter. With goals flying in from every direction, it was a great game for the neutral. Despite Kian’s brace and the encouraging effort of the boys, Sutton managed to stretch their lead during the final third.

Alas, the result might not have gone our way, but there were still plenty of positives to take from the encounter, not least the huge signs of improvement since we played Sutton A before Christmas.

Well done boys!

Up the Ton!

Saturday 8th February 2020 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale

Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA League

Erdington and Saltley 11-2 Aston

Team: Danny, Ethan, Hughey, Reo, Jahkadi, Oscar, Kayden, Ebrima, Markie, Joshua, Chase and Kyle

Goals: Markie x 8, Kortney x 2 and Oscar

Man of the Match: Markie – with 8 goals and 3 assists, it’s hard to look past our captain who led by example from the first whistle to the last

With a 100% record to date in the league, the stage was set for the boys to retain the Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA league title as they locked horns with Aston for the first time since losing to them in a pulsating futsal final a month ago.

Twenty-four hours before the predicted chaos of storm Ciara, it was the collective ferocity of storm Ton that blew Vale Stadium away following our best performance of the season. The opening 40 minutes was near to perfection.

After 13 minutes, Markie and Kortney had combined to notch two goals apiece and give the boys a start they could only have dreamed of. All four goals had a touch of class about them, with Markie bagging a brace of stunning free kicks and Kortney finishing two fine team moves of fast, intricate passing and movement.

The start of the second period saw a raft of changes. This came with an obvious health warning and the boys were told to be alert to a possible dip in performance. However, the four boys who entered the field of play (Kayden, Jahkadi, Oscar and Ebrima) helped push the performance to greater heights.

A further five goals from Markie and a poacher’s strike from Oscar saw the scoreline grow to 10-0 as the second period ended. Yet despite the one-sided nature of the score, Aston were playing well. The boys in claret were creating chances but even when they did get past the superb Ethan, they were thwarted by Danny. The boys from B6 continued to give their all for their district but they simply came up against a Ton side at the peak of its powers.

As the final third ticked over, Aston scored a second goal to add to the first they netter at the end of the second period, with Markie netting his eighth and final goal on a morning of scintilating football.

The three points earned means we are 8 and 11 points clear of South and Sutton, who have 2 and 3 games left respectively.

This has been a season of utter joy. One where the whole squad has played its part, including Cory, Lennon and Keon who were absent today. The unity amongst the boys has made it a season to remember and there’s still plenty more to play for yet!

Well done boys!

Up The Ton!

Champions!

Monday 27th January 2020 @ Goals, Perry Barr

Birmingham Primary Schools’ FA Cup

Aston 6-2 Erdington and Saltley

In Arctic-like conditions, the girls battled and fought to the bitter end on an evening when they showed their commitment to the team. While the result suggests we were rolled over, that couldn’t be any further from the truth.

A huge amount of credit must go to a buoyant Aston, who were excellent on the night and we wish them the very best of luck in the next round. Yet, we are equally proud of our girls too. On a night when it would have been easy for their heads to drop and spirits to be dashed, they played with determination and pride.

There were more than enough positives to suggest the second half of the campaign can be one of cheer.

Well done girls!

Up The Ton!

Saturday 25th February 2020 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale

Erdington and Saltley u10s 3-0 Aston u10s

Jack, Yaw, Rhys, Uzi, Dylan, Kyle, Kian, Andrius, Omari, Younussa, Shane, Cairo and Kaiden

Goals: Dylan, Uzi and Omari

Man of the Match: Uzi – an attacking threat from fullback all game

Erdington and Saltley u10s 2-3 Sutton u10s B

Olaf, Jack, Daniel, Taiwo, Shane, Kaided, Kyle, Marshall, Tobi, Isiah, Oliver, Lewis, Sydney, Shae and Remi

Goals: Kyle and Kaiden

Man of the Match: Kyle – a debut to remember

What an enjoyable morning of football. Simply brilliant.

Both teams were a credit to the district. Both teams played some superb football. Both teams brought joy to everyone in attendance.

In an end to end encounter with Sutton Coldfield, the boys in white dazzled as they fought back from a goal down to level with the last kick of the opening third. In their first ever 9-a-side game, the boys played as a team, as they passed the ball with intent. Debutante Kyle was at the heart of everything positive about the team, pulling the strings from centre midfield and attacking and defending in true box-to-box style.

After the second third somehow passed without either side adding to their total, the third period saw another three goals scored in what turned out to be one of our most entertaining games of the campaign.

On the adjacent pitch, the boys in black were equally impressive, beating Aston 3-0. With the goals coming from Uzi, Omari and Dylan, the boys worked tirelessly throughout and put the team at the centre of everything in their best performance of the season.

With Yaw marshalling the defence and sweeping up danger from the threatening Aston forward line, the likes of Omari, Andrius and Uzi were able to attack down the wings to great success.

The final third saw Kyle join the team after impressing on debut for the white team. He slotted into the centre of the park and left all in attendance that he will undoubtedly offer a great deal to the team during the second half of the campaign.

As I said at the outset, it was a great morning for all involved and one that means we can’t wait for our next game!

Well done boys!

Up The Ton!

Saturday 18th January 2020 @ Vale Stadium, Castle Vale

Daniel Sturridge Cup 2020

Team: Danny, Reo, Lennon, Ethan, Keon, Jason, Ebrima and Joshua

Cory, Hughie, Kortney, Kayden, James, Oscar, Chase, Jahkadi, Yaw and Younussa

Goals: Kortney x 4, Chase x 3, Lennon x 3, Keon x 2, Ebrima, Kayden and Younussa

Played in honour of former Aston District footballer Daniel Sturridge, we have won this cup twice in the past six years but the 2020 edition eluded us on a morning that turned out to be a very frustrating one.

Comfortable in all of our league games, we were left to rue a number of missed chances, bad luck and agonisingly close efforts. Tight at the back and composed in possession, the boys gave themselves an footing in each fixture, only to see the goals for column fail to rack up the kind of numbers that would have ensured our safe passage into the semi-final.

Yet heading into the final group game of the day, the lads still had a chance of qualifying for the final, so close were the margins on a morning when no side truly got into first gear.

Overall, it was a morning of frustration but as always, there were many positives, not least, our defensive stability and attacking intent. On another morning, we would have bagged the goals needed to get out of the group and after that, who knows. Alas, there is always 2021!

Well done boys!

Up The Ton!