Saturday 4th January 2014 @ Braemar Road

Erdington and Saltley  P – P  South Birmingham

Midland Challenge Cup

Following two early morning pitch inspections, I had no choice but to postpone the game due to the amount of surface water that remained on the pitch from the overnight rain. All I can say is…roll on Saturday 11th January and the visit of Nottingham. This will be a huge test as they are the biggest district team that we have played this season. However, we showed against Gloucester that we can compete with larger districts and I see no reason why we can’t do it again.

Enjoy your week lads.

Up The Ton!

Saturday 14th December 2013 @ Braemar Road
Midland Challenge Cup
Erdington and Saltley 4-1 Gloucester

Scorers: Shilo x 2 and Amari x 2
Team: Dermot, Callum, Alex, Leyton, Michael, Amari, Ramello, Kruize, Shilo
Subs: Kieran and Marc

The ton turned on the style once again following the awesome performance against Sutton Coldfield last weekend. It’s no secret, but we haven’t been the best at starting games this season, often finding ourselves behind early on. However that changed last week and continued this week when Raemllo burst down the right and planted the ball on Shilo’s head, who expertly buried the chance. Constant Ton pressure paid off before half time when the young forward claimed his second of the he game after slotting the ball through the legs of the keeper. Overall it was a great half of football from The Ton. One which saw every player taking responsibility for their actions and great attacking football all over the pitch. Nevertheless, Gloucester had two chances to score, both of which were saved bravely by Dermot ‘The Cat’ Mee. Like I said, everyone played their part in a great first half.

Despite the best efforts of myself and Ton to confuse the lads during the second half, they managed to ignore the constant substitutions, changing of positions and three different formations to add a further two goals. Now that’s the sign of a good team! This time round it was the turn of Amari to claim a double. First he jinked his way into the box before striking on goal, only for his shot to take a slight deflection. The dubious goals’ panel decided….Amari’s goal!! Then he raced onto a rare Dermot goal kick and sprinted away from the defender before finishing to the keeper’s right. Gloucester scored late on, although Dermot wasn’t happy with his big brother…we’ll say no more! It would take a cold hearted man to deny that Gloucester deserved the goal for their efforts.

This performance was the perfect way to end a great 2013. Ton and I are incredibly lucky to get to work with you boys every week and we also have a great bunch of supportive parents too. Thank you everyone. The first half of the season has been full of amazing highs and a trophy win. Now let’s make sure that 2014 is even better!

Have a great Christmas lads and be good for your folks! See you all on January 4th 2014.

Up The Ton!

*****Update*****

Saturday was the first time Gloucester have lost a game this season. In fact, it is the only time this year that they haven’t won.

Man of the Match – Alex

Saturday 7th December 2013 @ Braemar Road

Erdington and Saltley 4 – 1 Sutton Coldfield

Team: Dermot; Callum, Leyton, Alex; Kruize (George), Ramello, Ethan, Michael; Amari

Scorers: Kruize, Alex, Ethan, Michael

Man of the Match: Callum

Derby matches can sometimes be exceptionally scrappy affairs, with neither team wanting to lose. However, the Braemar Road Derby couldn’t have been any more entertaining, with both teams attacking at every opportunity. In what has to be considered a relative shock, The Ton never went behind and actually started the game on top! After going close on a number of occasions and with Amari causing all sorts of problems for the Sutton Coldfield defence, The Ton took the lead through Kruize. Bursting through the defence, Amari chipped the ball over the onrushing keeper and with the ball heading just wide of the far post, Kruize darted in to poke the ball home. Further chances came and went but The Ton were unable to extend their lead. Nevertheless, with a clean sheet at half time, we were all happy.

Young Kruize was given a rest at half time and George came into the team on the left of midfield. It should be noted that George, just like Leyton, was playing out of position and just like Leyton, he performed admirably. Back to the action…The Ton continued to throw everything they had at Sutton and would have scored a few more if it hadn’t been for some fine saves by the Sutton Keeper. The constant pressure paid off when Alex ghosted in on the back post to stab an Ethan corner into the net. Once again Amari was causing Sutton lots of problems up front and the midfield four were passing the ball with pace, as well as doing the ‘dirty work’ when they didn’t have the ball. With The Ton on top, Sutton Coldfield snatched a goal back despite Alex’s best efforts to clear the ball off the line. With Sutton very much back in the game, Ethan smashed home an unstoppable shot after superbly controlling the ball on the edge of the area. Long distance goals are becoming the midfielder schemer’s signature! Moments later, after being given offside on several occasions, Amari sprinted clear of the Sutton back three before cutting the ball back for Michael to finish.

With three players absent due to their academy commitments, The Ton stood up and were counted. Without a shadow of a doubt, this was our best all round performance of the season. We have previously played amazingly well in spells but never for the whole match like we did against Sutton.  Every player played to their very best and should be immensely proud of their performance (even if they didn’t score a goal Amari!) and this was the perfect way to respond to the defeat to South Birmingham two weeks ago.

The league takes a back seat now until the end of January and cup football comes to the forefront with Gloucester visiting Birmingham next week. This will be the first time that Gloucester have traveled to Braemar Road to play The Ton and I’m incredibly excited about the tough challenge that they’ll pose. It’s sure to be an epic game!

Enjoy your week boys!

Up The Ton!