Saturday 29th September @ Braemar Road

Sutton Coldfield 2 – 3 Erdington and Saltley

On a crisp September morning, Erdington and Saltley locked horns with local rivals and fellow Braemar tenants, Sutton Coldfield. Despite being warned about starting sluggishly, The Ton found themselves a goal behind inside the first ten minutes, which I suppose is longer than it took last time we played Sutton! Our rivals most definitely started the better and were in control  of the game when we nicked an equaliser against the run of play through a Jayden free kick. Even though I had specifically told the lads that Michael was on free kick duty, Jayden took aim and fired in an unstoppable bullet of a finish from the left hand side of the area. That shows what I know about the art of free kick taking! Nothing!

Jayden’s second goal of the season was the motivation we needed and from that point until the end of the half, it was all one way traffic. Playing downhill and with the wind behind us, The Ton managed to take the lead thanks to a smart Bailey goal, finishing off a near post corner from Michael. The lads were well and truly pumped up now and scored a carbon copy third with Sahib finishing off another Michael near post corner. With both strikers getting on the scoresheet and Callum and Ellis Jay causing Sutton problems down either wing, Erdington and Saltley came in at half time in a commanding position.

The main focus of the half time team talk was about keeping it tight and clearing our lines, especially now that we were playing uphill. As expected, Sutton Coldfield threw everything at us during the second period and had the majority of possession. At times it wasn’t pretty to watch but the boys stood strong and held on for the victory, despite conceding a second goal with ten minutes remaining. Nevertheless, there were still moments of attacking gold, with Callum causing them a number of problems on the break.

After two ‘friendly’ defeats to Sutton Coldfield it was great to finally get three points off our talented neighbours. Roll on South Birmingham next Saturday. South Birmingham are always an exceptionally strong team and from what I have heard, this year is no exception. Enjoy your week lads and prepare for a huge battle next weekend!

 

Team: Alex T, William (Josh F), Sam, Jayden, Michael, Ellis Jay, Callum, Josh S, Trey, Sahib (Alex F), Bailey (Cedric)

Goals: Jayden, Bailey, Sahib

Referee’s MOM: Josh S

Next Match: South Birmingham; Away; League; Saturday 6th October

Saturday 22nd September @ Braemar Road 

Erdington and Saltley 1 -3 Sutton Coldfield

• Goal – Jayden

Erdington and Saltley 3 – 1 Aston

• Goals – Callum, Treymaine, Bailey

 

A week after being thrown together as a bunch of strangers, Erdington and Saltley proved that they belong on the district stage with two vastly improved performances.

 

First up was Sutton Coldfield. With my pre-match team talk clearly not having the intended impact, Sutton Coldield were allowed to take a lead inside the first minute of the game. However, even though it would have been easy for the lads to give up at this point, they rallied together and equalised thanks to a direct Jayden free kick. However, once again we let our concentration levels slip a little and conceded two avoidable goals. Between the goals there were most definitely positives to be taken from the match. We looked more confident on the ball and made a series of composed passes. Furthermore, our communication was excellent at times, even if it wasn’t maintained throughout the whole match. A good start to the day in my opinion.

 

After a short break we faced Aston. As ever, Aston were a strong, skilful and very talented bunch of players. Any nerves were put to bed early on in the game when we did to Aston, what Sutton had done to us. Taking the ball up on the right of midfield, the ever dangerous Callum knocked it past his marker before driving on into the box and slotting the ball under the keeper after only a couple of minutes. After spending most of the match keeping Aston’s danger man quiet, Trey ventured forwards with the ball and just kept on going! Bursting into the area he beat the onrushing keeper to give The Ton a two goal lead. The goals didn’t stop there though. Substitue Bailey got his name on the scoresheet after running onto a through ball played by fellow substitute, Cedric. Cool and composed, Bailey rifled the ball past the keeper using the outside of his boot. However, there was still time for even more excitement after the Aston left winger scored with a stunning strike from wide left.

 

One of the biggest positives to come out of the morning for me, apart from the victory, was the willingness of players to play in positions that may differ from their usual Sunday morning role. District football is far stronger than Sunday football and therefore players are often asked to play in a position that they may not be accustomed with. However, Ellis Jay, Jayden, Callum, Josh F and Sam all excelled in positions that may not have been their favourite. In the long run this will make them more balanced and gifted footballers and in the short term, it will make us a stronger team. Well done lads and thank you for your efforts today.

 

Role on next week! Sutton at home in our first league match of the season.

 

Team vs. Sutton – Alex T, William, Josh F, Sam, Jayden, Darelle, Trey, Cedric, Alex F, Bailey, Karter

Team vs. Aston – Alex T, William (Cedric), Jayden, Michael, Ellis Jay, Callum, Trey, Josh S, Ethan, Zane (Bailey), Sahib

Referees’s MOM – Treymaine

 

Up The Ton!