Under 9s enjoy high scoring match

Pete managed the team, captained by Matt, to one defeat and a well earned draw.

The first game showed the opposition had technical ability and speed to win the ball and control it well. However in the second game we came out stronger and kept our heads high. Both games demonstrated we are starting to show a team structure which comes from player awareness of positioning and movement off the ball.

Training day is for working on technique and match day is for developing tactics and teamwork. Working hard on both days will lead to player progression and quality football.

Between the sticks once more was reliable Toby with Bradley up front scoring a wonderful individual goal in the first match.

Jonnie played a more forward role in our second match and has given us good options for future games in the way the team can alter its tactics.

Central midfield is a natural fit for George, making insightful runs to support the attack and heading back to support his defence – it’s box to box running which only the fittest survive.

Morgan and Finn were providers from wide and able to give good crosses and support the forward play. A notable example was Finn winning the ball wide right, making a strong run with the ball down to the byline and unselfishly playing the ball across the goal mouth for a goal opportunity. It’s this sort of football which is pleasing to the eye and pulls the team together.

Matt, Dillon and Jamie played a deeper role. With concentration and bravery, they can win the ball cleanly, control it and make a controlled telling pass. It’s the basis for a good football team.

We had a plan of attack with the corners which worked in the first match yielding one goal and more importantly not being left so vulnerable at the back. Next week we will plan to defend corners in order to counter attack and play a simple passing game from the goal kick, which should yield an attacking opportunity rather than put pressure on our own defence.

We have the makings of a solid team - well done

The other Aylesbury team managed by Lee had a good first game creating many chances, some of which were converted, some of which forced excellent saves from the oppositon goalkeeper.

Adopting the same tactics as last week's games the team passed the ball quickly up field to Josh C who held the ball up well to bring Josh H, Andrew, Oliver and Harry into the game whilst Alfie held the fort at the back. Kaelin kept goal as realiably as ever whilst Jacob replaced Oliver in the second half of the first game to provide a fresh pair of legs to ensure we could see the game through to a winning conclusion.

The second game was a much different affair and provided great entertainment for the watching parents and family members.

Oliver replaced Kaelin in goal whilst Alfie dropped to the bench which meant that Jacob started the game in midfield and applied the same qualities to his game as he does when playing in defence - good pressing of the ball, effective tackling and simple passing.

Josh H, Harry and Andrew provided the engine room of the team again although the team soon founds themselves two goals down.

Pleasingly Andrew pulled a goal back just before half time and shortly after half time Josh H scored the much deserved equaliser. There then followed a sustained period of Aylesbury pressure but the much desired winning goal didn't arrive.

In the final minute of the game Loudwater won a corner and managed to convert the chance they created to secure a win for them in a really good game.

All in all a good morning's work for this team. When this team pass the ball and play to each other's strength they really look like making things happen. Special mentions go to Oliver whose performances are improving week on week and his solid performance in goal in the second game earnt him the day's Man of the Match award and Josh H who tireless runs from defence cause problems for every team we face.

Both teams are in action again on Saturday when we take on our friends from Bedgrove Dynamos in a friendly. The games between these two sides are always competitive and entertaining.