Under 8s step up to the plate

Report by Ian Sharp

Line-up
Ted (Gk), Charlie (D), Tino (D), Ryan (M), Fin (M), Callum (F) sub: Ethan

Game 1
The first game of the morning’s double header saw our U8s team stepping up to face Thame U9s.

The boys started well and it was hard to see the difference in age. Just as the boys began to grow in confidence they found themselves behind to the first goal of the game.
Some good play from Thame and a deflected shot which found the back of the net having come off of Charlie and deceived Ted in the Aylesbury goal. The boys responded well by trying to create some chances of their own. However, soon found themselves 2-0 down after further good play from Thame.

Rather than allowing the second goal to dampen their spirits the boys pushed on in an effort to get back in the game. Some excellent work in the midfield with Fin and Ryan passing the ball well enabled Ryan to send a defence splitting pass into the path of Callum. He took the pass well and one on one with the goalkeeper slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-1. A vital goal to take into the half-time break.

After the break Ethan came on to replace Charlie. With the aid of some fresh legs and playing with the wind in their favour the boys picked up where they left off. Another fine move with Ethan and Ryan, left Ryan with an opportunity on goal which he took with great maturity. The score now levelled at 2-2.

The goal seemed to kick start the Thame boys back into life and almost virtually from the restarted centre they took a further lead to go 3-2 up.

By this time the game had become quite stretched and the longer play and bigger pitch was taking its toll on our boys. Despite some resilient defensive work from Tino and fine saves from Ted the Thame boys scored again late on to go 4-2 up.

The game ended 4-2 to Thame but immense congratulations must be given to the Aylesbury U8s who put on a magnificent effort against a bigger, stronger U9s Thame side.

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Game 2
The second match of the morning was a much closer contest. Thame had an extra player available so it meant that all the boys were able to start with Charlie returning to the defence, Ethan in midfield to support Ryan and Fin and Callum to play upfront.

The first half was a very even affair with both teams missing chances. One of which saw Ted called into action to make a fine save. However, before the break Thame took the lead to go 1-0 up.

After the restart Aylesbury continued to work hard with Ryan, Callum and a long range effort from Ethan going close. Further pressure from Thame saw great defensive work from Charlie, Tino and a number of saves from Ted.

Unfortunately though Aylesbury were unable to break down the resilient Thame defence and the game ended 1-0 to Thame.

All in all an excellent effort from Aylesbury considering the step up to U9 level. Plenty of positives to take from both matches and we look forward to the upcoming matches and tournaments.