Back into the Swing of Things

Having not played for three weeks and not trained for two the games were expected to be nothing but 'cobweb clearing' exercises but this did not prove the case as both teams served up four exciting games.

Team A managed for the day by Jon Foster consisted of Oliver F (GK), Igor C, Aqib Z, Jacob O, Harry G, Kaelin S, Nelson N and Malaky who was making his debut for the club.

Team A looked like they hadn't had an enforced break at they won their first game thanks not only to yet another brace of goals from Kaelin S but also the rock solid defence of Igor C and Aqib Z backed up by the in-form Oliver F in goal as well as the midfield tenacity and bite of Jacob O, Harry G (who had spent the previous two days poorly so showed great commitment to the team by turning out), Nelson N and Malaky.

Team A's second game didn't go as well result wise but performance wise they remained competitive at all times as the inevitable tiredness brought about by the enforced mid-season break kicked in.

Team B was managed by Lee and consisted of Ted S (GK), Josh H, Josh C, Ben P, Andrew C, Charlie B and Elliott B.

Unlike Team A Team B took a little while to settle down and were therefore unable to pick up a positive result in their first game. This game could however have easily gone our way on another day as the boys created more and more chances as the game wore on and it was only the superb form of the visiting goalkeeper and lady luck not being on our side that stopped us getting a draw.

Team A's second game was not one for the defensive purists. It was end to end stuff from the very first minute and we were unlucky not to take the lead when Elliott B hit the post. Our opponents did however manage to trouble the scorers and went in at half time 1-0 up.

The second half was real end to end stuff. A fine individual goal from Josh H saw us draw level before the now expected Andrew C goal saw us take a slim lead. These two players continue to be real assets to the club and will be key, key players as we move into the nine a side game next season.

Beaconsfield then pulled things back to 2-2 before a side foot finish from Josh C saw us regain the lead. The visitors equalised again before two late goals from Elliott B saw victory wrapped up.

Special mention must go to Ted S and Charlie B who stepped up from the under 9s to play this morning and both played every minute of every game with aplomb. It is reassuring to know that we have players ready, willing and able to step up an age group as and when required. I would also like to praise Ben P who is improving with every game played in defence and distributed the ball superbly at times during both games whilst also displaying a more traditional no nonsense approach when needed. He has the potential to develop into a real Jamie Carragher style defender as he gets older.

Manager Lee said of today's games - "I was pleasantly surprised at the standard of football on display given how long we have gone without games and training. It is a real testament to the progress the boys have made over the last year or so that they can have a prolonged break and come straight back and mix it with one of the best teams in our division. Hopefully the weather will settle down now and we can get back into a regular run of games."

The U10s are due to play their final development match of the season (all of March's games will be cup games) against Prestwood Colts next Sunday.