After the run we’ve had in the cup anyone would be forgiven for wanting it to be over and not have to travel through the rush hour traffic to houghton le spring.
From the second the kids got there you could see they were full of beans and really up for it. Pre game team talk was to stay positive, commit to passes and step into your passes. We also set the kids a challenge to close the opposition down within 3 seconds as from previous games we know they can wellie the ball and on the smaller pitch this could cost us. All of the above every kid did to perfection.

From the off we started really positive using the width of the pitch to get the ball up the pitch and putting it into the ‘danger area’ as we call it. We came close but couldn’t get anything into the ball. They had the first threatening attempt at goal but a solid Jack Steele kept up level with one of his many saves of the game. From this the ball fell to Charlie and he made a run at goal and didn’t hesitate bagging his first of the game. From this moment the kids could taste the victory and it was mainly us pushing them back into their own half, mainly because all they wanted to do was hoof the ball into our half and gamble on it. Half way in and the subs came off, full house tonight so 4 off 4 on. We had some good strings of passes between Jack, Mikey, Joe and Jacob but their brave keeper kept the pressure on us forcing us to either hesitate or rush the shot. It wasn’t too long tho before Joe won the ball around half way and danced thu the players and slipped one past the keeper.

Second half and we reverted back the starting 4 outfield to let the rest catch their breath. At this point we were in control and had them panicking when we closed them down. It was only a couple minutes in when they panicked and kicked the ball out for a throw which Joseph threw brilliantly to Charlie who one again didn’t hesitate and bagged his second. From the kick off we were still too busy celebrating and they walked thru us slotting one in the bottom corner past Jack, easy for the kids to get carried away once ahead after the run we’ve had lately. Straight form out kick off this time Lewis found Joseph who (with his favourite switch ball) played Charlie in, who had no right to bring the ball down as he did, megged one player, side stepped past another and left the keeper for dust 4-1. Second half when we made the subs I think in that 7.5 mins we had more attempts and chances than we did all game but we just couldn’t get that final ball. Final score 4-1

Brilliant performance from every single player tonight, each and everyone played a pivotal role to the win. We really wanted it tonight bad it showed.

Special mention to Jack S in goal who kept us in it at some important times in the game. And was close to scoring one himself!

Tonight’s MOTM was Charlie, hattrick and was a complete menace the whole time he was on the pitch. Well done Charlie!