Sunday saw EBUFC U8’s entertain Feering Falcons Blues as league games resumed in the Colchester & District Youth Football League.
Following on from a warm up match versus friendly local rivals Capel the previous weekend we went into the game with great confidence. The three months break hasn’t appeared to have affected the boys when it comes to football, as they all have been listening, eager and gagging to play footie again with a smile on their faces.
The Capel match also saw the addition to the squad of CM, who is now available to participate in league fixtures until the end of the season. Due to the postponement of football during the lockdown the league has now been extended to end of June !!
So, to the football….
A glorious yet slightly chilly morning met both teams for a 10.00 KO at Flatford Lane Ground.
Feering Falcons got off to a flying start with some really good passing football against a determined and dogged EBUFC side. Tough tackles from HS & GD stopping them in their tracks and scarily direct and powerful counterattacks in response. This was going to be a beautiful example of what U8’s youth football should be about.
Fun, action, end to end, misses, goals, smiles and celebrations.
Feering finally notched after some previous good saves from FT before WJ, ruthlessly punishing them on a quick counter attack. BM growing in confidence and looking to pass after making tackles in midfield alongside little dynamo HS. GD showing his ongoing development by receiving the ball from the keeper, showing composure and looking to play up field to a team mate before rotations kicked in with WJ taking on that defensive role.
All boys rotating, learning positions and responsibilities. The main thing learning about the importance of being a team and supporting / helping your mates.
HP coming on upfront, battling hard and creating problems for the Feering defence. WJ, despite being a defender surging forward still and having the confidence to look up and strike the ball from distance. Good decisions starting to be made over the pitch. When to run / dribble and when to pass or shoot. WJ yet again finding space to notch to complete his brace for the weekend before Feering responded just before the break.
2nd half kicked off and we were up and running..end to end stuff…huffing and puffing from both sides. Feering playing some good football causing a few problems, whilst FS defended amazingly protecting his twin HS between the sticks. Defenders passing the ball up the pitch into space and feet, tackles and long range shots. Good passing and attacking play from both sides made me wonder if my heart will survive after 3 months with no footie !
MA working tirelessly in midfield as expected breaking up play, GD coming close on a couple of occasions only being thwarted by the Goalie, passes being pushed through to FT upfront, who used his strength and power to get some shots away. Both keepers pulling off some quite incredible saves, some to be honest I don’t think they really knew about but….
Feering notched again as the final whistle loomed….the tension at the ground could be cut with a butterknife….
Shots, pressure, excitement, wave after wave of attacks at both ends before FS stepped up. HP taking on defensive duties pushing FS further on saw a delightful touch, control and run down the wing, skipping a tackle before looking up and striking a beautiful shot into the net !
AND the crowd went bonkers !!!! all spoils shared ! what a game …..all I needed now was an afternoon kip in the sunshine to recover.
The future is bright, the future is Green
#Greenarmy