Having played them numerous times already including a pre-season friendly we wanted to see how we had progressed and developed since then. Lockdown doesn’t seem to have affected the boys and every single one were in fine form, they all seem to currently be like little sponges, gagging to learn and personally develop. Big differences being noticed in attitude, listening (ish) and technical ability. Having a main focus in training for the next month I hope to see further development which will only add another strength to the team and also help develop the players technically. Do the basics well and the rest tends to follow.

The game kicked off at a high tempo. HP steady in goal with HS like a little rock protecting him, skipper for the day WJ using his power, pace and directness when possible with high energy from MA & GH testing the opposition defence. Lawford playing good football, challenging our players however we stood firm. Tackles and effort producing a very entertaining opening period of the game. Substitutions made with new signing CM making his league debut to a mighty roar from the travelling Bergholt Ultras. CM joining our club after refusing to renew his contract with his old club who decided to join the Super League and also because his parents have moved to the village. A very talented, clever and knowledgeable player who will be a fantastic addition to our already cracking team.

Both teams cancelling each other out, saves made at both ends. HP having to be reminded he can use his hands in goal creating entertaining yet heart stopping moments in our penalty area. BM not letting anyone pass, again another player improving week on week. Looking to pass and making good decisions to be aggressive, attack the ball and take forward. GD working his socks off leading the line running down and pressuring the Lawford defenders whilst FT starting to understand how to use his strength and getting stuck in making the defenders job even harder.

How it was 0-0 at halftime I will never know.

Second half kicked with GD replacing HP in the EBUFC goal. HP taking up his forward role supported by CM pulling the strings at the back, BM & WJ working like Trojans trying to provide the ammunition needed to score. Lawford creating problems still but EB appeared to be more on the front foot. There was some lovely passing on display and passage of plays were a delight to watch from my technical area. After working on this in training it’s a pleasure to see when the boys understand what they’ve learnt and how it benefits their game.

Up steps HP in response to a Lawford goal firing in powerfully from close range although his goal celebration leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe a training session with EB goal celebration king WJ may be in order ?! a second was soon to follow after a quick and clever short corner by CM allowing HP to fire another home after a cheeky little deflection. Tails up and you could see the commitment and desire to win every ball. All boys getting stuck in, not allowing themselves to be pushed around or off the ball.

MA coming on in defence, showing great composure and passing to team mates in space from the back allowing play to build. FT strong as an OX holding off players and having shots, again seeing that confidence grow when opportunities arise. FS doing what he does best, surging runs with shots raining down on the oppositions goal, of which a brace hit the net. GD saving well at the other end, including one which looked like his leg stretched to twice it’s length to deny Lawford a goal. MA moving into midfield to increase energy as we continued to push with HP sitting back to defend. Hustle and bustle, tackles flying in and good old fashioned physical contests over the park. It was nice seeing EB boys not giving an inch.

Match skipper coming back on and taking a heavy blow as he surged passed a defender. Caught and poleaxed on the touchline, rolled off like a jam roly-poly and attended to. Learning that being quick isn’t always a blessing as you can get caught quite often ( something I never had problems with ). CM replacing for the last few minutes to
see out the match.

A fantastic game, a fantastic example of what an U8’s game should be like. Lots of effort, talent, goals, excitement and smiles.

The future is bright, the future is Green

#Greenarmy #NotBadForAVillageTeam