TSC U14s returned to league action with a home fixture against old friends, Ferryhill Town. TSC started the game superbly, imposing themselves and taking their passing game to the visitors from the outset. Rob Taylor provided excellent link up play from the back to give support and distribution to the midfield players who worked tirelessly to close down and give their counterparts little time on the ball. John Lorimer’s well executed reverse pass found James Frank out wide who found a sublime first touch to bring the ball down before whipping in an early shot to test the Ferryhill keeper. TSC’s pass and move play was of the highest energy causing the visitors problems each time they were in possession. Tom Webster bravely jumped with the keeper and saw his effort cleared off the line before TSC reaped a reward for their efforts as Luke Hutchinson netted, forcing the ball over the line after James Frank’s effort had come back off the crossbar. Energetic and intelligent runs from Sam Hutchinson created options for the TSC midfield playing some neat short passes with John Lorimer and Jordan Fogg. TSC’s second of the game came from a well placed through ball from James Frank which found Sam Hutchinson’s well timed run, Sam finishing neatly to double the TSC lead. The remainder of the half took much the same course with all the TSC players putting in a magnificent effort and playing some very neat passing football. Ferryhill worked hard to find a way back into the game but it was a quiet half for Andy Clarke in the TSC goal with Sam Williams and James Henley at the back making some well timed and strong challenges. John Lorimer, Sam Hutchinson and James Frank all had chances in the early part of the second half, Sam’s effort cleared off the line and a notable save from the Ferryhill keeper preventing them from extending their lead before Ferryhill got themselves back in the game with a well taken goal from their striker. It took TSC only a minute to restore their two goal cushion with Sam Hutchinson reaching a James Frank through ball just before the advancing keeper to make it 3-1. The final ten minutes of the game saw Ferryhill throw everything at TSC, setting up a nerve jangling finish with another strike to reduce the deficit to a single goal. Changes were made as the efforts of the first three quarters of the game began to tell and tired TSC legs dug deep to defend the late onslaught, with all players working magnificently as a team to keep Ferryhill at bay to claim a deserved victory.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH
James Frank had a simply outstanding game. His positive and purposeful runs deep into the opponent’s final third were matched only by his energetic tracking back to provide support and cover for his team mates. He showed some sublime touches, excellent technique and linked up with team mates superbly. There were some top class performances from several players so James’s man of the match award is more than worthy of recognition.

COACH’S NOTE
I’d have to go a long way back to say I’ve seen a better display of energetic pass and move football from any of our teams than I did today. Play like that every week and we’ll charge parents to watch !
Every player played their part - well done ! A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon !

IAIN LESTER