Some very good performances this weekend, although losing the U11- Scholars & Whites both put in good shows, U18s losing their semi final thanks to an over active linesman and the U18s - scoring 8 against bottom of league Redbridge, but performance of the week goes to U16s - reaching the Final of the EJA Challenge Cup with only a bare 11 players against a very good team especially when you consider they did not have their keeper available due to suspension along with other key players. Well done Russ and the team.

Saturday 4th March

U9 - Emerald Division- PBT U9s v Harlow Hawks

Playing the same team for the 3rd time this year the boys got off to a laboured start conceding a goal within a minute of the kick off and another from a free kick 2 minutes later.
Our boys woke up after the 2nd goal went in and played some wonderful football which saw us play out the rest of the first half in the opposition end. It took a while for the goals to come however we finally got our reward with 3 well worked goals. Our first came from a run into the box by Conor with his cross finding Callum unmarked in the box for an easy tap in. Our 2nd came shortly afterwards with a great solo run down the right by Alonso who's shot perfectly went in off the far post and our 3rd again coming from Alonso after picking up a fine cross from Conor.
Going into the break a goal to the good we somehow lost sight of closing the match out in the second half and sat too deep allowing Harlow to run at our defence. Harlow now looking for the equaliser threw bodies into the box at every attack and under the pressure we conceded 2 sloppy penalty's which the away side tucked away well to go home eventual winners.
MoTM this week was well deserved going to Alonso who has now scored 5 goals in 2 games.

U11 - Emerald Division - BSCFC vs PBT Youth

This was always going to be a close encounter as both teams have been playing some good football, the game started at a frantic pace, with some good football being played on a lovely playing surface.
For the first ten minutes the game was played in the middle third of the pitch with neither side able to brake through the apposing defence.
It was BSCFC who made the first break through, as PBT pushed forward they played a ball over the top and it was well finished one on one against the PBT keeper.
The score remained the same until half time.
The first goal in the second half was going to be vital , unfortunately it went to BSCFC, they won a free kick just outside the box, a great curling free kick was saved by Alfie but unfortunately the rebound fell to the attacking team who slotted it home to take a two goal lead. To their credit with no subs PBT heads didn't drop and the 9 players continued to battle. They got their reward with 15 to play, a great free kick by John was saved and top scorer Jake bounced to knock home. 2-1 game on.
PBT tried to find the equaliser lead by Kairo who was man of the match for his great defending and attacking runs down the wing.
Unfortunately time ran out, BSCFC Coming out 2-1 winners.
Credit to 9 men PBT for there are work and effort, didn't really deserve to be on the losing team.

U11 Indigo Divisional Cup Quarter Final – Scholars 2 – Hoddesdon Town Whites 4
Goalscorers: Kyle Williams and Jack Matthews

MoTM: Kyle Williams

The Scholars started the game on the front foot, pressing and working hard. This was complimented with fluid pass and movement, and our play was rewarded with a free-kick 25 yards out. After scoring against the same team in each of the last 2 games, Kyle took the responsibility again, and his knuckle ball wonder free-kick hit the top left corner of the net to put us 1 nil up. This added to Kyles growing number of goal of the season contenders!, and he was also our MoTM!
We continued to play the first half in the same way, and was a shame that it took a break away goal that put Hoddesdon back on level terms. This did not dent our confidence or enthusiasm, and we kept up the same temp and we were fully justified in going 2-1 up just before half time. Harry fed the ball into Olly, and Olly with some great wing play then flicked the ball to an on-rushing Jack who hit a sweet half volley into the roof of the net.
The Scholars came out in the second determined to raise the “Bar” again, but an early 30 yarder put a dent in this and at 2-2 could have gone either way. Our defenders Alex supported by JP and Nathan, along with the holding midfield security blanket 'Luis' who broke up play with endless tackles and important interceptions. They restricted Hoddesdon to minimal chances, and if breached Freddie was always there. Freddie again distributed well either with his hands or feet, and pulled off a wonder save from a shot that was sailing for the top left corner.
The midfield worked tirelessly through Ayoub, Harry, Jack, Luca and Olly, and all playing some excellent inter-pass football, and was a shame with just a few minutes left that Luca hit the post or the game could have ended differently. With the clock ticking down to extra-time, it took a contender for a Hoddesdon goal of the season with a screamer from the edge of the box, and then a last second hit&hope 50 yarder wind assisted goal to make it 4-2.
All deflated as we should have been on the way to the semis, however, all should be very proud to have matched one of the best teams in our league and should have won with balance of play, our desire and effort. We have come along way this season and shows that we can compete with any team. Thanks to our parents support throughout as they were all so vocal and made up the extra player. Thank you all.

U11 - Green Division- Waltham Cross vs PBT Whites

Coming up against the team we lost 6-0 to early in the season we knew this would be a tough physical battle, to add to the difficulties the pitch was very uneven with long grass that looked more like a cow field than a football pitch. We started with great intent and bossed the position but just couldn't get a strike on goal as we again came up against a resolute defence. We came in 0-0 at half time having battled for every ball.

The 2nd half was a different game and we found ourselves under pressure with Harrison pulling off a string of saves, 10 minutes in and rocket shot in off the post found us 1 down, 5 minutes later we gave away possession on the edge of our area and another powerful shot was rifled into the top corner for 2-0. Now pushing high up the pitch we left ourselves exposed at the back, with man of the match Harrison in top form making three double saves when left one on one we managed to keep the scoreline down to 2-0.

Next week we’ll be back on our own pitch that suits our pass and move style of football.

Sunday 5th March

U13 - EJA Patrons Cup Semi Final

PBT vs Brentwood FC - Game postponed due to waterlogged pitch. Re-scheduled 12th March at Pakex.

U16 - EJA Challenge Cup Semi Final

AFC Dunstable 0 PBT 1- With only bare 11 players & no GK they make the Final.

U18 - MHRML Premier Division Cup Semi Final

Sawbridgeworth Town Cobras 3 PBT 2 (J.Nsiah & A.Williams Thomas)

U18- EJA London Division

PBT 8 Redbridge 0

by
Malcolm Snook