Shire’s first game in the Avon Youth League took them to Clifton College Sports Ground, where usually the only thing sharper than the groundsman’s lawnmower is the freezing north-westerly which whips in from the Bristol Channel.

Today, though, it was all mild breezes and good humour as the lads warmed up for their first taste of Division Two football after a training-free summer.

The opposition were dark horses Bristol City Supporters Club, who looked well-drilled before kick-off and began the game in menacing mood. In the first 10 minutes, a series of fast-paced City moves saw Shire pinned back, then counter-attack – and the stage seemed set for a ferocious duel.

Soon Shire settled into their diamond formation though, and started to gain more of the possession. A volley of shots followed: two from Douglas in the centre, one from Christian (powering down the right), a near-miss from Aaron up front.

Finally, at 15 minutes the breakthrough came, Douglas toe-poking past the keeper to put Shire in front. 1-0!

The pattern continued, with the Shire defence (Ed, Olly and Ben) impregnable and the midfield spreading the ball far and wide. Five minutes from half time a loose ball in the penalty area fell to Aaron, who took two deft touches and slotted it into the bottom left corner, 2-0!

That lead was swiftly extended in the second half, when Barnaby picked up the ball in the goalmouth and side-footed it in for 3-0. The game was surely won, but Shire kept pushing forward, and got their reward in 3 dizzying minutes of late play which chalked up 4 more goals. First Joe delivered with a powerful strike across the keeper, then Reggie with a belter from distance, then Joe again from inside the penalty area, and finally Douglas with a looping shot across the goalmouth which brought up the magnificent seventh.

Tougher challenges will no doubt follow, but the U12’s are off to a flying start in the AYL. And for once the assembled parents left without frostbite.

Report by Dan Linstead