Mother’s Day Delights

Downley are a nice footballing team and it was a pleasure to host the match.
The boys took a little while to find their groove after the prolonged break but by the time the referee blew his whistle to end our final match all the players were playing with exuberance, enthusiasm and joy. The u9s fans were treated to some great play. Despite rotating players into different positions in each half the teams showed their prowess by consistently mixing fluid and progressive passing moves with individual brilliance to keep their opposition on the back foot. All the players contributed their brilliant best and should be very proud of themselves and each other.

Report for Jack’s group:
Mother’s Day Delights

After all the boys getting up extra early to make their mummies a yummy breakfast in bed it was business as usual on the pitch!!

•Raymond AKA Lightning McQueen was incredible, blinked and you missed him at times! He covered all areas of the pitch and managed to score a well deserved goal.

•George battled bravely making some great tackles and some great forward passes, one of which setting Raymond up for his goal. Great work George and a great assist!

•Michal was my rock in goal making himself big and brave, keeping out there attack. On pitch he battled well winning the ball and attacking up the pitch, he was very close to scoring. Keep up the good work!

•Adam partnered Raymond in defence and was great at bringing the ball out of defence and into attack. He was very focused and ensured we stayed organised. Brilliant performance!

•Austin was very energetic, working hard in defence and attack. He took some great corners and scored a lovely first time strike. Well played Austin.

•Jay Jay showed some silky skills, not scared at taking players on. He created some great chances for the team and was unlucky not to get himself a goal.

•Seb worked hard as a lone striker getting himself in good positions and created some good chances. He went in goal and pulled off a brilliant double save!

•Lukasz battled on the pitch trying to win every tackle and got himself in some good attacking positions. He went in goal and pulled off a great save! Keep up the good work!

Well done boys

Report for Björn’s group:

Christian A stole the headlines with another outstanding performance. Swerving and spinning with skilful tricks and speed Christian was having yet another great match when he scored a “bangin” goal. James fired a diagonal free-kick towards the edge of the penalty box where Christian had found space. Christian watched the ball onto his right foot (he’s left footed folks) and with a sweeping volley propelled the ball beyond a stunned keeper into the left corner of the goal. Que an outburst of joy from all the players and a roly-poly from Christian. It’s doubtful Christian will ever score a better goal!

Christian H made his debut today. He played in midfield and defence and showed speed and skill to rival any player on the pitch, at one time he took on four players on the edge of our penalty box and managed to wriggle free while I was trying my absolute hardest not to shout “boot it!”. Well played young man!

Euan played in goal, defence and midfield. Euan has become far more forward thinking in recent weeks and today again played great passes to set Luca and James free. In goal Euan was athletic and sensible with good throws out to his team mates. Well done Mr!

Lucas played in defence and midfield and made good runs into the box in each half. At corners Lucas took responsibility to mark players. Lucas is was integral to our fast breaks, quickly moving the ball to team mates without losing momentum. Well played Lucas!

Jacob P played as striker, defender, and midfielder today. Jacob came up against speedy defenders and fast attackers and did very well to keep the ball under control and manoeuvre his way into shooting positions. Jacob had two memorable shoots that he was unlucky not to see hit the back of the net. Keep up the great team play Jacob!

Mikey played like a man possessed today. As a defender he dropped deep waiting for the opportune moment to win the ball back, his tenacity is a tremendous asset to the team. In our second match he played as striker and from the kick-off he burst forward, dribbling with speed and control through to the penalty box. His deadly run was rewarded by a desperate challenge from a defender that could do no one than direct the ball into the net. A brilliant way to start the half and it set the tone for the rest of the match. Awesome Mikey!

James had to battle with close marking today and coped very well with the up close and personal attention. James does a huge amount of work for the team when playing upfront and today was no exception. His strength and skill helped to relieve our defenders and he was unlucky to be confronted by great goalkeeping today. A great team performance James!

Luca had the first shot of the morning and was constantly sprinting forward from midfield into space to receive passes and attack Downley’s goal. Luca showed bravery today to hold players away and added to his skilful play was pivotal to all the teams’ successes today. A masterclass Luca, well done!

Man of the matches
Today’s JAW sponsored man of the matches went to the very happy and talented Mikey, Christian A, Austin and Adam.

Thanks to Russell for refereeing so well.