Southside Star U8 Cubs - League 1, Fixture 2

See below for reports from this week’s games, many thanks to Niffy, Julian and Matt.

Churchdown Panthers 7 – 2 Southside Leopards

The Leopards consisted of George H, Freddie, Kyle, Luke S, Danielle, Rafa, Noah and Caleb. It was a tough day out against very good opposition, but the Leopards kept their heads held high and can be proud of their resilience.

The opposition started incredibly well and were leading 3-0 within 3 minutes of kick-off, despite George’s best efforts in goal, leaving the team frustrated. However, as the match progressed the team developed into more of a rhythm, and whilst overwhelmed by a strong opposition they grew into the game and put in tackle after tackle after tackle to halt their opponent’s advances. 5-0 at half-time, the team remained in high spirits and were encouraged to keep battling hard.

The second half was a huge improvement as we dominated much of the match and came close to scoring after putting great pressure on the Churchdown defence, Luke going closest with a shot that hit the post. Eventually the goals did come, the first a wonder solo goal from Luke. After being played in up the left side of the pitch, Luke ran up the line, dribbling past two players and ending up in a great position for the cross. Despite the calls for the cross from the sideline, and from George and Caleb who dutifully waited in the middle, Luke only had eyes for goal and surprised everyone with an excellent finish underneath the keeper from an almost impossible angle.

Just before the end of the match we would add another goal. Superb teamwork and high pressure found the ball loose inside the area, and Caleb was on hand to squeeze home just inside the keepers left hand post. The final result was 7-2 – Churchdown were a classy outfit and deserving of the win, but the result did not at all justify how resolutely the Leopards fought until the final whistle. They can all be proud of their efforts and resilience, but most of all Caleb who was awarded man of the match for his goal, persevering despite taking a very powerful clearance to the stomach during the match and embodying the never say die attitude of the team.

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This week, the Lions consisted of Toby, Henry, Kristian, Noah S, Joseph, Luke and Ed and it was tough match for the Lions at a blustery Cold Pool Lane against a well drilled and organised Blues team.

The Blues settled far quicker in the first half and quickly built an advantage. The Lions tried hard, but things didn’t click and they found themselves trailing 0-4 at half time. I was very proud with how they reacted to the margin and they played much better in the second half. Ultimately, the Blues ran out deserving winners by 7-3 but the boys should be very happy with how they knuckled down in the second half. Both the Lions’ goals this week were scored by Luke.

Today’s man of the match was Toby for his determination and hard work throughout the game - Well done Toby! Again, the boys played with the right spirit and enjoyed the match, which is important, win, lose or draw!

Well done boys and see you next week!

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The Wildcats this week consisted of George B, Arlo, Hugo, Josh, William, Jacob, Harrrison and Harry.

A great mornings football at Newlands today for the Southside U8 Wildcats v the Lakeside Whites. There was no referee today which meant I had to take up the whistle and a very big thanks to James Wronski for managing the team magnificently.

I was super proud of the boys today as Lakeside put out a typically tough side and the Wildcats responded with some great football in return. Everyone played their part in a great game which we narrowly lost 5-3.

There were great performances all round: George with another great display in goal and some really brave saves, Arlo playing a year up tacking strongly and linking well, Hugo strong and brave in attack and defence running tirelessly, Harry playing his best game yet making some great runs and tackling tenaciously, Harrison everywhere attack and defence, Jacob again his strongest performance defending superbly and running tirelessly. 2 goals from Josh with a penalty and another from a great Wills free kick. Goal of the day went to Wills in the last-minute, smashing in a long-range free kick.

Man of the Match today went to Wills for a tireless display in attack, an amazing free kick and a great assist. A special mention to Hugo for a great all-round display which bodes well for next week.

A really great morning and big thanks to all of the boys and parents for being there nice and early, helping getting set up and the encouragement for the team and playing with such great spirit #thankyou #Southside Bring on next week!

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More great experience for our Cubs and another enjoyable morning of football!