Today we faced a strong Gloucester side in our first game at our new home ground in Woolmer Green, which I have to say is in quite good nick at this early stage of the season despite a dry summer. Our pre-match plans were in disarray as we had a number of boys missing for various reasons, but we fielded a side that had five of our younger squad included.

I thought that we had battled really hard in the first half, and for twenty minutes or so we restricted Gloucester to a couple of half chances that they didn't take. We weren't creating too much at the other end against a very strong defence, but our spirit and determination was to be applauded.

Despite our efforts the visitors raced into a two-goal lead before the break with two well-taken goals that seemed to knock the wind out of the Stevenage side as we reached half-time. We spoke about the need to stay focused and trying to retain the ball a little bit better, but the age difference and physicality swung the game in Gloucester's favour during a tough second half where we conceded a further four goals to end up losing 6-0.

But in any defeat there are lessons that can be learned, I felt that we could have made better choices in possession (when to pass and when to dribble) and we also have to toughen up a little and compete against the stronger teams a bit better. But that's easier said than done when there is such a physical difference, the U10's that played are not the biggest but I cannot fault their efforts and commitment until the end of the game.

So we'll dust ourselves down and go again next week in the League Cup tournament at Colney Heath.

Stevenage & District U11 Team

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