Once again the blustery wind played its part in assisting and resisting the play of the ball. From the outset the team threw themselves into the challenge with surprising energy and commitment, but within a few minutes one got the feeling that goals were going to come sooner rather than later as Harrison Shepherd, Henry Corbett, Jake Gallimore and Hayden Train, dribbled and passed in Durkar's half of the pitch. It is Harrison's first year as a regular first team player and has grown in confidence taking on the taller players. Today he moved about in front of goal looking as though he'd receive the ball any minute to set Thornes on their way with a goal. Henry, one of the players standing in for Sammy Amaefule excelled at close quarters with some thoughtful footwork and passing ability. On the ball, Jake constantly sought a route towards goal, while it was hard to decide which part of the pitch Hayden didn't cover at some point of the game.

This doesn't mean that Durkar didn't break forward, and with so much activity in the home side's half there was always the danger for Thornes that they would be caught 'on the break'. But stalwart defenders James Lockwood and Robin Stanley barely faltered in chasing down and intercepting Durkar forwards, usually following up with well placed passes. On only two occasions did keeper Lewis Goff have to deal with an attacker and each time rushed at the right moment to cover the ball.

However, despite over a handful of excellent scoring opportunities, the ball did not arrive in the net for Thornes. To Durkar's credit they were never put off by Thornes' persistant harrying, and from a corner and momentary goalmouth hesitation got their winning goal in the fifth minute of the second half.

It continued to be a really engaging game to watch as both teams committed fully. Very special mention goes to Hayden whose running, interceptions and passing helped keep much of the play away from the Thornes goal area. Hayden's commitment was such that he was taken off to recover for five minutes in the second half. Special mention also goes to Leon Pearson who came on for Hayden and immediately settled into the momentum of the game.

As a group of players Thornes U9s showed great individual and collective character throughout the game. And who are the U9s playing at home in the Charles Rice League next week? Answer, Durkar Devils.

Team sponsors, Bianco Hair World, player of the match: Hayden Train, for running his boots off.