U10 Spartans find it tough playing U11s in MK Dons SET Cup

After quite a lot of changes the U10 Spartans finally fo to play in the MK Dons SET Cup. First the U10s were merged with the U11s. The date was moved & the time was moved. Then finally the games were moved indoors into the Dome.

It turned out the the Spartans were infact the only U10 side & found themselves up against all U11 teams.

First game was against Water Eaton Youth Whites. The Spartans started playing the way they are coached, playing out from the back and passing the ball around. However, it soon become apparent how the evening was going to transpire. Whilst the Spartans tried to do this, the opposition, who had already played one game, had worked out that their keeper could kick the ball the length of the pitch and they could shoot from anywhere & were following their instructions from their sideline of shoot, just shoot. Despite this the Spartans continued to stick to the way they play but just couldn't find their way through & lost the game 1-0.

Next up were Water Eaton Youth Yellows. The Spartans continued to play the only way they know and were dominating the possession. Edward scored well to take the lead 1-0. However, The opposition found an equaliser and then with the last kick of the game scored directly from a corner at the near post!! The goal was not on the line & somehow the ball sneaked in so the game was lost 2-1. The boys really didn't deserve that. Interestingly the Water Eaton Youth Whites were watching the game and of course cheering on their other team, however, standing next to them I was pleased to hear them talking about the Spartans, 'they are good', 'they pass it well', 'they've got the tekkers'.

The third game was versus Flitwick Eagles Pinks. This was an end to end game. The Spartans found themselves behind quickly, but equalised with their best goal of the night. From the center the ball was passed back & forth around the opposition for Oliver to finish to make it 1-1. Despite some good possession the Spartans went behind again before Joe struck well to make it 2-2. Then yet again the Spartans were unlucky to let in another goal & lose 3-2.

By this time some of the Spartans were getting a little disheartened. But it was explained that we try to play football the way we do for a reason & that eventually it will pay off, even if it wouldn't pay off today. They were asked to continue to play their football, continue to play out from the back & continue with the passing.

The final game was against Newport Pagnell Youth Spartans. Battle of the Spartans!! A great goal from Edward took the lead 1-0. Despite some more chances the Spartans were unable to add another and managed to keep the opposition out, following some goal mouth scrambles. Then last kick of the game the opposition were awarded a penalty. It looked like the Spartans were not going to get any wins today. But a great save and a great second save from the rebound by Theo meant the Spartans finished with a 1-0 win. Nothing less than they had deserved.

So dissapointingly it was there that the Saprtans bowed out. With the smaller indoor pitches, 7-a-side was probably a little too many & the overhead rule really should have been applied to stop the ball being launched from one end to the other. It wasn't encouraging good football. However, it was the same for all the teams. It was certainly an experience for the Spartans & charachter building.

I have to say that watching them play made me very proud of them. Despite not gettign the results they continued to try to play some nice passing football & they were playing the ball out from the back & through the team. This is the only way they are going to develop their game & improve. They could have resorted to the long ball & long shots but they didn't. Well done boys.