Boys U11 Spitfires - Cov Jag

Our first away game in a while this morning, and it was away to a very strong Cov Jag, who have only lost two games at U10 level (since September). To add to this we awoke to discover that, due to unfortunate circumstances out of our control, we were without a recognised Goalkeeper 😫 

The Spitfires were understandably nervous, but the coaching team did their best to reassure them it was just another game and to believe in themselves. We are into week 2 of our ‘In Possession : Passing & Receiving’ module in training, so we explained that all we were looking for today was for them to apply their learning on matchday.

The game got under way - with Seb honourably volunteering to take up residence between the posts for the first half 👏🏼 - and you could tell early on it would be a great spectacle of footballing ability. We pushed forward with purpose and the passing was clearly improving, as we took control of the game. Some fine footwork from Charlie, saw him unselfishly play a deceptive pass into an overlapping Archie; he took a touch and buried the ball ⚽️

A couple of minutes later, we doubled our lead. Byron picked up the ball and powered down the right flank before crossing the ball across the face of the goal. Rory had made a perfectly timed run and he placed the ball beyond the Jags keeper ⚽️

Moments later a high press secured possession and saw Rory through on goal. As he entered the box… a last ditch tackle didn’t quite come off and the defender brought Rory down for a spot kick. Up he stepped himself and confidently bagged his second goal ⚽️

A Cov Jag wonder goal followed, before a sublime team goal from Spitfires where - I’m pretty certain - the entire team touched the ball before Byron found Eddie in space on the far post. Eddie composed himself and gave the keeper no chance ⚽️

Half Time. What could we say. The passing and receiving has improved more than we could have imagined, and The Spitfires had turned up on a mission today against all odds. Another noble volunteer stepped forwards to go in goal for the second half; thank you Archie, take a bow 👏🏼

The second half was a box-to-box footballing spectacle. In all honesty we could - and should - have scored at least 2 more goals, but as it transpired we would concede in the last minute. An audacious drive from Jag, saw Archie diving at full stretch to push the ball away from goal. The ball struck the post and rebounded onto the opposite post, where Archie and a Jag player both dived for the ball… with Jag getting there marginally quicker, to knock the ball in.

A great game. A great team performance. A great win. Not wanting to sound like a broken record, but these boys are becoming a wonderful football outfit, and a joy to be around. The team spirit and ethics on show today were remarkable for a group of U10’s and they did themselves, our team sponsors, and Stockton Juniors FC proud 🙌🏼😍

Parents player went to Archie. Not one, but two new positions for him today and he rose to the occasion in both; with a goal and a wonder save to boot! Coaches player went to Rory. His effort on the pitch the past few weeks in particular has been laudable and today he scored goals, made last ditch saving tackles and led by example.

Players of Match:

Rory: 🏆

Archie: 🏅

Goals:

Rory ⚽️⚽️

Eddie ⚽️

Archie ⚽️

#wearestocktonspitfires

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