Boys U10's Thunder - Balsall & Berkeswell Hornets U10 Stingers
The Balsall & Berkeswell U10 Hornets visited Stockton FC this week, fresh off a 2-1 victory against the same Leek Wootton side that had beaten us 5-1 recently, having moved down a tier a couple of weeks ago, so we knew we were in for a tough game.
Playing conditions were superb and the boys seemed well up for the game, and it showed from the off. We started absolutely brilliantly against a strong, well-drilled team who were playing an unusual formation at this level with no out-and-out striker. As such, their midfield had extra numbers and it felt like it would require some real quality to make a break through.
The required quality first arrived in the third minute, with Jake playing a brilliant pass to Charlie T, who latched on for a strong shot that their keeper could only parry back into Jake's path.. smart reactions, quality connection and Jake put away the goal for an early 1-0 lead.
Our spirits were up but Balsall came right back at us and we required some smart saves from Charlie G and some really well organised team defending from everyone to keep them at bay. Just a few minutes later however, on the counter, Jack played an absolutely superb pass right through the middle of their congested midfield, finding Jake who made the run and unleashed an awesome shot from outside the box. Top Bins, top shot Jake!
After another even period of play, with more shots and chances coming our way, Balsall won a corner and put in a dangerous whipped ball which glanced off Otto's head, landing at the feet of a Balsall played who bundled it into the net to claw the deficit back to 2-1. Slightly unfortunate, but more misfortune was to follow shortly after when a Balsall player fired in a speculative, long-range effort that glanced off Jack's head this time, only to find our own top corner. There was nothing Charlie G could do about either goal, and both were following good efforts from our boys to clear the ball out of the danger-zone with a header - something we would much rather them try & make the odd mistake, than not try at all.
The half time message was to keep going strong, and the second half felt under our control for large stretches. The Balsall formation did become difficult to break down, but the flip side was that Charlie G didn't have a huge amount to do other than some general tidying up. The boys did put together a superb phase of play with just a few minutes left, Jake passing to Ronnie, who laid off the ball to Charlie T who subsequently played in Arthur who whacked the ball so hard that the brave block from a Balsall player left them winded on the floor.
A winning goal couldn't be found by either team, but the performance from the Thunder was well worth celebrating nonetheless, against a quality team.
Parents MOTM was Jake, superb all round play and 2 cracking goals.
Coaches MOTM was Charlie G for a great performance in between the sticks.
