U9 Black - Stratford Town
Having just been promoted from tier 3 to tier 2 the Brakes boys put in a strong performance to win their first league game of the season against a fast moving Stratford town team who had also been promoted. The early exchanges saw us getting found out a little at the back with Stratford taking the unusual approach of leaving two men forward however with some adjustments to personnel in certain positions we looked more organised and got a foothold in the game.
Having just transitioned from 5 to 7 a side the boys are showing fantastic adaptability and doing a great job of taking on new instructions. After a fairly even first 20 minutes or so Archie Webb and Arjun Rai put some lovely passes together leading to a strong shot from Arjun Rai into the bottom corner. 1-0 Brakes.
Stratford continued to compete and were well in what was a very tight and competitive game and had their fair share of chances but with the Leamington defence dogged and resolute and Arjan Golhar in fine form in goal they couldn’t find a way through. As the second halve wore on with Leamington 1-0 up Haydn Morris made a break down the right wing firing in a cross that Conor Brown almost got on the end of before the ball ricocheted in of an unfortunate defender to give the Brakes some welcome breathing space and a 2-0 lead.
The game remained competitive throughout but ever since this Brakes team formed at under 7 they have always been a tough team to beat and today’s performance showed they have no intention of letting that change. A really good footballing performance from the lads right through the squad today but their willingness to fight for each other and work for their team is what defines them, not many teams will cause this team too much trouble if they continue to develop the way they are.
Haydn Morris put in a fine performance that saw him pick up the player of the match award just shading it from a fantastic performances in goal from Arjan Golhar and a superb defensive captains performance from James Haycock.
On we go!!
