Match Report: Stockton Juniors U7 Thunder vs Balsall Hornets U7 Date: Saturday, 16th November Location: Home

Liam R kicked off for Stockton. Balsall Hornets wasted no time, launching a fierce attack that put Stockton's defence under immediate pressure. But Rory W was a wall, twice thwarting their advances with impeccable defending.

Stockton faced some early challenges with loose play, allowing Balsall to get a few shots on goal. A swift move down the right saw the Balsall striker slot one home from close range, putting them ahead. But Stockton wasn't backing down. Rory W dazzled with his dribbling skills, slicing through Balsall's defence like a hot knife through butter. Colby P was a rock in goal, making crucial saves to keep Stockton in the game.

The battle intensified with Louie H and Bobby J making solid tackles, and Stockton began to find their rhythm. Liam R and Louie H both had near-miss shots that could have levelled the score. However, Balsall capitalized on a high press from Stockton, breaking away to score again, leaving Stockton trailing.

Rory W continued to shine, creating multiple chances with his dynamic dribbling. Bobby J's relentless pressure paid off when he closed down a Balsall kick-in, leading to Louie H's stunning strike from outside the box, rocketing into the top corner. The crowd erupted!

Despite Balsall's relentless attacks, Louis C's strong tackles and Colby P's heroic saves kept Stockton in the fight. A quick kick-in from Oliver T nearly set up a chance for Jude T, but confusion in Stockton's defence allowed Balsall to score from close range.

Stockton regrouped, with excellent passing between Louis C, Reuben M-J, and Jude T leading to several corners. A brave challenge from Colby P unfortunately resulted in an ankle injury, but Louie H stepped up to take his place in goal, showcasing true team spirit.

As the first half drew to a close, Stockton were playing more organised football, applying pressure while staying wary of Balsall's counter-attacks.

The second half kicked off with Balsall on the attack, but Louie H made a crucial save. Stockton quickly countered, with Reuben M-J who was outstanding showing great energy all day winning the ball back, dancing around defenders, and striking high into the net.

Balsall responded with a fierce attack, but Liam R and Rory W's defensive efforts kept them at bay. A close call saw Balsall hit the post, and another attack hit the crossbar, but Stockton's defence held strong.

A huge kick from Louie H caused chaos in Balsall's defence, but a controversial handball call denied Stockton a goal. The midfield battle raged on, with Bobby J and Liam R breaking up play effectively. Bobby J's quick thinking at a kick-in almost resulted in a goal, but the shot went narrowly wide.

Rory W's unstoppable dribbling created another chance for Reuben M-J, whose shot was saved, but Bobby J was there to poke home the rebound, bringing Stockton back into the game. Balsall quickly countered, scoring a well-worked goal at the near post.

Stockton continued to press, with Oliver T's quick kick-in catching Balsall off guard, but the keeper made a good save. A long ball from Balsall saw their striker score again, but Stockton didn't give up. Jude T's well-weighted pass to Louis C set up Reuben M-J, whose shot hit the post.

Reuben M-J was everywhere, creating chances and finally slotting home a quick kick-in from Oliver T. Stockton pushed for an equalizer, with Jude T pressing hard and almost scoring from closing down the keeper. A last-minute pass from Louie H nearly found Reuben M-J, but time ran out with Stockton narrowly losing by one goal.

MOTM: Reuben M-J PPOTM: Rory W

What a thrilling match! The kids played their hearts out and showed incredible teamwork and determination.