Fantastic to see so many of our teams back playing today after lockdown which, is reflected in nearly all of our great match reports. Great to also start using our brand new grass pitches.

Under 8’s

The Under 8 Royals had a good game v Rodaway Rovers. After a slow start the Royals dominated the 2nd half with Henry B and Noah both lethal in front of goal. Toby and Henry H both had shots well saved as well as a rocket strike from Tommy that just went over the bar. MOTM went to Henry B for a great performance upfront and in defence.

The Under 8 Spitfires has a great day. Great to be back playing football again, the boys were really excited before the game. A great team performance today, plenty of passing and plenty of goals. Dylan Down, Alfie Holmes, Tom Robinson, Jake Clemons and Rhys Soutter all hit the "onion bag". MOTM was Rhys Soutter.

The Under 8 Panthers were on the wrong side of a thriller today. Unfortunately, they were too slow to get going and seemed off the pace throughout, but battled hard and kept going right to the final whistle. Rafferty Woods and Carter Breedon with our goals today. Great to see them back playing again post lockdown and they all came off smiling still so enjoyed themselves today.

The Under 8 Jaguars started off very slow today after lockdown conceding early goals and not creating much going forward. Finley made some excellent saves and at least stopped lions scoring on many occasions. The last two quarters we changed the shape and a few positions and started creating a lot more going forward, and became more solid at the back. Daniel and Jamie were linking up very well when going forward.

Under 9’s

The Under 9 Panthers faced a difficult test after Lockdown 2.0. We had some fantastic periods in the game where we were on top, as well as some excellent individual performances throughout. A very positive return to football and brilliant attitude from everyone. POTW was Charlie for his contribution with and without the ball. Well done Panthers!

Under 10’s

Tigers - four weeks without football didn’t show for this talented group, as we returned in 10-goal thriller, despite no training and the bitterly cold conditions. The squad linked up well in possession and showed no lack of team chemistry, as we were able to play some lovely football, creating chance after chance. Excellent team play and creativity in the final third set up for good finishing from our goal scorers. As expected, the lack of fitness began to creep in and lapses in concentration saw us gift opportunities to our opponents, which despite highlight reel saves from GK Jack Binns, made harder work of it for us as Hedge End clawed their way back into the game. All in all, a very successful return. Every player worked hard, contributed at both ends of the pitch, and showed our hard work over the previous months hasn’t been lost over the lockdown.

The Under 10 Panthers had a hard fought game today against unbeaten Hamble Club. First game since lockdown and the boys kept going and were unlucky. Jacob Pinder and Finlay Ashton as usual were great in front of goal. Ablaye Jallo was man of the match for an all action display and was unlucky not to bag a couple of goals. Well done Panthers and nice to be back playing again!

Under 11’s

The Under 11 Spitfires resumed after Lockdown 2.0 with a fantastic performance at home to Netley winning 2-1. Solid defensive display and looked threatening when attacking. Goals scored by Jake Fluck & Harley Marjason. POTM went to Seth Price who was solid until the end in defence (as always!).

Under 13’s

U13 Knights enjoyed their return to football on our Stadia pitch under the floodlights - beating Salisbury 1-0. The goal was scored by Elliot (48’) during a spell in an attacking role. The team welcomed back Mackenzie on his return from several months out injured. MOTM was Ollie for a brilliant display on how to defend - class performance.

U13 Wolves - great feeling to be back today boys played some fantastic football and battled hard in a very physical battle. Boys didn't drop their heads when they went 1 nil down with a goal against the run of play fought back well with a great free kick from max to equalise followed up by a winning goal from Leyton Read with minutes left boys held game out 2 - 1 which was a fantastic way to restart a very strange season. MOTM went to Max Bevan for an all round fantastic performance.

U13 Panthers lost away to Hiltingbury, however the score line does not reflect the performance. The boys created a host of chances in the first half however could not find the net. The second half the boys managed to get three goals, however goalkeeping issues were the Achilles heel for the team. Goals were scored by Will Hosmer x2 and Dan Pearce. Special thanks to Sean and Ollie for filling in between the sticks. Lukah was POTM.

Under 14’s

U14 Spitfires were excellent today in a nearly faultless performance winning 12-1 at home to Hythe & Dibden. Every single player were excellent and some great goals scored. Taylor Waters (6), Samuel Lawrie (3), Ollie Payne (2) and Jack Polkinghorne scoring the goals. Massive thanks to both Ollie Payne & Toby Running for going in goal due to current keeper being injured. POTM went to Samuel Lawrie with Taylor Waters arguably equal to it. Really pleasing start after Lockdown 2.0.

Under 15’s

U15 Panthers - another strong team performance narrowly losing 2-1 to top of the league Hythe & Dibden. Unlucky to be trailing at half time to a penalty (nearly saved by Liam Small), the boys deservedly drew level through a goal from Jacob Keyse, scoring direct from a corner. Evenly competed throughout, it turned out to not be our day result-wise but very encouraging performance-wise Parents’ MOTM - Joshua Ngombe.

The Under 15 Galaxy played with much improved maturity and discipline to come through 1-0 victors v Div 3 Rodaway Rovers this afternoon. Ryan Dennis slotting in to finish off a wonderful free flowing move. MOTM went to everyone!

Under 18’s

United - not a game for the neutrals, playing on a difficult surface which resulted in a battling performance full of grit, desire and resilience. Outstanding. Every team, manager, coach and parent gets the famous "Purp of the day" award this weekend for returning to the "beautiful game". Well done to everyone!

Winchester City 1 - 3 AFC Stoneham

Goal scorers: Alex Oxley-Thorne and Kevin Ngombi (x2).