Saturday Update - 3rd April 2021

The Baby Purps are back playing!

Great to be reporting on the return of of our Under 7 teams playing matches and seeing loads of smiles again from both children, parents, managers and coaches.

The Under 7 Spitfires finally got back to playing after over 3 months and was never about the result today as all about seeing our little purps back on that pitch together. Some good performances by the boys with some exceptional saves from Cody Walters, Elliot Finch, Harvey Whyte & Theo Yaldren in goal. Elliott Finch also showed his talents at the other end with our solitary goal. POTM went to Elliott Finch for his all round performance.

First game back after lockdown and it was a derby - AFC Stoneham Wolves v AFC Stoneham United. After an early goal by Wolves, United fought hard to keep it at 1-0 with some great saves by Harry W. In the 2nd and 3rd quarter Wolves had the upper hand but goals from Archie and Tayo gave United a boost. An amazing goal from Harry K just over the half way line was a highlight. A well fought game by both sides and great to see them all back playing football again. Purp of the match for United: Harry K (Harry Kane?).

Under 7 Wolves - Firstly it was great to be back seeing the team with their beaming smiles looking forward to getting back at it. We were against another very strong AFC Stoneham team. There was beautiful play from both teams. Some fantastic team play from Chase put them on the back foot early. However Lucas was magnificent both as a GK and out on Pitch doing the business both ends of the pitch and was rewarded MOM from our team. Lastly I would like to give PETE LAWRENCE a special mention for the way he has taken on the new team and for the quality his team played. He conducted himself and his team with the highest quality. Was great for both teams to get back playing today wasn't just a victory for one team it was a victory for AFC STONEHAM as both teams were a joy to watch.

Under 7 Jaguars - First game back and it was like they hadnt been away. Some great passing and loads of effort. Close game but we took our chances. Goals from Charlie MaCallister And Sam Purchase. POTD - Mason Russell. Well played boys!

Under 7 Panthers - Well what a great game to restart football with. Thought the boys done really well. We started very slow and conceded after 20sec but the boys stuck to the job and were rewarded with their efforts. There were some great performances from all. Jacob pulled of some good saves in Goal. Lucas and James were solid at the back with some great defending. Oliver again was all over the pitch with his running and should have had a penalty. Alessandro and Aaryan done well with some good tackling, and Aaryan was unlucky not to score. Ollie and Jenson were the scorers today with 2 and 7 respectively. My man of the match was Jenson today purely for his goals, but I could have given it to anyone, as they were all great today. It was also nice just seeing them all out playing and enjoying it again. Great to be back!

Under 7 Hurricanes - The Hurricanes were ecstatic to be playing again, but started off a bit slow and trailing at half time. The second half performance was a completely different feel, we dominated most of the possession and finished on a high. Unfortunately we missed out at the end but a great spirited performance from the Hurricanes at the death and the game could have gone either way. Zachary was our POTM.

Well done to all six of our U7 teams today for playing great games. Today was not about winning or losing but about the children getting back to playing the game they love and putting smiles back on faces.

Well done everyone!