Sunday Update - 4th April 2021

Following on from the return of our "baby purps" yesterday many of our teams also returned to play today.

The Under 8 Panthers had a hard fought game today. They recovered from what can only be described as post lockdown rustiness to fight their way back in to the game. Ethan, Dexter, Carter, Rafferty and Harley M with the goals today. Ethan was player of the day for getting us back in to it and for his constant running and battling. Well done Panthers. Great to be back and to see the smiles on their faces.

The Under 9 Panthers put in a brilliant performance on their first game back. Some brilliant passing and moving, as well as exceptional communication. Goals from Eddie and Millie were all fantastic. A massive well done to everyone! POTM was Eddie for his amazing runs and goals. Happy Easter!

Under 9 Spitfires kicked off the year in the same fashion as they finished 2021. The mix of great team play, togetherness, slick passing and smiles made the perfect recipe for today’s return. Josh “the cat” kept a clean sheet with George Bushell hitting a brace and Adam Smith chipping in with a goal. Great team performance all round. George “Kante” Forbes was today’s MOTM. In addition Manager Jon...... discreetly mentioned his "top bins goal" on his AFC Stoneham Veterans debut yesterday in a scintillating 5-5 v Colden Common ! ("Surely Jon’s too young to be playing Veterans football ?" we hear you ask!)

Under 9 Royals - A memorable victory for the Royals today as we won the game in some style. A very entertaining game throughout. With sensational goals coming from Archie, Marcus, Harry, Tuula and Zain. We controlled the game like we hadn’t been away for 3 months and we showed real signs of progression and exceptional teamwork was the highlight. We bossed some very complex scenarios whilst staying very composed and professional. Everyone enjoyed the first game back and we are raring to go again next week

The Under 10 Panthers had a great return today against a well organised opposition. Ablaye, Jacob, Mason and Eddie with the goals today. A fantastic display showing little signs of fatigue following lockdown. Player of the day was Ablaye but a shoutout to every player today for showing skill and determination. Most importantly, good to be back playing again! Well done Panthers.

Under 10 Tigers - AFC Stoneham U10 Tigers vs Colden Common U10 Rangers. Despite the long break since our last match-day, the team got off to a fast start, finding the net early as the boys linked up well, created chance after chance, and moved ball like they hadn’t missed a beat. Match fitness came into play late on, with expected tired legs leading to some defensive frailties. Superb solo finishing from Colden Common’s forwards saw them threaten a comeback, in what was otherwise a quiet afternoon for AFC Stoneham GK Jack Binns, thanks to the patrolling Dominik Veal who was dominant as ever in our half. Goals from Kristof Hollosy (2), Miles Griffiths, Spencer Winter (3), and Louis Howard. All things considered, a very positive return for the team who loved being back on the pitch today. A big hurdle overcome and it’s back to business for this talented group.

The Under 10 Jaguars started slow conceding a goal in the second quarter. They showed great resilience equalising thanks to Owen in the second quarter. Goals followed from Robert and Freddie to make the game 3-1. We defended well in the second half of the game and conceded late to a southbrook counter attack. Overall a solid 3-2 win from the Jaguars. Motm performance from "the cat" in the sticks, Fin who kept us in the game when it was 0-1.

The Under 11 Panthers and Falcons had a friendly today on the new grass pitches:

Both teams were excited to be back at football and make a good start. A fantastic performance from both teams, as well as some great friendly competition. A massive well done to all involved! The Panthers put in a huge amount of effort and passion, which reflected in our stellar performance. MOTM was Joe for his excellent tackling and quick learning.

The Under 11 Spitfires finally got back playing today against our very own Falcons in a very friendly played friendly. Some excellent football played and Spitfires put in a faultless performance winning 6-0, although it was never about the result today it was all about the boys finally back playing again. Excellent goals scored from worldies to great team play goals. Scorers were Harley Marjason 2, Oliver Drew, Oliver Lawrence, Harry Halligan & Charlie Maguire. Credit to Falcons who never gave up and played some nice football and on another would have scored. Great advert for AFC Stoneham in the attitude by all the boys from both teams.

The Under 14 Spitfires got back playing after 4 months against Colden Common who play 4 leagues higher. A fantastic effort by all the boys and so proud of their effort today as played some great football with grit & determination. Sadly lost 6-2 but the result was irrelevant today as just about them back playing. Having said that so pleased with how they kept fighting throughout and looking forward to resuming the season. Goals were scored by Taylor Waters & Jack Polkinghorne.

Our U18 Panthers had an excellent 7-6 win over top of the table Follands Sports with Scorers: George Newbury, Joe Hampton x2, Matt Millmore, Tom Price x2 and Kamil Augustyn. MOTM: Joe Hampton Well done guys on a great win!

Happy Easter to everyone and fantastic to be able to report on some games again!