Sunday 24th March 2024
Round up by Rachel
U9 Eagles v Hamble Spitfires
A strong start today with most of the first quarter spent in the opposition's half applying pressure with well worked, intelligent passing.
Hamble got plenty of bodies behind the ball for the next couple of quarters, making it difficult for us to find the space needed to reach threatening positions.
The strong breeze made it tricky for both teams and highlighted how we need to try to be aware of how the conditions can alter the weight of pass to limit mistakes.
The fourth quarter, with a couple of changes to keep legs fresh, saw us kick on and protect the ball better before using it more effectively when we had it.
Kian put in a MOTM performance for a solid all round display - tenacity in defence and winning the ball back after mistakes, a first thought forward approach when on the ball and crisp, penetrating passes through the lines from midfield. Not forgetting a couple of beautiful deft touches to bring the ball under control from the air.
Further mentions for:
Harry - who had a busy day and was solid as ever.
James - picking up an assist on all goals, an area we continue to work on!
Captain Quinn - dominated the game at the end after pushing into midfield and earning himself a well-deserved goal.
Well done all!
U11 Spitfires v Littleton Vipers
STONEHAM SPITFIRES SOAR INTO THE FINAL!
Another commanding performance this morning from the Spitfires, flying past the Littleton Vipers and into the final of the Under 11 Red division Tyro Challenge Cup.
At half time the Spitfires were leading 3-0 but didn't ease up in the second half securing another 2. The quality teamwork, pace and determination continued in what was a thoroughly entertaining match.
Today's goals were scored by Max, Luthi, Jack and Tomo.
Player of the match was Alfie for his hard work on the wing.
Congratulations boys. We're all looking forward to the final on the 5th May!
U11 Royals
Great game again for the Royals, another 5 goals for the boys to add to their tally, full of energy and drive, they showed great team play, which is keeping spirits high.
Goal scorers:
Romeo
Abel
Aiden
Jahfa
Emaan
MOTM : Romeo Ndoci
U12 Wolves v Romsey Town Cougars
A resilient team performance today from the amazing Wolves led to a deserved 4-2 win.
This game had drama, tension and some great football from both teams as the Wolves once again drew on inner strength and team spirit to get the result they wanted.
Adam, recovering from illness, bravely stepped up to score a penalty inside five minutes, before an outstanding short passing move involving five players ended with Ahmed setting up Muhammed to score our second just ten minutes later. Ahmed and Muhammed are both technically gifted players who are learning difficult roles and can have very bright futures in the game.
Romsey now replied with a wave of attacks that brought them two goals, in between which Dominik made his first of two remarkable reaction saves in this game. Such a talented goalkeeper with huge potential!
Jude then made a great tackle to prevent a goalscoring opportunity but injured himself doing so, although he was determined to continue for as long as possible until the pain eventually forced him off, a true leader whose commitment is an example to everyone. Harry slotted perfectly into central defence, showing positional awareness and good forward passing, and together with the fast-thinking Alfie they made sure the rest of the game was played in the Romsey half.
Injuries, illness and tiredness meant frequent changes today, with Talal in particular showing great teamwork by having to play in different positions. Evan added his attacking qualities down the right and was unlucky with a thunderbolt shot that hit the post, while Frankie had run himself into the ground, being a threat all day down the right including sometimes cutting inside to create panic in the opposition defence.
The Wolves are now fully able to absorb all these changes during a game without disrupting the flow of their play.
Rayane was now team leader on the pitch but he also led the change up in our tempo by pressing in midfield, winning possession, making defence splitting passes, and there was a sense the third goal was coming. It did come from Dylan who was outstanding running up and down the left, making plenty of crosses and showing strength and determination throughout. At the pivotal moment in the match, he was central inside the area, a Romsey player made an infringement, the ref gave a penalty, Dylan grabbed the ball, placed it on the spot and slammed it into the back of the net. No pressure there!
It was then Dylan again who provided the assist for the agile Muhammed to dance between defenders and score the fourth.
Resilience had been key today. The Wolves started fast, were pegged back and had changes forced on them but never panicked, always kept going and always believed they were going to win. Well done boys!
Well done guys
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