SVR U11 Blues

Match Report by Katie West...

Well done today Blues boys! Only 2-0 at half time (arguably 1-0 given offside suspicions), concluding at 7-1 at full time after a sad 5 goal flurry and then one spectacular and oh-so-satisfying goal by Kit, assisted by Eli and set up by most of the team! And it was golden moments like that one that showcase what the blues can do when they put their minds to it.

It was the first game back today and you could see lots of evidence of that! But there were also lots of moments when they showed what they are capable of and that was exciting to see. In between those moments of spectatorship, there were moments of grasping the nettle, taking on the brave tackle, getting the pass away, communicating with each other and looking dangerous. I think that scuffle for goal that didn’t quite get there in the second half scared our own boys as much as the opposition! They can do it! It’s as if they need to realise it and I think they’re starting to. 

I thought they battled really well in the first half and looked competitive throughout it. The second half saw that classic emotional tip of the scales that the opposition always seem only too ready to take advantage of, which they did to the tune of five goals. But although that was gutting, looking for silver linings it did give our midfielders and striker some real match practice of making kickoffs work for us! By the fifth one, those kickoffs were looking much more aggressive and I look forward to seeing the payoff for that in a future match.

What we saw in spades today was team spirit and it was great to see so many of them celebrating the goal together, because the goals take the team to make after all! We’ve talked to the boys a lot end of last season and start of this one about having each other’s backs and bigging each other up. We don’t want to hear anyone slagging off their team mate at all, ever. On the pitch or off the pitch. And it was really great to see the players getting behind that ethos today.

So another sucky scoreline, but loads of positives and glimpses of greatness. 

Match report by Paul Savill...

The boys were absolutely excellent this morning - massive massive massive kudos to @⁨Katie West⁩ - such a brilliant spirit in the team and they're going to be a force to be reckoned with this season. 

Remy - That save in the first half was SENSATIONAL 

Zach - Awesome positional awareness and commitment 

Elvis - The Duracell bunny has got nothing on you

Tom - Imposing and strong 

Theodore - Your commitment to protecting that back line is incredible 

Eli - Growing in confidence and ability every game 

Kit - Playing smarter, not harder today 

Rhys - Cool as a Denis Bergkamp with that pen & always leading by example 

Herb - Kept the defenders busy with your movement and persistence 

Jack F - Super Jack back in midfield was awesome to see

Hunter - Really held up the ball brilliantly and used your strength brilliantly