Report

23rd October 2011 is a significant date. That is the last time our boys lost a game. Fast forward 6 months and the U7s remarkable 1st season culminated in a deserved team triumph with an opportunity to avenge one of only 3 defeats all season vs Quarrydale. In between that date to now, I think I speak for the masses when I say we have witnessed some wonderful games, goals, team efforts, individual brilliance- the lot. I cannot reserve any higher praise for these boys than they are truly a credit to the club, an inspiration for me as a coach and outstanding ambassadors for the game I love. The only thing agonisingly missing was the goal we desperately wanted for our baby, Loggie.

Today's performance wasn't a classic pass-and-move exhibition with marauding wingplay and slide rule precision but I got as much pleasure from our patience, persistence and determination to beat an oustanding goalkeeper in Quarrydale's net. We started as we finished as the boys were as eager a me to protect their unbeaten run to the season end and also to settle a score from our bruising defeat back in October to Quarrydale. Kian flashed a shot over the bar before Harvey and Taylor tested their keeper with routine saves. Then Jack picked up the ball a the back an ran riot past 2 or 3 down their left before shooting wide on his favoured right foot. Quarrydale were organised at the back and the frustration continued as corners and set pieces were either saved or blocked. Then typical of the game, their 1st attack saw Bash head the ball out only fr it to hit their strikers side of his head from all of a yard out. Jake S who for long periods was a spectator didn't have time to react 1-0. Our boys were visibly rattled but we continued to battle and take the game to Quarrydale- possession wise we had so muc of the ball but as the half petered out we couldn't force the issue.

It was difficult to criticise the effort at half time. We did say we needed to shift the ball from side to side quicker to exploit space and the boy heeded the words. We were more fluent 2nd half and the passing was notably 10% more crisp. We remained patient for chances but again their keeper and defence repelled our attacks. It looked like it wasn't going to be our day at one point. Then Jack took a quick throw which caught them napping and fon the half volley Kian smashed a screamer into the top right corner for the equaliser. Fantastic technique and a great strike and a deserved equaliser. We weren't willing to settle for a draw though, revenge still motivating us but moreso our desire to play football to win. At the other end, Jake S made amends for a fluffed kick with a great reaction save and the bar savd us from conceding a 2nd. Then Kian's dipped effort smashed against the crossbar beating their keeper all ends up. Harvey was quickest to react and nudged us in front with a composed finish. Kian hit the side netting, Bradders came forward and shot wide of the post before Quarrydale were denied by the post though in truth I would have been disappointed such was our dominance. In the closing moments, Tay for the first real time in the match skinned their winger and defender to tee up Bradders fo the killer 3rd. A 2 goal lead established, Jack Bash marshalling their every attack their was no way we were gonna surrender our lead. And we didn't.

Unbeaten finish to the season;fabulous team effort from Jake S/Bradders/Bash/Tay/Kian/Harvey/Loggie; we passed 100 goals for the season today which is astounding; arguably the most enjoyable coaching season I've ever had. The list goes on and on.....

Can I take the opportunity to thank those their today and those not able for their equal hard work and contribution, namely Bailey, Jake M and Ben, you deserve the same plaudits. Finally, the support on the side today was immense, vocal, passionate and reflective of you al season. Thankyou for your continued support for the boys and me.