Cheslyn Hay Primary School Website Year 6: Cheslyn Hay 1

Cheslyn Hay Primary School

Cheslyn Hay 1 - 3 St Johns

Wednesday 31st October 2007

Unfortunately, by the time this team picture was taken, the players were dead on their feet and couldn’t even manage to stand up straight and look at the camera properly.

This was many of the children’s first competitive eleven aside matches, away from the playground and to be honest, they were a little bit fazed to begin with, but did begin to develop as the game wore on.

By half time we were 2-0 down, the first goal coming after good work from the opposition centre forward, who crashed an effort off the bar, our defence were static and his team mate finished easily. St John’s second goal came when a goal kick went into the midfield, but it was uncontested by the Cheslyn Hay midfield for their attacker to score unchallenged.

The second half started and again St Johns looked promising, this time their forward getting in down the right and putting a cross over that our keeper couldn’t quite deal with and the unmarked player at the back post had the easiest of chances to make it 3-0.

Not to be dispirited though, Cheslyn Hay came back into the game, creating several excellent opportunities. One opportunity from a set piece was saved right on the line, another after good link up play between Cater, Williams and Tart in a flowing counter attack from an opposition corner ended with the goal disallowed after Williams strayed marginally offside.

Still undeterred, the boys managed to snatch a consolation when good play on the left by Cater managed to free Sandland who advanced towards the box and let go with a fierce left foot drive that the keeper could only parry. Williams was on hand to tuck the rebound away and continue his excellent scoring run since being converted to centre forward.

The step up for some children from playground football to eleven aside competitive football was tough, but tonight was a steep learning curve and if they can listen to the advice they are given by coaches and parents, I have every faith they will be able to make the transition. Time will be an excellent indicator and prove just how far these young boys can go – if they keep believing.

Thanks to Mr Ayres from St Johns for refereeing the game and also for his kind words to our players at the end.

St Johns have a tricky game away to Etching Hill in the Mellor Shield in a fortnights time. Our boys are also away, this time against Codsall Middle School. But first, we will both hopefully have one more warm up match next week.