Impressive!

On paper Kew weren't going to be too difficult an opponent but looking into their results they always make a good game of it.

We were at our best especially in the first half to put them to bed.

As we all know it's my first year in kids football management, and It's been a really interesting role. Much more challenging and rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

Last week was possibly the most challenging and this week possibly the most rewarding.

I can't say it enough that results at the moment are not what I judge the boys on, more performances. More of the reaction to whats asked of them and thats where these last two weeks have told their own story.

Last week was tough and football is a game that doesn't relent, if you have a bad day you will be punished and we were fairly and squarely.

The good thing about losing is it makes you look at yourself and ask questions, we've been on a good run, and have deserved praise, then we lose and everyone has a lot to say. This week was a different story.

Well, folks this is kids football, and thats the beauty of this game. Were not just coaches and mums and dads, were fans, and thats why we invest so much time and effort into it.

I enjoy the fact that we all have a lot to say, good or bad after the game. I also really enjoy that as a whole we keep it in during the game. The team played such good football yesterday, largely to the background applause and encouragement.

The first half started with relentless force, constant pressing, wave after wave, driving and searching for the breakthrough, and on our 7th goal attempt we got the all important first through the ever impressive Nas in the 9th minute , and the second 4 minutes later, with goals from Asa and Yusuf to add before half time.

I'd like to share our pre match team talk, we wrote three words on the whiteboard,

Hard work

Pressing

Passing.

That sums up the whole first half.

It was impossible to make changes in the first half as we had a procession players vying for man of the match.

The only change was Elliott coming on for Aiden who was injured, and he just upped the ante even more.

The second half was a great game, with Kew forcing their way into the match, in a much more end to end affair.

Today I'd like to pull 3 players out for particular praise.

Joe St John, is such a force once he gets into any game and the last couple of weeks have been a joy to watch as the confidence is flowing through his veins again.

Yusuf, attitude and talent in equal measures, such a talent, Kew had no answer to his strength.

Luca Osborne, his talent in keeping the ball, and picking out passes was there for all to see. A quiet lad who speaks volumes with his feet.
We asked for passing and this was a master class. Two assists and a hand in two others, a worthy man of the match.

I could go on, so many players played well, against a team that played good football and were full of spirit. We wish them good luck for the future.

Well done boys, it was a pleasure to watch.