First of; thank you to Bourne – despite only having 10 they came cross to play and get a game on. It is much appreciated, having missed so many games this season from teams not coming over.
We start the game well (once we had 11 on the pitch, as Ben S was still taking his tracksuit bottoms off as the whistle went) and with a good press. Eventually the deadlock was broken on 8mins when the S&S team (go back to the Shearer Sheringham Newcastle days!) combined again and Shaun slotted home from my pass.
Despite the man advantage it was good and competitive, our back four mopping up any through balls. It took a bit of time for the second goal to come (24mins), Teo found himself in space in the D and had his shot was well saved by the keeper, however it bobble up and with a scramble with the keeper, in which somehow I ended up under him but still managing to pop the ball under the keeper back to Ben J to put it home. Having left the skin of 7 of my knuckles under the keeper and gone off the pitch to wash up, I missed Doug goal (assisted by Shaun) just before the break. 3:0 at the break.
The second half started much the same as the first. Competitive, defence doing a sterling job, some good driving runs, some decent saves by their keeping (bearing in mind he didn’t know how to put the kit on!!). Then came a 6 min blitz. First Doug volleyed home form my cross D pass, 2min later completed his hat-trick after Shaun again became provider, and finally Ben J not wanting to be left out of the action got his second. Again Shaun being the provider.
To be fair to Borune the next 15 saw the momentum turn a bit and more pressure coming forward. A PC was put slightly wide, and Nate made a good save (desperate for his clean sheet) from an edge of the D shot.
Shaun looked likely to get his second, given ages in the D to choose his spot, unfortunately he choose to dent the post with his shoot and nearly dent poor Bruno head as it ricocheted off. Fortunately he missed, Bruno’s head (but also unfortunately the goal.)
Final whistle blew, another win, and a clean sheet.

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Captain’s thoughts – A big thank you to Bourne 4s – coming over with only 10 players, and competing hard all game- great respect and again a big thank you to them for coming over.
Player of the Match – Stu P – I asked for driving runs out of the centre of defence and that’s what I got, covered miles in going forward and tracking back to make some great interceptions. (seven different players nominated – but really could have been anyone on the team)
D0D – Ben S – Despite Shaun’s attempt to take Bruno’s head of his shoulders, awarded hands down to Ben S for not being ready to start the game despite being in the starting 11.
Champagne moment – Umpire Baz, helping the opposition goal keeping put his kit on, who didn’t know how as not a keeper (although to be fair in the game made some great stops)
Captain’s mention – Again our U16s. All of them, their performances are great. They listen to instructions and advice, give it the all (and most importantly seem to be enjoying it.)