As another weekend of junior football approached, rain, rain and then a bit more RAIN descended upon us and our football pitches also! Our U9, U11 Whites and U14’s fixtures did not survive the elements but there were plenty of games that still went ahead.

With the Russell Foster summer season now at a close and our U7 and U8 Whites taking a short break, the Under 8 Blacks took advantage of the week off with a round robin friendly at Chilton. The lads had great fun although the results didn’t go their way. Player of the day was Benjamin for his energetic performance and enthusiasm.

Under 8 Juniors were host to a strong Stockton Town Yellows team at Woodham Academy. The game started well for the juniors. Unfortunately it was not to be their day this week, despite great efforts from all players in poor weather. Goals were from Alfie, Jonah & Jack. MOTM went to Dom again for another outstanding game in goal.

The Under 9s were in league action at home for the first time this season and played host to neighbours Heighington FC. It was a very muddy pitch and the juniors struggled to get their passing game going, conceding early in the first half. Despite an excellent performance in the second half they didn’t get the result they hoped for, however they have had a very positive start to the season. MOTM this week went to George.

Under 11 Blacks played their first league cup game away to a well oiled Wrekenton Nou Camp side. The juniors opened the scoring with a great goal by Alex, only to lose a player shortly after due to injury. Being a player down, with no subs, affected the score line for the Blacks, however Jayden H got a birthday goal with a great left footed shot. The team took lots of positives from the game. MOTM went to Jayden W.

Under 11 Clarets continued their league campaign away to Darlington 21st All Stars. This team have had a great start to the season and Sunday was no different with another quality performance, particularly in the second half of the game. Goals were from Alex, Ashton, Harry and Josh T. MOTM was awarded by the referee to Harry.

Our Under 12s played Darlington FC, with a great win. There were four goals from Aidan and a goal each from Niall, Jayden, Jack C, Tyler & Brad. Niall was awarded MOTM for fantastic efforts during the game.

Our Under 12 Blacks were at home to Riverside Juniors Whites. After a slow start for the juniors they found themselves 2-0 down before Charlie hit the back of the net to finish the first half 3-1. The Blacks were much brighter in the second half with Rhys getting the juniors back on level terms, and then completing his hat trick to put them ahead before they conceded again. Rhys scored a fourth to put the juniors 5-4 up with minutes to go. The game ended 5-5 with an opposition goal being scored in the final seconds of the game. MOTM went to Jacob for some great defensive work.

The Under 13’s welcomed Hartlepool Saxons to Woodham Academy. A comprehensive win followed for the juniors, with hat-tricks from Will & Daniel H. The scoring was completed with further goals coming from Jake, Thomas A, Thomas F, Zak & Charlie. It was a great attacking performance from the lads in difficult weather conditions.

The rain did not let up for the afternoon fixtures with our Under 15’s playing host to Linthorpe Academical Clarets, in some awful weather. The juniors were rewarded for their afternoon out in the rain and cold by a 7-3 win with two goals each from Leon, Lewis and Georgie. Brandon also got on the score sheet and was awarded MOTM for his non-stop effort all game.

Well done to all of our teams this week and also thank you to the spectators who braved the rain. We have our fingers crossed for some dry weather over the coming week!

#juniorsmarchon