As the Russel Foster league continues to be suspended, and the effects of local restrictions forcing further games to be postponed in the TJFA, there were only two games last weekend. Most of our teams either managed to organise a friendly or played inter team games within the football club, however, the U10’s Eagles did manage to have a mid week game.

Hurworth U10’s v U10’s Eagles (midweek game)

The Eagles went into the game with confidence after a good performance at the weekend but struggled to get into the game early on. Hurworth scored inside two minutes direct from a corner. Some alert defending from Dylan kept the score at 1. We attacked well at times but our final ball was lacking in quality.

On a couple of occasions, when we did break through, we found a keeper on top form. Just before half time Hurworth broke through our defence and added a second. This seemed to wake the boys up, straight from kick off we made three passes which resulted in a cross from Nathan finding Dan on the left and a sweet volley with the outside of his foot swerved round the keeper to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Second half the boys were up for it and totally dominated the game. From defence to attack everyone upped their performance. Evan took control of the midfield and Dan K was causing all sorts of problems on the left. We found a resolute Hurworth team but eventually we drew level after Jayden turned home after a scramble in the box. The boys pushed and pushed for a winner and with moments to spare Dan C broke through and fired a shot towards the top corner, only to produce a top save from the Hurworth keeper. Honours even on the night.

MOM: Evan for a great confident display in the middle of the pack.

Saltburn FC v U10’s Eagles

Team: Charlie, Carter, Dylan, Brandon, Krystian, Evan,

Nathan, Dan K, Jayden, Riley and Dan C.

The boys had an early start this week and made the long trip to Saltburn on a very wet morning. The game started well for the Eagles keeping possession and when they did lose the ball they were working hard to get it back. A great first half that was dominated by the Eagles. The attacking players worked so hard applying loads of pressure from the goal kicks. Saltburn attacked making Charlie work in goal and the defence of Dylan and Carter were like a wall at the back allowing the midfield and forward to push up the field and attack in numbers. This caused an error by one of the Saltburn defenders when Jayden took a shot which came back off their keeper but found the back of the net.

Evan worked so hard for the team again in central midfield, up and down the pitch and playing in his team mates, such an unselfish player doing what’s right for the team. Jayden, still hungry for another though, found space in front of goal and with a great assist from Dan K buried the ball into the net. Well done Jayden.

A few changes to the team as Dylan and Carter were replaced by Krystian and Brandon, Nathan and Jayden replaced by Dan C and Riley. Straight from the whistle the boys were put under pressure and despite the best efforts from the team Saltburn managed to catch us off guard and scored two goals in quick succession.

The Eagles weren’t going to let their heads go though and soon afterwards Dan C ran through the Saltburn defence, was tackled but the ball fell to Riley in a perfect position to finish. Dan C worked so hard up front for the team and made some key passes and battled really well.

Saltburn continued to try and get some goals back but Brandon and Krystian cleared their lines time and time again. The final goal came from some great team play from the boys passing well with Nathan playing a great ball through to Riley who smashed the ball off the crossbar and into the net. Another fantastic team performance from the boys and just shows how well they can play when they play as a team.

MOM: Could have gone to a number of players but this week went to Dan K for his continuous work up and down the left wing and crossing the ball into his team mates.

ADULTS TEAMS

Stockton Town Ladies 4 v 2 Newton Aycliffe Women

Much better performance this week but a disappointing result. A new set up this week which seemed to work well, the women looked strong, had good shape and looked dangerous on the attack. But unfortunately the first goal went to Stockton, an unmarked player on the edge of the box was allowed too much time to hit a looping shot which dropped into the back of the net. Immediately Aycliffe hit back, Naomi received the ball on the left hand side about forty yards out, her striking partner Lauren made a great run to the edge of the box and was picked out by a great diagonal ball, Lauren took one touch to control then slotted the ball into the bottom corner, 1-1.

Newton Aycliffe were now in control, a few offside calls preventing a couple of clear cut chances, unfortunately, just before half time, Stockton were given too much space again, another speculative looping shot found its way into the net, past Courtney, who could do nothing, half time 2-1.

The women were still upbeat, one change at half time and the game was underway. From the start Newton Aycliffe were at it, some brilliant one touch football was finished off by a low drive from Amber who was waiting at the edge of the box, 2-2 game on.

Stockton looked rattled, but had a boost when yet another looping shot left the keeper stranded, 3-2. Newton Aycliffe had their chance to equalise but it wasn’t to be, in the final minutes a mix up in midfield and Stockton scored a fourth.

Women of the Match was Courtney who had an outstanding game in goal keeping Stockton at bay, with some outstanding saves. Unfortunate to be beaten by three speculative looping shots which, quite frankly, most keepers playing in full size goals would have struggled to get anywhere near.

Great game everyone, positive improvement, let’s work hard, keep getting better and better then the results will come.

If you need any further information on any of our boys and girls teams go to our website www.nayfc.com – For information on our Wildcats Girls Development, or Little Eagles Boys Development Sections for 4-8 year olds, contact Berni 07939 045242.