Newton Aycliffe U9 Eagles took part in the Champion League Tournament at Redcar. We were paired with Skelton, Stokesley, Saltburn, South Park Rangers and Cargo Fleet. The boys acquitted themselves very well and played some really good football.
First game we played Stokesley FC. In a game of few chances, the boys defended very well and limited Stokesley to a couple half chances. Stokesley also defended well and kept us at bay. Full time 0-0.
2nd game we played Skelton. Another 0-0 draw but the lads attacked well and we should have been rewarded with a penalty when James was brought down in the area but the ref allowed play to continue.
3rd game we played South Park Rangers. After a bad decision we found ourselves 1 down at half time. 2nd half we were on the front foot, James hit the bar and was then brought down for a penalty, which Evan smashed home. A couple of chances came and went and our 3rd draw 1-1.
4th game we played group leaders Cargo Fleet. Again we found ourselves 1 down at half time after an unstoppable effort found the top corner. Charlie made a couple of good saves to keep us in the game. Again 2nd half we battled back into the game and found a well deserved equaliser late in the game through James. Full time 1-1.
5th game v Saltburn we dominated the possession and created a number of chances. We were very unlucky in front of goal but eventually our dominance paid off when James scored with the last kick of the game. Full time 1-0 win. The boys finished 3rd in the group and just missed out on a place in the semi-final by 1 point.
The team played some really good football today and I was really pleased coming away unbeaten. 3 clean sheets shows we are improving and all our defenders today deserve praise. Charlie in goal making some good saves, Dylan, Nathan, Krystian, Brandon and Jayden all working hard in defence. James, Dan, Riley, Evan, Jayden and Krystian when needed, also were very dangerous in attack. Onwards and upwards now boys. Good luck in the upcoming season.
