Sunday saw us travel into Colchester for our league fixture versus Colchester Villa Blues. The KO just so happened to clash with the predicted downpour which is typical in grassroots football at the moment.

The boys warming up with a cheeky Rondo, which is something that will be factored in more often in training and warm ups. Lots of touches, control, passing and being on ones toes ! Perfect for development.

A nice selection of pastries / custard tarts generously supplied by Frankie to supporters / players was lovely to see however my concern (after a quick calculation) was if all the boys liked custard tarts as much as myself, would there be one for me after the game.

So many thoughts going through my head along with the normal basic formation and team selection especially considering we were missing three players this week.

The boys started incredibly well, settled and passed the ball beautifully, showing that they are learning / taking onboard what we cover in training. Making decisions themselves whether to dribble, run, take on players, pass or shoot. Decision making being at the centre of everything related to football and it’s our job as coaches to help them develop that. We also have to remember that they are young children and will see a totally different game on the pitch to us coaches and supporters on the side line.

GD and MA strong in defence, protecting WJ between the sticks, working hard and moving the ball well to more forward positioned players. HP working tirelessly alongside CM, who’s composure and maturity on the ball is a joy to watch. Lots of link up play and lots of unselfish passes giving team mates in better positions the chance to slot the ball away. A clever corner nearly seeing CM score with a dipping first time strike from distance. FT creating problems for the opposition and offering team mates options as we attacked. If tackled or passes intercepted they all worked hard to win the ball back and regain possession which is especially pleasing to see.

Surprisingly, from all of the attempts and superb football by the boys only HP had managed to notch after some really good work and composure to finish. The Col Villa keeper almost cat like, springing this way and that, repelling nearly everything thrown at him.

Halftime team talk consisted of checking whether boys did actually like custard or not and a few uplifting words. There wasn’t anything we needed to change as the effort, teamwork and enjoyment was already there.

CM replaced WJ with keeper duties as we kicked off for the second half. HP defending like a trojan with MA and WJ doing the business in midfield roles. GD reverting to his preferred strikers role didn’t disappoint as he worked his socks off for the team, resulting in notching two very well deserved goals. He nearly completed his hat trick after showing sheer determination. With everyone else, including myself thinking the ball was going off in the corner GD had other ideas. Making the ball just in time before turning and taking on the oncoming defender before narrowly failing to hit the back of the net again.

Strong runs from MA and WJ soon resulted in a goal for the latter before FT replaced HP at the heart of the EB defence. Swapping positions and learning all aspects of the game but most importantly working and supporting your team mates.

The game ended all equal. A cracking game full of, goals, chances, tackles, fun, effort and action.

A gentle reminder of why we do it following the minutes applause before the game in honour of Jordan Banks.

The Future is bright, the future is Green

#Greenarmy

#Itstheirgame

PS I actually got two custard tarts !