Blues Lose Out...

The Blues played some of their most attractive, competent and attacking football ever on Saturday against a strong Wear United team.

However, mistakes made by the coach colluded with the Blues not taking chances to tip the victory to Wear United.

Lessons have been learned and the Coaching Team have been working together on ways to combat over-rotation of positions during a game. We still believe that each player should experience as many positions as possible but will temper this over the coming weeks.

The kids played really well, transfering training sessions to the pitch as regards deciding when to pass and when to run with it. Getting shots away earlier will help us create more opportunities.

A lucky lob, a speculative long ball towards our goal at best, sealed the 3-2 victory for Wear after Beth had a penalty saved. Earlier, Sebastian scored a penalty (two in one game! We haven't had one in two years!) and Max blasted home from close range. Beth had a hand in winning the first penalty and helped create the opportunity for Max to score. Finlay, Sebastian and Finn combined well in midfield. Danny was as energetic as ever and won the second penalty. Max enjoyed his time in midfield and worked well with Rafi in defence. Rafi grew and grew in confidence at the back and really looked good in that role, earning himself the "Player of the Game" award. Nathan bounced back from a physical knock and, perhaps, a knock in confidence to make some of the marauding runs we know he is capable of and, in doing so, bagged the "Excellent Contribution" medal (still need to think of a better name for that!) Jake, as ever, did himself and the team proud in net, particularly with clearing danger outside of his box, and was unlucky to conceded such a desperate winner. Harry looked more comfortable on the pitch and was keen to learn.

Well played, Blues. Your hard work and never say die attitude did us all proud!