A wet, cold and awful day for the kids to play in today.
With only 6 there today (Jack was missing due to a Christmas thingy, although heavy rumours are going about Paul just couldn't be bothered as he had a night on the tiles. And Jaxon was missing due to feeling unwell) most of the team got to play 3/4 of a game, with only Shay missing out and playing 1/2.
Sunderland West End reds were a very well oraganised side, and had some good little players, they broke us down within minutes as they went 1-0 up after breaking out and running through our midfield and defence and sliding the ball passed Albie.
We then got to grips with the game a little and it was a pretty even contest with most of the game being played in the midfield area. We did go close a few times, but in truth Sunderland looked the more likely to score. on The 10th minute they put in a corner and it ended up in the back of our net - I'll be honest I can't remember if this went in bouncing off one of us or this was Josh's OG - Mick is usually the report writer so I don't have to remember stuff like this.
Shay off and Seth on, and we put Seth in midfield for a change to see how he got on, and give us a chance to put some tackles in further up the pitch. This nearly paid off when he went on a good little run, but put the ball just wide of the goal.
Fran was constantly getting stuck in, and for me put in a player of the 1st half performance, and her hard work paid off as she broke through and scored a nice goal when their keeper put the ball down and didn't clear it properly. Celebrations were short lived as Sunderland kicked off, and went 3-1 up straight away - I don't remember the goal again.
HT and time for a team talk to boost the confidence. However, Mick was so hungover he couldn't even be bothered to speak.
We switched things up and Albie came out with Blake playing the 1st part of the second half in goal, and Fran playing the second part in goal. We spoke about starting the second half better and not conceding quickly..... Sunderland went 4-1 up in the first minute with our second OG of the day, Albie banging the ball in the wrong end. Although 4 minutes later he redeemed himself after finding himself 1-1 with the keeper, and in his words 'megging the keeper to score'.
Shay back on, and Josh off.
All the team tried hard today in some pretty sh$#&y conditions, but if truth be told we were second best today.
Shout out to Duff who forgot he had Blakes gloves, and made him play the second half when he was out of goal with no gloves, even though he asked me (SORRY).

MOM: Albie.
Goals: Fran (1), Albie (1 + 1OG), Josh (1 OG)

Let's call today a draw cos of the own goals.

Training will be position focused, if we hold positions a little more, I think we would have got a draw today. Kids will have homework this week :)
A big thank you to all the parents for turning up week in week out in all conditions - your support is appreciated and the kids love to hear you all on the sidelines.

Mick is back next week on report duties.
Enjoy the rest of your cold miserable Sunday.