A dull overcast typical British Autumn day! Euxton lined up against Red Rose in the late kick-off at 11.30am. A massive thank you to our sponsors "Cheeky Monkeys" today as we were able to wear our brand new kits for the first time! A very appropriate sponsor for an under eight's team!!

The Euxton team was David ( goalkeeper ) Jake and Alex in defence, Tom (captain) with Will and Stuart in midfield and Alistair up front. Substitutes for the start were Daniel and Adam. We decided to switch Will and Stuart for this game.

Red Rose are a very good team and we knew this would be another tricky test for Euxton. Martin and I told the boys to believe in themselves and to wear the "new" shirts with pride! We asked them to tackle, chase, pass and try and keep their positions but most importantly try and help each other and play as a team.

The match started and the boys held their positions really well but slowly Red Rose grabbed the initiative. In particular their number 3 looked a very good player and created a couple of chances down the left hand side, although Will was chasing and hassling him well. Alistair tried to find space for Tom and Stuart to pass to him but Red Rose defended stoutly and attacked Euxton throughout the early stages. The Red Rose number 3 then smashed a great effort against the post and David saved well from another. Jake and Alex were talking to each other like good defenders should and covering each other in tandem.

Tom and Stuart then chased down the ball really well and when the ball broke in the Red Rose box Alistair shot straight at the keeper. Shortly afterwards some fine determined approach play by Will ended with him shooting just past the post. Euxton were holding their own well against a very good Red Rose team which was fantastic to see. David was growing in stature as the match progressed, collecting several shots expertly and then distributing very well. His kicking is getting better and better. In defence, Jake and Alex attacked the ball when necessary and covered every blade of the Euxton box. In midfield, Tom put in his usual all action display, tackling and keeping position and constantly talking to his mates - Stuart played really intelligently, always looking to pass and move even though he was playing in an unfamiliar left hand side position. Will played as ever, with energy and effort and was marking a very good player really well - he had to come off just before half time a little out of breath which was no surprise ! Daniel took his position.Up front, Alistair tried to create with little one-twos and when they didn't always come off he never let his head drop.

Half time 0.0 Martin and I told the boys we were realy pleased and proud of them. They had listened to us and were playing as a team which was great to see. Will returned to the fray as a sub for Stuart and Adam came on for Alex.

The second half began with Red Rose upping the tempo attacking Euxton at every opportunity. Their number 10 and 3 were playing really well and their final pass or shot was starting to cause Euxton lots of problems. Will and Jake dived in front of goal bound shots on more than one occasion each and Adam was defending brilliantly always winning the tackles when necessary. Daniel showed lots of effort and is reallly starting to hold his position well. David was a colossus in goal and midway though the second half pulled off a spectacular save tipping the ball over the bar from a great left foot strike by the Red Rose number 3. The applause from both sets of supporters really good to see. However, Red Rose were definitely on top and a combination of some fantastic defensive play and some further great saves by David was only just keeping them out - They hit the post twice more but Euxton refused to crack. They won corner after corner ( i think 5 in succession at one point ) and finally a brilliant header ( at this age! ) by their number 10 powered into the net. 1.0 to Red Rose.

Euxton restarted the match with fire still in their bellies and continued to tackle, chase and compete all over the pitch. Tom and Alistair both shooting from distance. This was now a great match played in a wonderful spirit by both teams with excitement at both ends. Tom won a freekick and took it himself playing a glorious pass to Alistair on the right wing in space. Alistair controlled the ball perfectly before firing over a cross into the Red Rose box which the Keeper could not hold - quick as a flash Stuart darted in to stab the ball over the line, great anticipation! 1.1.

The equaliser gave Euxton lots of confidence and they started to believe that they could win! Shortly, Euxton gained a freekick at the edge of the box on the right hand side and everyone on the Euxton sidelines watching knew what was coming! Tom stepped up to smash a fantastic right foot shot ( taking a slight deflection )high into the net 2.1 to Euxton. Stuart and Alex came back on to replace tired legs and Red Rose continued with great spirit to try and secure an equaliser - but Euxton held firm and the match ended 2.1 to Euxton Blacks.

What a game and what a result! Red Rose are a really great team and were unlucky to be on the losing side.

However, Euxton played as a team today, hunting in packs for the ball and never giving up, showing a great will ( sorry Will! ) to win and desire which you cannot coach - Every one of them deserves great credit, well done boys.

Man of the Match : David - one of the best saves i have seen at this level - but just part of a fantastic goalkeeping display!! Well Done David.

See you at training on Monday - I'm off to lie down!