Absolutely gorgeous September morning day - Shanks once said "all you need is the green grass and the ball "and he was right today!!

Euxton Blacks made their bow in their first match of the season ( after last week's washout ) at Penwortham Holme against Myerscough in the early kick off at 9.30.

The team lined up with David in Goal, Jake and Adam in defence, Tom (captain), Stuart and Will in midfield with Alistair up front. Subs were Alex and Daniel.

The match started and Myerscough took the initiative and started to press forward well. Euxton seemed quite nervous which was understandable given this was their first game. Jake and Adam made some timely interceptions and the midfield trio of Tom, Stuart and Will battled hard to gain a foothold in the game. Alistair tried to link the play and took up some good positions.

Unfortunately, after some hesitancy in the Euxton defence, the Myerscough striker nipped in to score from close range. 1.0 to Myerscough.The Euxton heads did not drop and with strong running from Tom and Alistair they begain to probe forward more effectively. All the boys were holding their positions well and gently easing themselves into the match. Football, alas, is such a cruel game and after another Myerscough attack the ball bobbled around the Euxton defence and eventually they scored with a low shot into the bottom right hand corner.2.0 to Myerscough.

Some teams might have started to feel sorry for themselves but not the Euxton Blacks. Driven on by their dynamic captain they started to tackle, chase and harry the opposition really well and one great move involving Will, Tom, Stuart and Alistair almost paid dividends. With Jake and Adam defending stoutly Euxton started to pass and move and finally in the seventeenth minute Tom barged through the Myerscough defence after a pass from Stuart, controlled the ball and calmly slotted home with a great finish. 2.1 to Myerscough. Euxton continued to push forward, sometimes getting out of position in their haste to grab the equaliser, but their effort and attitude was fantastic to see and bodes well for the future. Half time 2.1 to Myerscough.

At the break, Alex replaced Adam in defence and Daniel came on in midfield for Will.

The match restarted and both teams jostled for control in was becoming a lively entertaining encounter. Alex made some excellent tackles and Jake continued very impressively covering like Franco Baresi at the back! Myerscough packed their midfield well and pushed Euxton back winning a number of corners. Euxton defended well and David did well to grasp the ball on a couple of occasions and his kicking improved really well as the half progressed. A fine move involving Stuart, Tom and Alistair ended with Alistair shooting well but the Myerscough keeper pulled off a good save. The game was now end to end and suddenly the ball broke out of the Euxton defence and a fine shot from Myerscough showed David at his best, with a brilliant save down low to his right!! However, Myerscough went 3.1 ahead after an unstoppable shot low into the corner.

Will came on for Alistair upfront and Adam took Stuart's place on the right. Euxton would not accept they were beaten and Tom, Daniel and Will covered every blade of grass in a fantastic effort late in the game. Tom played two fantastic passes through to Will who chased every lost cause magnificently - Myerscough defended well as Euxton won successive corners, finally the ball broke to Tom on the left after great work by Will, he moved to his right and arrowed a fantastic shot in the bottom corner out of the reach of the keeper 3.2 to Myerscough. Euxton continued to scrap and chase refusing to give up and in the dying moments another fierce freekick from Tom almost fell to an Euxton Player. It was not to be and Myerscough held on to win 3.2.

Even though Euxton lost there is much to be positive about - all the boys tried as hard as they could on a very hot morning, always looking to pass and they tackled really well. The positional play will improve as will their confidence with time. I was really proud of each of them and told them so at the end.

Man of the Match : Tom Stewart - Unbelievable performance from Tom who ran, tackled, passed, scored and drove the team on!!

Big thanks to Amanda and I promise not to shout "Referee!!" again!! and to all the parents, thanks for all your support.