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It was an early start for myself and Jack as we decided to take in the Euxton blacks game before playing our own. I would like to say what a joy it was to watch all the boys play so well and John and Martin should be praised for how well they have done with the boys in such a short space of time.

Whilst watching the blacks there was a call from Phil to say he would not be able to make it to the game, however he informed me of his starting line up and said to tell the boys to play as they have done and to remember the quick pass and move that we did so well at training.

The team lined up with Aaron in goals, Luke and Liam at the back, James, Jack (C) and Marshall in Midfield with Al as the lone striker, todays subs were Joe and Malachy. We have explained to the boys each week that being sub is nothing to worry about and no reflection of their ability, its just a case of taking turns as they are all performing so well this season.

The game got underway and it was obvious from the start that we were in for a tough match. We had remembered from our encouter last season how good Longridge were at tackling and winning the ball and they certainly made life difficult for our attacking players in the first half.

That said it was Euxton that were looking more of a threat on the attack but were being limited to half chances. James was looking a constant threat down the left hand side and myself and Gary were very pleased to see James looking up and trying to pick out the pass as well as chasing back when the ball was lost. Jack was trying hard in the centre and was unlucky to be caught with the ball on a couple of occasions when torn between passing and shooting, which wasn't helped by the shout of SHOOT from the parents on the sideline (espcially when he was on the half way line.

Half way through the half Joe was introduced for Marshall and soon after Malachy came on for Liam. What is pleasing to see this season is the smiles on the boys faces as they leave the pitch and the way whoever comes on just slots straight into position without any fuss.

Joe was starting to look dangerous down the right using the space that Gary had pointed out and Euxton were trying hard to find there first goal. Just as it was looking as if the first half would be goaless the ball broke from Midfield and Al was first to react, racing towards goal Al calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper, showing all the composure of a class striker.

HT 1 - 0

At half time Gary talked to the boys about making the ball do the work and using the big pitch to our advantage by passing the ball quicker and finding a team mate. At half time Marshall was reintroduced for a very tired looking James (who covered more ground in the first half then he ever has which was very pleasing) and Liam took Luke's place.

The second half was much the same as the first with Euxton looking to attack at every oppurtunity only to be foiled by some determined defending from Longridge.

Early in the half Euxton were awarded a corner, Joe stepped up and swung a great cross into the box, which Al swooped onto superbly heading (YES Heading) into the goal. It was a goal that would have been great at any age, but to see seven year olds cross and head like that truly is a joy to watch.

When Longridge did look to attack the Euxton defence stood strong and on the rare occasion they broke through Aaron was quick to race from his line scraming Keepers to claim the ball. One thing that has made a big difference to the team this season is the quality of Aaron's kicking and today was no difference. Each time Aaron launches the ball Euxton look to turn it into another attack.

There were several changes in the second half but the boys continued to play fluent football and were constantly looking a threat when on the attack. After some great saves by the Longridge keeper it looked like 2 -0 would be the final score, however another great cross was met by Marshall at the back post who hit it first time on the outside of his foot, low into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance.

Al was reintroduced to the game after a short break and seemed keen to complete his hat trick. On one such occasion the ball fell to Al on the edge of the box and he hit a great curling shot that seemed destained for the bottom corner when James stook out a boot and sent the ball into the goal. Although Al was denied his hat trick, it was pleasing to see James running in at the back post and making sure the ball crossed the line.

FT 4 - 0

This was a another great performance by the boys who all worked hard against a very strong well organised Longridge team. Credit should be given to Longridge who never gave up and kept playing the game in the correct spirit. Once again a special well done to the Longridge keeper who made some brave saves.

It really is getting harder and harder to pick a man of the match this season as everyone of the boys are contributing to some great performances and they are all working hard. Today Joe, Marshall and James worked tirelessly up and down the wings, Luke, Liam and Malachy defended superbly limiting Longridge to a hand full of chances, Aaron kept his concentration even though he didn't have too much to do. Jack worked hard in the centre and was a great captain once again talking to his team mates and congratulating them when they scored, but todays winner was Al who never stopped running up front and caused Longridge all sorts of problems. What was also pleasing apart from how well he took his two goals is that Al really seems to improve week on week and is starting to realise when to pass and when to go on his own.