BAC /EE Preston 1  Euxton Villa 3

This game was set up to be close , both teams having won all of their league matches so far this season. We knew that having been joint winners of one of the Under 10 league's last season that BAC would be tough - especially away from home.

Before the game we stressed to the boys the importance of a good start, and that whilst they should respect the opposition they had nothing to fear if they played to their potential.

Euxton started the game very strongly with the midfield 3 of Myles , Steven and Matthew in particular winning the 50/50 challenges and as a result we pushed BAC onto the back foot. The front two worked hard and out wide both Josh and Dominic were taking up great positions. Dominic in particular was making some very strong runs on the right and was getting the ball into Connor well.

That pressure led to 2 early chances that did not quite run for Lewis and Connor respectively but we had certainly started the game the stronger.

BAC had some strength up front but George was enjoying his contest with the centre forward and the two James were both calm when put under any presssure.

On 11 minutes we got the lead that our early work had deserved. A good move involving Steven, Dominic and Connor led to BAC conceding another corner - the 3rd of the game. Matthew delivered what is becoming his trademark corner and amongst the challenges in front of goal it deflected off a BAC defender and went in. This goal however was created by the pressure that had been built , not only by our winning of tackles but also by Matthew's ability to deliver quality corners - an ability above his age.

Within 2 minutes we were 2 - 0 up .Some good football right from a defensive clearance involving Steven and Dominic enabled Myles to hit a perfect pass over the defence and into Connor's path. Connor kept his head and finished in style. The players involved in that goal deserve great credit , Connor for his finish but also the wonderful pass from Myles. I am sure that the parents would agree that it was certainly not like watching 10 year olds.

BAC responded with some pressing but our defence were holding them well - particularly when they used the offside trap to great effect.

Then the move of the game nearly created a third goal. Matthew hit a great pass from left to right , Myles stepped over the ball on the edge of the box , allowing Dominic to get to the by line and pull a wonderful cross in for Connor who had timed his run well ,but could not quite keep his header down and it just cleared the bar. Great football.

In injury time of the first half we got caught. A BAC player had been flagged for off side but play continued. We were caught for the only time in the game ball watching, missed a couple of challenges and did not come out as a team, allowing the BAC forward to get behind us and drill in a good goal from the right hand side. 1 -2 game on.

The boys were frustrated at half time and we talked to them about the need to start again just like we had in the first half . Whichever team scored the next goal was likely to go through.

BAC started equally strongly in the second half and for the first 10 minutes they put us under some pressure. James D bravely blocked one shot inside the box and George had 2 successive corners to head clear. Steven , Myles and Matthew all had to make challenges and for a little while we were being stretched . I must in particular praise the two James' during this spell. Both worked hard and did the right thing every time. BAC had pushed an additional player up front and we had to play Dominic at right back to counter it. Once we did that things calmed down and we started pressing them back.

Now Josh was getting more and more in the game and had the beating of the right back on a number of occassions - given that he had taken a nasty knock in the first half he was doing really well for us. With a little more luck his crosses / shots would have led to goals - Keep your head up Josh you are doing great.

From a clearance Lewis got in front of the defender and held him off before turning and hitting a great past for Connor who had a firm shot turned past the post by the goalkeeper. Lewis should visualise that bit of forward play before every game - its just what we want from him - well done Lew.

It certainly seemed to give him a boost because shortly afterwards he played a great 1-2 with Connor before moving the ball onto his right foot and crashing a great shot onto the bar. He deserved a goal.

The game was close and we needed a third goal. Whilst we were pressing , BAC were trying to hit us on the break and whilst the offside trap continued to work well , we were nevertheless pleased to see Matthew come off his goalline and clear a dangerous position as well as make a good catch from a corner.

Thankfully the third goal came.  Connor had just been caught on the ankle and looked in some pain. However he shrugged it off to go in bravely on a bouncing ball in the BAC area before pulling the ball back to Myles who finished with great shot into the corner.

With less than 10 minutes to play BAC had it all on to come back as us. Again the back 3 remained strong and BAC did not give Matthew a save to make. We brought Tom on for Matthew who had played well and had put some good balls in behind the BAC back 4 for Josh in particular. Tom did what we needed from him , challenged and chased and kept it tight.

A special mention to the 3 subs who did not come on. Mainly because we were wary of extra time . What pleased us most was the way they stood on the touchline and supported the 11 on the pitch - a great attitude lads well done.

When the final whistle blew both sides knew that they had been in a competitive match played in a good spirit with plenty of good football played by both teams.

We were delighted in the way the boys played and we have a real belief in the boys ability - hopefully this will fill them with confidence for the rest of the season

Man of the Match - ( Could have been any one of them)  Steven