TUFC under 9s v Whitley bay Barca

Whitley, who have won all thier games this season, started the game showing why they're unbeaten. Going a couple of goals up early on. But our boys battled for every ball and worked their socks off to make it a very entertaining, end to end match. Charlie made it clear to there physically strong team that he could more than match them in a battle and he got us off the mark showing strength, skill and an absolute screamer of a goal, the first of his brace today. Thomas had his work cut out today marking their best player, who really is a cracking player with strength, speed, good feet and a good finisher who got 4 of their goals. But without Thomas at the back battling with him the whole game matching him for pace and power he could have scored a lot more! Tom never give up and that battling performance earned him his man of the match award today. Ethan also helped us keep the score down with some great saves again and when he came out he battled for everything linking up well up front with Charlie and Liam on a few occasions. Liam battled well going on his driving runs on goal while also getting his head up to make some great passes to team mates in better positions. He was unlucky to score an own goal and their keeper made a good save for his penalty but he got on the score sheet (at the right end ?) putting the ball in the bottom left corner keeping the pressure on Whitley. Jack new he was playing his school mates today and he put in a shift all game. He was up and down the pitch looking for goals and helping out the defence at the back. He also battled hard with some good tackles and he deserved his poachers goal pouncing on a loose ball in the box. Harry got stuck into tackles, as per usual for Harry, and showed calm on the ball making some simple passes keeping our team in possession. Ben kept it simple at the back, showing good footwork and looking to find a yellow shirt (bib) with each pass. He was 1st to put his hand up to have a shot in goal today as well to help the team and made an excellent save when they were through one on one against him! Brad came close with an effort in the box after Charlie set him up but was denied by their keeper. Toby was often up against a big powerful attacker today but always battled for it and went on a few of his dribbling runs. Joey found his feet as the match went on showing his composure and great touch at the back picking out simple passes keeping us in possession while getting up the pitch to help the attack when he could.
A cold, wet October morning and we had 10 boys with fighting spirit busting a gut for each other. Hope yous are as proud as us coaches.