With most fixtures across the region postponed due to waterlogged pitches, our U14s were fortunate to get their game on against Chase Colts. The surface started slippery and only got heavier as the match wore on, but the boys stuck to their principles and tried to play the attractive, passing football that’s starting to become our trademark.

The first half was scrappy. We lacked our usual energy and intensity, which led to some untidy passages of play. That said, we still produced a moment of real quality to take the lead. Maurice threaded a lovely ball through to Rio, who drove into the box, took it around a defender and calmly rolled the ball into the bottom corner. 1-0.

Parity didn’t last long. Chase worked the ball into our box and a shot struck the arm of one of our defenders. The arm was by his side, but the referee deemed it unnatural and pointed to the spot. Penalty converted. 1-1 at the break.

Whatever was said at half-time clearly worked. We came out with far more purpose in the second half, moving the ball quickly and accurately, especially down both flanks. The reward was swift: a slick through ball found Rio, who squared it first-time for Jareal to tap home. 2-1.

Five minutes later the move was almost identical – same through ball, this time Maurice latched onto it, rattled the post and Jareal was quickest to the rebound. 3-1. The midfield trio were outstanding after the break, winning second balls and dictating the tempo. They funnelled Chase wide where our full-backs and wingers handled everything thrown at them. The defence shuffled across brilliantly, closing space and looking to spring attacks at every opportunity. A couple of longer balls into the wind didn’t come off, but they relieved pressure and ultimately helped us build more dangerous moves.

On one Chase break, Aaron was typically aggressive and blocked the initial danger. The rebound fell to Alex, who fed Joe; he was tackled but the loose ball ran kindly for Jacob. He surged forward into space, slid Rio in, and Rio unselfishly squared for Jareal to complete his hat-trick. 4-1.

Chase kept fighting and pulled one back to make it 4-2, but we restored the three-goal cushion almost immediately. Another rapid attack saw the ball worked to Rio, who flicked it round the corner with the outside of his boot for Maurice. Maurice’s shot crashed against the post again, but Rio was on hand to smash home the rebound. 5-2.

There was still time for late drama. Chase grabbed another to make it 5-3 and nearly set up a tense finish when they rounded Aaron, only for Riley to produce a superb goal-line clearance with a perfectly timed slide.

All in all, a very satisfying afternoon. On a tricky, greasy pitch we still managed to play some excellent football, scored five excellent team goals and showed real character to see the game out. The three points are a big bonus, but the performance and the togetherness were what really made the coaches and parents proud.

Well done, lads – another step forward!