Rushall Village vs Sporting Khalsa
Our final two games of the tournament began with a tough test against Sporting Khalsa, who currently sit 2nd in the league and have only dropped points once. We knew this would be a challenge, but to the boys credit, they didn’t back down and made life difficult for the opposition from the start.
We began well, holding our positions and creating a couple of early chances. After winning a corner, the ball was cleared with a lot of spin, and unfortunately our defence couldn’t deal with it. It fell kindly to their striker who made it 1–0. The boys didn’t let that affect them, and before half‑time Rio broke into the box and was fouled, earning us a penalty. He stepped up and slotted it hard and low into the corner, an excellent finish to level the game at 1–1.
In the second half we were a little sloppy at the back, holding onto the ball too long and dribbling sideways, which allowed Khalsa to nip in and score for 2–1. But we responded brilliantly. With a new front pair for the first time, Rio drove down the right wing and picked out Adam at the far post with a superb ball, and Adam finished it perfectly. A brilliant team goal and exactly what we’ve been working on in training so that was very impressive.
A well deserved draw against one of the strongest sides in the group.
FT: Rushall Village 2–2 Sporting Khalsa
Rushall Village vs Bentley Cobras
This game started at full speed. Straight from kick‑off, Rio ran through the opposition before his shot was saved by the keeper. It set the tone for what was going to be a very physical match, with both teams putting in strong tackles and earning free kicks.
We kept pushing and eventually took the lead, with Rio making another great run and finishing it brilliantly, a trademark Rio goal 👏
Bentley then equalised later in the half, and we went into the break level at 1–1.
The second half began slowly for us, and a lack of concentration at the back put us under pressure. We gave away a penalty, and with Koby stepping in as goalkeeper, he faced a big challenge. The striker put it wide, and Koby’s movement across his line played a part in that.
Shortly after, Bentley went 2–1 up with a really harsh goal a long, looping ball that dipped under the bar and into the net. One of those unlucky moments that sometimes happen.
But again, the boys refused to give up. Rio struck well, the keeper parried it, and Adam reacted quickest to score his second of the day. We pushed hard for a winner, with Adam, Rio and Oscar all going through on goal, but their keeper made some excellent saves.
FT: Rushall Village 2–2 Bentley Cobras
Players of the Match
🏆 Parents Player of the Match: Oscar
Oscar had two really strong games today. He put in brave tackles, held his position well, made some good passes, and even ran through one‑on‑one with the keeper. He was so close to getting his first goal, denied only by a great save.
Well done, Oscar! 🏆👏🟠⚫
🏆 Managers Player of the Match: Freddie
Freddie was vocal and supportive of his teammates as always, showing why he’s captain. He played a solid defensive game, got himself into the right positions, worked incredibly hard, and made some really good passes.
Well done, Freddie! 👏🏆🟠⚫
Final Thoughts
We’re still waiting on the final group standings, but regardless of the outcome, we couldn’t be prouder of the boys. Their first ever tournament together and only one loss. We were also the only team not to lose to the top two sides, which says everything about how far this group has come.
The improvement has been huge. The boys turn up to training, listen, learn, and apply what we’re teaching in matches. They’ve grown close as friends, always smiling, supporting each other, and the bond they’ve built is fantastic to see.
The future looks very bright for this team.
Well done, boys. 👏
