After finishing 2nd in the recent trophy event, we had the tough task of facing the winners and runners-up from another group, meaning two very challenging early kick-off games.
To keep things fun after all the hard work in the tournament, we also mixed things up a bit — the lads drew straws to decide their positions, giving everyone a new challenge. With a few players out of their usual comfort zones, they all stepped up brilliantly and stuck to their roles 👏
🆚 Walsall Phoenix Titans 🔴
This was a fantastic contest between two very evenly matched teams, both trying to play proper football — something that isn’t always common at this age.
There was plenty of battling in midfield, along with some really good passing spells from both sides. Chances were created at each end, but both teams defended well and made it difficult for the opposition to break through.
In the end, 0–0 was probably a fair result and a reflection of two well organised teams.
FT: 0–0
🏅 Medal Presentation Moment
Between games we had a really lovely moment presenting the lads with their trophy event medals, a well-deserved reward after finishing runners-up in the competition 🥈👏
🆚 Tekkerz Academy 🔴⚫
Tekkerz are a very strong side, full of pace and skill, and came into the game after dominating their trophy group. They started quickly and took the lead early on.
Just as we were beginning to get into the game, one of our defenders went down injured. Play continued and Tekkerz scored again, which was a tough moment for the lads, and shortly after they added a third.
To their credit, the boys regrouped and started playing their own football again. We created a great chance when Joey burst through on goal and was pushed in the box, winning a penalty. His powerful strike unfortunately came back off the post just before half time — and we probably deserved a goal to show for our efforts.
At the break we asked the boys to treat the second half as a fresh game starting at 0–0, and the response was excellent. We created the better chances while our keeper had very little to do.
After more good attacking play, Joey drove into the box again, rounded the keeper and was brought down. Harlen finished the loose ball but the whistle had already gone for the penalty. As always, whoever wins it takes it — and this time Joey smashed it into the net with confidence.
The match finished 3–1, but we challenged the lads to win the second half — and that’s exactly what they did. A really strong response and great resilience.
FT: 3–1
Goal: Joey ⚽️
🏆 Player Awards 🏆
Parents’ Player: Reggie 🌟
Stepped up in goal making some excellent saves, then was lively on the wing and upfront with fast runs and strong tackles. A brilliant all-round performance.
Manager’s Player: Chester 👏
Another strong display — solid defensively, powerful runs through midfield and some great passes to bring teammates into attacking play.
👏 Final Thoughts
A draw and a loss today, but we set the lads a few different challenges and were really pleased with both the performance and attitude.
With the progress they’ve made, we expect to move up another group or two, which will make the next trophy event a big challenge. But based on the effort and football we’ve seen recently, we’re confident the boys will compete well at the higher level.
Well done Swifts 👏⚽️🧡
