This afternoon, our U14s faced a formidable local side in a friendly fixture, a team we’ll meet again in the league in just two weeks’ time. It was a valuable opportunity to test our tactical approach and assess our readiness against a well-organised opponent.

From the outset, we implemented a clear and purposeful game plan: to play attacking football with intent while maintaining positional discipline across the pitch. The first half was a testament to the boys’ character and focus. We dominated possession, spent the majority of the half in the opposition’s territory, and dictated the tempo with composed, controlled play. It was encouraging to see our players executing the strategy with maturity and confidence.

Despite being without a few regulars, our makeshift defence stepped up admirably. Alex, wearing the captain’s armband, was outstanding, organising the back line with authority and serving as a commanding presence throughout. The defensive unit held a superb line, repeatedly catching the opposition offside and dealing effectively with any attacking threats that broke through. Their resilience and communication were key to keeping the opposition at bay for much of the match.

In attack, we were relentless. The front four played with freedom and flair, combining intelligent movement with sharp passing and clinical finishing. Our forward play was positive and progressive, and we regularly carved open the defence with well-timed runs and composed finishes. The goals were a reflection of the confidence and creativity flowing through the team.

The second half began in similar fashion, but as the boys pushed forward in search of more goals and assists, we began to lose our shape. This eagerness left gaps in midfield and defence, which the opposition exploited. We conceded three goals, two stemming from minor lapses in concentration, and one from a well-worked move that saw both Jacob and Alex bravely attempt to block the shot. Alex managed a touch, but the ball still found its way into the net.

As fatigue set in, the team gradually reverted to a more disciplined structure, which brought stability back to our play. This phase of the game was much more controlled and reflected the importance of maintaining shape even when chasing goals. It’s an area we’ll continue to work on in training.

The match concluded with a 7–3 victory, a scoreline that reflects our attacking prowess and the lessons learned defensively. Overall, it was a strong performance with plenty of positives and valuable insights ahead of our upcoming league encounter.