🆚 Red Lions FC
A game where we dominated possession and the overall play, so the result was never really in doubt. But we wanted a performance to go with it, and that is exactly what we got.
Chester opened the scoring early on, followed by a first-half hat-trick from Naeto, who didn’t give their defenders a second of space all half. Sandwiched in between Naeto’s goals was Harlen, picking the ball up on the edge of the box with his first touch after coming on and finishing well.
Reggie had been outstanding at the back, mopping everything up around the halfway line and making pass after pass forward, which led to a lot of our attacks and goals. Exactly the kind of play we’ve been focusing on in training, so it was great to see it working so well in a game. He then managed to get forward himself and add a sixth just before half time. 6-0.
We knew we were by far the better team, so we challenged the lads to make as many passes as possible before scoring. Although it slowed the goals down, it was brilliant to see some really good football and the boys putting the team ahead of individual glory.
After having virtually nothing to do all game in goal, we pulled Cole forward to get involved, which also gave the defenders the chance to push further up. Very quickly, Joey made it 7-0.
Then, with Cole pushed right up out of his goal and onto the halfway line, we won a corner. The ball came in and was cleared, but as it found its way back to Cole, he took it first time and absolutely smashed it into the top corner. An unbelievable goal from our keeper! 😂👏🏼
8-0.
It could have been a lot more, but we were really proud of how the lads prioritised teamwork and following instructions over selfish play. 🧡
🆚 Bilston Town
Next up was Bilston Town. It looked like a mix of a few teams we’d played in the past, so we weren’t completely sure what to expect. But, as with all Bilston sides, we knew they’d be strong, aggressive and individually skillful, so we knew we’d have to be at our best and play as a team to stand a chance.
The boys did not disappoint.
The work rate and discipline in their positions was some of the best we’ve seen from them. Reggie continued his brilliant play from the back, with seemingly every pass finding a teammate.
Naeto continued causing defenders constant problems and managed to break through the midfield to go 1v1 with the keeper, confidently making sure of his fourth goal of the morning.
It was an entertaining battle, with both teams pushing hard for the next goal. The next big chance fell to Bilston when Bligh was judged to have fouled in the box, giving them a penalty. Cole stood strong and made a great save to keep our lead.
Chester has always been one of our strongest players, but as that ability has become more evenly spread across the team, we’ve been trying to teach him that he doesn’t have to try to do everything himself. Today it was brilliant to see him trusting his defenders to bring the ball forward, allowing him to receive it further up the pitch and do what he does best.
Even better, though, was the amount of passes he played through the middle, creating chances for his teammates. That didn’t take away from his usual goal threat either, as he made it 2-0 going into half time.
The second half was another very even, tight game. Bilston pushed hard for a goal and eventually got one after a spell of pressure to make it 2-1.
The lads had shown their quality all morning, but this was their first real test of character — and they did us proud. They quickly took control again, with Bligh unlucky not to score when he smashed a shot against the crossbar.
And then, being the only player in the whole team without a goal, it was the icing on the cake when Bligh finally got his chance and calmly slotted a left-footed effort into the corner.
3-1. 🧡
🏆 Players of the Week
Parents’ POTM — Naeto 🧡
Another outstanding performance. Like a wall in the middle of the pitch, winning loose balls, driving forward and causing problems all morning. A hat-trick in the first game and four goals overall — thoroughly deserved.
Managers’ POTM — Reggie 🧡
This was an extremely tough decision today. Cole could easily have won it after scoring an unbelievable goal and saving a penalty, while Chester showed fantastic teamwork and could have taken it on another week.
But we felt Reggie today took everything we’ve been working on in training and rolled it all into one performance.
His defending was solid, he followed the game plan brilliantly, played smart balls out to the wings and consistently set the forwards away with great passing. Exactly what we’ve been asking for.
🧡 4 wins out of 4 🧡
We honestly couldn’t have wished for a better start to the season.
The results only tell half the story. The best bit is seeing them all take what we’ve been working on in training and actually apply it into games.
The attitudes and team spirit have been brilliant, and it’s lovely to see them all backing each other up and celebrating each other’s successes together.
Well done, Swifts! 👏🏼🧡⚽️
