Match Report

This was the second game of the weekend and the boys were raring to go. It took a bit of time before Canvey got their momentum going and Catholic made a few serious moves towards our goal. Harry Neal performed his trade-mark crunching, solid tackles and Jared Blake was very useful with any high balls making superb clearances with his head. Canvey had some good shots at the keeper with Finlay Dobson using his speed and skill. James Harrison worked hard on the left as usual with some great passing to Jordan Bloss.

The game seemed pretty even sided until Canvey stepped it up a gear. Goalkeeper Jack Simms nearly managed to score a goal with a powerful drop-kick. The Catholic keeper couldn't match Jack and Jordan Bloss had the centre midfield covered and swiftly passed to Levi Causton. Levi let rip with his right foot and set Finlay up who knocked in our first goal.

Canvey now had a taste but the Catholic boys were not giving up without a fight. Jack Simms made a couple of brave challanges, diving at the feet of the Catholic striker, denying them a goal. Half time came and the boys were fired up. Archie Blackburn came on with fresh legs and began troubling the Catholic defence. Finlay, now on the left used his speed and went past two players towards the goal. The angle made it look impossible but he manged to hit the ball in the corner of the net.

The Catholic boys didn't seem disheartened and continued to pressure our defence. They were given a free-kick which was a strong strike but once again Jared got his head on it to clear down the field. Levi, Jordan and Archie played some great 1-2's and were unlucky not to get another goal. The Catholic keeper took a goal kick which James managed to intercept and then smartly tried to chip the keeper. The keeper pulled out a good save and cleared the ball.

Catholic attacked our goal and a cracking shot resulted in Jack Simms pulling off a fantastic save from the top corner. Time was running out and Canvey wanted another goal. Finlay executed a great cross with his left foot and after a scramble in the goal area, the ball hit a Catholic defender's hand. Although it was a little harsh, Canvey were awarded the penalty. Archie Blackburn casually planted the ball in the corner of the net taking the total to 3.

The final moments saw Catholic desperate for a consolation goal and Jack Simms pulled out another brilliant save, pushing the ball wide with one hand and at full stretch. Catholic put up a brave fight and were one of the nicest teams we've played but when the whistle blew Canvey were pleased with a 3-0 win. The ref had a great game and was very fair to both teams which seems to be getting rarer these days!

Jack Simms was awarded player of the "weekend" for his great goal-kicks, fantastic saves and all round bravery. Even the Catholic manager was highly impressed with Jack's performance and was very complimentary after the game. The boys have had a great weekend showing mature skills that not many U9 teams exert.

Ratings/Positions

Harry Neal - Right back, always reliable, strong tackles, great clearances.

Jordan Bloss - Centre Midfield, not much gets past him, strong and
confident, great right foot

Finlay Dobson - Striker/Right midfield/left Midfield,accurate
great ball control, fast and skillful, versatile

Archie Blackburn - Striker/Right midfield/right back, versatile,
passionate, great right foot, accurate

James Harrison (captain) - Left midfield, hard worker, skillful, fast, great reader of the game

Jared Blake - Left Back, Strong, great clearances great in the air, good awareness

Levi Causton - Striker/right midfield, strong, skillful and confident, powerful right foot

Jack Sims - Goalkeeper, brave, confident, great awareness, directs defence well, controls area