U10 Reds up and down Season continued today with a real rollercoaster of a game. 1st Game of the medal tournament.

On a thoroughly wet and miserable morning I was half surprised the game was on, but conditions in Langtoft seemed better than in town and the pitch was fine to play on. The boys and I had a chat before the game and we discussed again the importance of using our passing game, and not trying to dribble when a pass would be better. We talked about decision making and how we have created more chances when our decisions are better. They seemed to take it on board and some lovely passing in the opposition third was working for us first half with some good attacking play taking us close, but the final finish just eluding us.

Midway through the half we were awarded a free kick some distance out. Adam stepped up and played a good long ball into the box and our waiting attackers. Dexter managed to somehow bundle it home through the crowd, using his strength and determination to give us the lead with his first of the season - well done Dexter!

Langtoft were very decent opposition and our midfield were struggling to get back in time to help the defence - Adam and Malik strong again at the back, I think I say it every week but they are getting quite the partnership going at the back for us. Charlie and Ollie sharing GK duties today were forced to make some good saves as Langtoft attacked, and hit the post a couple of times. It was quite the end to end game as we would pick the ball up from a Langtoft attack and James, Dexter and Sav pushed forward, supported by Jack, Jake, Alex and Filip. Some of the forward runs off the ball from the boys today were very impressive, with just a bit more work on the passing we will be creating a lot of chances as we find our team mates in dangerous positions. Langtofts counter attacking lead to a lot of pressure, and a mistake at the back by Pumas led to an equaliser, which was in fairness deserved. Another before half time left the boys a goal down, but not heads down.

2nd half started in the same vein - real end to end attack and counter attack - a bit of a nail biter where I was standing but I am sure an exciting game to watch! James played a lovely through ball to Jake who hit a powerful volley just wide. Langtoft conceded a couple of free kicks around their box which we wasted, and as we got another Sav stepped up to take it from a good distance out. Well this one wasn't wasted, top corner with power and precision, a real quality finish and the boys were ecstatic to be back on level terms with an amazing finish, well done Sav! Coach Killjoy had to try and calm them down, there was still time left in the game for either side to score but the momentum had swung Pumas way and our heads were up. Both sides were back and forth trying to push for a winner, but it looked as though a draw was going to be the final result.

In the last minute of play Sav picked up the ball in midfield and made a very mature decision to not go for goal but pass to a teammate in a better position - Jake and Filip had been making great runs off the ball in forward positions and on this occasion the tactic worked - Sav slipped it through to Jake who took a couple of touches in his stride and calmly finished past the keeper for his 1st of the Season and to put us ahead - well done Jake! A mention for the parents here - I could hear you celebrating and encouraging the boys from across the pitch, I'm sure it means a lot to them to have such positive support.

The ref indicated 30 seconds to go, which was my cue to park the bus in defence - it was a very long 30 seconds as our lads cleared the last couple of Langtoft attacks and held on for the win. I have to give a special mention to Ollie here, he made some vital stops in the last part of the second half, and if he hadn't we would definitely have lost that game - really proud of you young man. Both keepers did great today, Langtoft had a lot of chances so to keep them down to 2 goals was a very good effort. Still lots to work on for all of the lads but it is great to see our newer players gelling and getting better. Lets not forget that some of these lads only started playing football this season and have not even played 10 games yet. This is a developing team and results will probably reflect that over the year, but today proved that they are capable, they are determined and they all make us very proud.