Our return to league action didn’t quite go to plan today. We found it tough to get to grips with the game early on as we continue adapting to both our new formation and the bigger pitches.

We were unlucky to lose our versatile player Jett to injury in the warm-up. True to his character, he gave it a go, but was honest enough to admit defeat and come off to help his teammates the best way he could.

An early goal for the opposition didn’t help our cause, but the boys battled on. As with last week, there was no shortage of effort, but we lacked the fluidity and bravery to impose our own style of football. My frustration in the first half was that we got drawn into a physical contest of strength and pace rather than trusting our ability on the ball. We managed a few neat passages of play, but real chances were limited.

At half-time, we challenged the boys: play the game on our terms, be proud of who we are, and show them our football, even if we lose.

The response was superb. Despite conceding another early goal, the boys refused to let their heads drop. Instead, they grew in confidence, started combining well, and began creating far more chances. Emmanuel chased down his own rebound to head home after some tidy build-up, and soon after following another Berry Hill goal he then slipped a through ball for Theo, who finished brilliantly. We were also denied a clear penalty for handball as the referees view was obstructed, which, had it been given and converted, would have meant we deservedly won the second half.

One of my highlights today was Theo’s reaction after Emanuel scored to make it 4-1, immediately racing back to halfway, ball under his arm, with the full belief, shared by his teammates who were spuring him on, that we could get back in the game. That attitude, spirit, and togetherness are what make this group such a joy to coach.

The final score of 5–2 wasn’t what we wanted, but 9v9 remains a learning process. As usual by the time I have packed up and paid the referee most of you were long gone but I did catch up with Rob Kent, who watched the second half. He commented that we looked the better side and played the better football, encouraging words to take away.

It’s disappointing to lose our first league match, but there are positives to build on and plenty of lessons to take forward. With the effort and spirit these boys show, we are never far away.

Man of the Match: Oz – who stood tall, read the game superbly, and dealt well with some very quick opposition players.

Finally, after rotating the armband from U7–U9 and then awarding it on captains behavioural merit at U10’s, I feel it’s the right time to appoint permanent captains now the boys are older. Isaac will lead the team as captain this season, with Henry as vice-captain.

Thank you all for your support today.