Moston Brook AFC

MERRY XMAS!!!!

Matchday 16.……….and back by popular demand is this weeks match report. Firstly I would like to express my sincere apologies for the absence of previous reports. Today’s game had a real festive feel to it, with it being our last game before xmas. Chaddy End ‘c’ were our visitors, who would provide our boys with more than a walk in the park. Chaddy End, as always displayed an impeccable attitude, which was quite refreshing has recent matches have seen some appalling attitudes from opposing coaches. This sought of behaviour does not set a great example to the kids, and it is a level I would urge coaches not to resort to. Has I have expressed to Gary, this can only be a compliment to the boys progress, that we are in a position, and held in an esteem where teams want to win at all costs against us. Who would have thought pre-season that we would be in such a position. The boys have shown all year round, a brilliant team spirit, and togetherness which has been rewarded in their results. Results at this age are of little importance, but, has with this report, they give the boys a tremendous lift, and there confidence is growing with each and every week.

Today’s game was a bit of an anti-climax to the year despite us winning the game 1-0 from a goal by Jaden Lamb….a brilliant goal which was deserving of a win in itself. We have come to expect flowing football with plenty of goals , which we are in danger of taking for granted. I think everyone that has followed us this year, will agree that the boys have done exceptionally well and deserved an off day by our standards. I can’t stress how proud both Myself and Gary are of the progress we have made has a team. Has parents are aware, it is not just opposing teams who are taking note of our performances, talent scouts have also been in contact making enquiries. One premier league club itself have invited the full team down to there academy to play there academy side, to get a closer look at some of our players. Some might say that a seven year old child is too young for that sought of thing, and I would be inclined to agree, but if nothing else it gets the boys free coaching from dedicated professionals which can only benefit the child and ourselves has a club.

If someone would have said pre-season, that, by xmas, we would have played 16, won 12, drew 3 and lost only once…….I may have bust a gut laughing!. Each and everyone of the boys have shown a tremendous progression. Out of 16 matches we have kept 9 clean sheets,…….Sam has been a rock in the goals, he’s bravery, confidence and agility still amazes me every time I watch him. In the few games we have drawn, Sam has been the deciding factor, with some great displays. Taylor also has shown a great determination to win, he’s control of the football , and of situations is a joy to watch. He has also weighed in with some super long range efforts, and could compile a goal of the season poll all of his own. Another highlight has been from Cole, who has not always started from the off, but every time he has he has never let himself down. He can be proud of his improved positional sense , he seems to be always in the right place at the right time, and makes some great last ditch tackles. Late edition Oliver, another who amazes me on the pitch, his strength and power combined with a quick brain and fast feet makes Olly a threat going forward and a rock to beat defensively. His partnership with Taylor sometimes is has good has a point before we kick off. Jaden has now found his ideal position we feel on the right, hes energy that he puts into the game warrants a position he can be on the ball more. Jaden is another who is learning to be in the correct positions, showing in space for the ball, and he always looks comfortable with the ball at his feet. I know Gary is always conscious of the fact Jaden is hes own son and how it might look to other parents, but rest assured Jaden is more than pulling his own weight. Success story of the season so far, for me anyway, is the emergence of Ben, it is a great example of getting back what you put in. Pre-season we made no promises to Ben’s parents, and they was under no illussion has to what part Ben would play due to the numbers we had when he joined. Unlike others who could not see the bigger picture, and jumped ship, Ben just got on with it and put every effort in to training .I’m sure everyone will agree his confidence and improved ability is proof in the pudding. Another player who needs no introduction is Ethan, some players are born with ability and Ethan falls into this bracket. Always eager to show the latest trick he has learnt, a real pied piper has I like to call him. Ethan is another player with immense talent, fast brain, very quick feet and can beat players with ease. Ethan’s main progression has been his passing sense, he has learnt the ball can run faster than him and uses it to his benefit in the right situations. It is no wonder that he has attracted the attentions of some professional clubs, and truly deserves the attention. Ethan is another player who gets more than his fair share of goals, and some great solo efforts at that. Lastly, but not leastly I come to Kieron. Has myself and Gary always say, `if only we had eight Kierons’…has the cliché goes he is the model professional’……He’s attitude to training, is second to none, he only needs to be shown once, and he always understands what we are showing him. I made the statement in a previous report that Kieron needed a goal for his confidence, and since that point he has not looked back. He has great close control, and is extremely unselfish when in goal scoring positions, perhaps too unselfish sometimes!!!!!

2008 has been a great year for the boys, and I am also obliged to comment on our parents. Every team claims to have the best parents, and in there eyes they are probably right. All year round our parents have behaved impeccably on the sidelines, showing very good support for the team in general. Even when their child has not been on the pitch, they have understood the reasoning behind this decision and got on with supporting the other boys. The fact of the matter is we can only start with 6, and we are privileged to have such understanding parents……a big pat on the back to all!!!

All that is left is for me to wish everyone a very merry xmas and a prosperous new year!…..it will be hard but if 2009 is half has successful has 2008 we will do very well!…well done boys!!!!!

SM……GL