U12s 3 Way Stockport vs Rochdale vs Boardman and Eccles

Triangular tournament 30 min games

The Teaser

Let’s go back to the previous week. Everything seemed normal, the sun rose every day, the children went to school, labels were sold and life continued on its interesting and diverse path. Then came the shocking news and it was big. Our U12 Manager informed us there would be no game on the 01/02! I informed my son and I’ll never forget the look he gave me. Once he had computed the devastating news, he looked me straight in the eye and I could feel it deep in my soul. ‘What on earth’ were we (were all of you) going to do on a Saturday morning during the season?

No pugilistic action, one option was to go and spend a book voucher in Merseyway!

The news had travelled deep into the heart of the team and as we met on Tuesday for training, there was a genuine sense of disappointment. As with most terrible news there was a small glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Information started to seep out that not only did we have a game but we had a tournament. Was this ‘Fake News’ or the 'Real McCoy'?

Finally, The Teaser put us out of our misery and confirmed we had a triangular tournament against B&E and a mixed Brookland/Rochdale team. We scrapped a trip to Merseyway on the 378 and got tooled up for action.

A tournament of 3 round robin matches, 30 minutes per match. B&E and Brookdale were clearly short of players so it was always going to be a bit of a, beg borrow and steal event.

Another change for this week was the catering options at the clubhouse. Bacon/Sausage Barms were available- delicious. I opted for the bacon this week, unlike Phil S who went straight for the sausage. All profits to go towards the club so in future weeks, whether you’re playing or spectating, have yourselves a little treat. So, with stomachs content and feeling positive, we assembled on the top pitch for the first game, which was Stockport v Brookdale.

Match 1- Game on;

Q1

After a few inconsistent results, this was going to be a test for the boys. Physically we know they can do it but could they keep the shape and give an unswerving performance for a whole match?

A solid start from Stockport led to a few initial efforts from Henry. For those regular readers, Henry was still wearing his pink boots (for clarification…. they’re not coral). The boots seemed to be working and Henry was creating some good scoring opportunities but a few efforts didn’t come to anything. That was until a great Tom, Henry and Dan combination move, helped Fin to open the score 1-0. Henry and Ethan opened their accounts to take the game to 3-0. The Brookdale no 11 responded to make it 3-1 but an impressive Henry solo goal concluded the half 4-1.

This half showed solid structure and physicality from Stockport and the crowd (big and vocal as always) responded, and we hoped the optimism of this half would continue throughout the morning.

Q2 4-1

I had worried in the previous half that the Dale keeper was struggling but I was proved wrong and he had an excellent half. All credit to him because Stockport started powerfully. Harrison got on the score sheet to make it 5-1 followed by the obligatory rocket goal from Dan 6-1. Stockport were really in control with Ethan finishing the fixture 8-1.

This has been a slightly frustrating season. Stockport either dominate games or are dominated by others from the start. Apart from Timperley away, the results seesaw. I suppose this is due to the age/ability range.

Match 2

B&E v Brookdale

Just a quote from Steve Livesey for this match, “It is great to see how many Stockport boys offered to play in this match to make up the numbers and get more game time”.

I watched this game in its entirety and the Stockport boys were magnificent. What a credit to the club. Physical, powerful, structured and physical fitness. All of these attributes shone though and it ended B&E 3 Brookdale 2.

Match 3

Stockport v B&E

Q1

Big cheer of the game was about to arrive. Junior scored a cracker, and as normal his Dad went off on one in scenes of ultimate ecstasy and why not 1-0 Stockport! Again solid and well-structured play from Stockport. An air of confidence swept through the team and the lads were certainly up for the game. What was good to see this week was all the players being involved. Stockport have a tendency to regress back to basics when put on the back foot and it is all too easy for a small number of players to pass to each other in these situations but today this didn’t happen.

Dan scored next followed by Henry to make it 3-0. A good combination between Ethan and Tom ended the half 4-0.

Q2 4-0

A good battling half concluded the tournament. A shot hit the B&E keeper and went in to make it 5-0. A B&E goal rounded out the action to finish 5-1.

What have we learned from this?

The boys have all the necessary attributes to beat most teams. They need to use their pace and belief from the start of the games to make the most of it.

Where to next week?

The Teaser didn’t leave us hanging and advised us to have our Speedos at the ready as we are off to The Riviera of Salford and a trip to Monton Carlo.

See you there!!!