The U9s returned to action today with a challenge match away to Greenbank Prep in Cheadle Hulme. The hosts started brightly and Toby had to be alert in the heart of the defence, with two strong clearances.  In truth, this was the only time Greenbank troubled Bridgewater as the team took control of the game.

The opposition goalkeeper was in fabulous form, saving shots from all angles from Alfie, Joel, Josh and Tommy-Jack. Despite dominating the game, it was a towering header won in midfield by Luca B that played in Josh to open the scoring. The flood gates opened in the next 10 minutes with Tommy-Jack completing an impressive hat-trick and Bridgewater went in 4-0 up at half-time.

In the second half, Alfie went in goal, Luca C moved to centre back and Anton and Alexander made their debuts for the team. Alexander created chances from out on the right and but for some last ditch challenges would and should have scored a couple. Anton had a similarly great debut in the left of midfield, but managed to go one better with a well deserved goal.

The goal of the game came from Josh who fired in a spectacular free-kick that two goalkeepers would not have saved. Luca B and Luca C will go to bed tonight wondering how they did not score. At the back, Toby maintained his discipline, holding a good position throughout and starting attacks with some intelligent passes. Sebastian made some firm tackles at the back and on another day Joel would rival Tommy-Jack for the top scorer spot.

The final word of the game went to Tommy-Jack who cleverly flicked in a Josh corner to bring his tally to seven in two games and complete a comfortable 8-0 win for the jubilant Bridgewater team. With Valencia on the horizon, Alfie, Josh and Luca C will join the other 32 footballers who will travel to Spain on Friday for an experience of a lifetime. The Spanish opponents will surely prove to be a sterner test for our three travelling teams but the U9s certainly showed how to play the game today. Well done team!