The U11 football team returned to action on Monday with a game against neighbours Clarendon Cottage. The team have been on a fabulous run of form this season with 10 wins, one draw and only one defeat to date. Wins over AKS Lytham have put them into the final rounds of the AJIS Cup, a date with Queen Ethelburga’s awaits in the ISA Cup and the boys returned from the Valencia tour with two wins over Spanish opposition.

The team have moved up a gear this year and the gap between the two teams in this fixture was just too big. With Alfie, Josh, Jackson, Luca B and Luca C left out of the squad, it was an ideal opportunity for some of the other players to get some much needed game time. Bhargav made his debut in goal and looked solid and assured in general. Henry, Patrick, Thomas and Tobias fitted into the back line, with Matteo and Harper taking into in turns to marshal the defence. Toby looked lively on the wings and was a constant goal threat, whilst Moaed flitted between the opposition back line to cause problems throughout the match.

With Craig, Jaydon, Regan and David having moments in the game of shear class and quality, it was a delight to see Bridgewater spray the ball around the pitch and maintain possession at will. If permitted, the score line could have become quite substantial, but the team recognised the game isn’t always about how many goals are scored but developing good habits in and out of possession.

Nevertheless, scoring is a vital component of the game if you want to win, which this team likes to do. Regan got four, Toby completed his hattrick, whilst David, Jaydon, Harper and Moaed all scored in a convincing 11-1 win in the end. There will be a break in football fixtures until after Christmas, but there are the Salford Cross Country League on Saturday and the ISA Basketball Tournament next week still to compete in. Football practice will continue in the usual extra-curricular slots and it is a major reason why the team has developed into the force it currently is. Well done and keep up the hard work and commitment team.