The U9s Reds got off to a solid start for their first game against Reddish Villa at FC United of Manchester 3G pitch in the EMJFL DIV 2 with a 4-2 win.

A new look Reds team took to the pitch with 5 players making their debut, Jo Haig, Sam Halliday, Ewan Liddle, Harry Hutchinson and Aiden Perry all progressing from the Blacks squad and hot prospect, Ellis Doherty, a new recruit from Heyside Juniors currently away. Established players, Musa Mushtaq, Zach Bennett (Capt wk1), Reiss Marsden and Woody Hallworth made up the remaining squad.

This would be a good test as Reddish had played in the summer league and had the opportunity to adjust to the new 7 a side format and a much bigger pitch. The reds took to the pitch in their new kits, sponsored by Trulink Civil Engineering, but had to wear the bibs as the away team. First impressions were that Villa had "big" team and seem to be more relaxed at the kick off compared to the Reds who looked a little nervous. Any worries were quickly forgotten as the Reds started off on the front foot and we're winning the majority of the individual battles. Aiden and Woody were holding their own in defence with great tackles and covering for each other meant that Jo wasn't too busy in net. Zach started off as you would expect him too being robust in the tackles and making passes when he could, Musa was looking to use his pace down the flanks and Sam was showing some good strength when carrying the ball forward. Reiss was making a nuisance of himself against the opposition and nullifying their attack. Substitutions came thick and fast and Harry and Ewan came on and made significant contributions to the team.
An early goal settled the nerves as Zach scored from a few yards out to the delight of the Springhead faithful and his teammates who joined him in his celebration. The goal seemed to spur the Reds on and they gained confidence in their play. Jo had to be on his toes as a couple of through balls threatened his goal. Aiden and Woody were providing a solid line of defence with important one on one tackles with Harry carrying out a last ditch tackle to deny a goal scoring opportunity.
A great passing move ended with Musa putting Ewan through on goal and he took his chance like a seasoned pro with clinical precision. Substitutions were taking place and players were being played in different positions from when they started and this reflect in the Reds just losing their shape a little. Sam was now operating in defence with Zach and Musa was up top. As the first half came to a close the whole squad showed that they have the potential to be competitive in this division but could they maintain it for the 2nd period?
The second half got underway in a similar fashion to the first with the Reds working hard and pressing forward. A break from midfield led to a chance for Zach to notch his second after his initial shot was blocked by the keeper and then followed up to net in front of the Springhead supporters to make it 3-0. Springhead started being on the receiving end of a couple of "illegal" tackles and from one of these Aiden stepped up from 15 yards to rifle a super shot that Bounced down over the goal line for a well deserved goal. Reiss took one for the team as a free kick came in a struck him I his midriff but battled on. Harry took a knock and came off as a precautionary measure as we look to next weeks fixture. For the last few mins the Reds became a little ragged, possible due to tiredness and positional changes and Villa were able to nick a couple of goals before the final whistle. The Villa coach had a few words with the referees the the end, something a about a penalty claim and our tough tacking, not sure which game he was watching, and was rightly told by the young ref there wasn't any issues.
A very good start to the campaign but as the coaches said to the lads at the start this first 6 weeks is about development not bothered about winning or losing but getting used to the pitch, understanding the space available and utilising it with the pace we have in the team. We showed we have character to defend resolutely and we have goals in us and it is always a happy training session following on from a win!
Man of the match was a difficult one as the whole squad was involved in the positive outcome but we eventually had a shortlist of 3, Zach, Woody and Aiden. After much deliberation we settled on Aiden for his all defensive duties and his free kick special. Woody and Zach deserved their nominations for their different types of contributions they made to the result. Who knows what the next game will bring but for now we will just go about our business with a bit more of a spring in our step!

From the dugout:
Simon (Head Coach) really pleased for the lads today and we showed a good attitude in our desire and effort to be competitive. We need to have a bit more positional awareness and moving from our goalie/ defence to attack more quickly and I can see the likes of Ewan and Musa being able to use their pace and skill in the open spaces more. Hopefully the lads are aware now of the fitness level that is required and the drills regarding positions when defending or attacking are critical for their individual and team development. We won't get carried away with the result just as when we lose we won't be too despondent( Shaid will be though).

Shaid: (Water Carrier) Completely agree with Head Coach Simon (he likes his titles!) really pleased for the lads! The pitch size as well as the match length (40 minutes) highlights the importance of holding positions (there were some puffy cheeks out there!) or we risk tiring ourselves out too early. The midfielders all seemed keen to get on the score sheet which is a positive in itself but left us exposed defensively at times (we were compensated this week with excellent displays by the back three Aiden, Woody and Jo). Having said that it's the first game of the season and it gives us something to work on in training. I thought the parents were very well behaved in the stands as well....especially Bev!