U12s 7 - Quedgeley Wanderers 1

Quedgeley started strongly and it was clear we had a game on our hands, but Oranges dug deep, played as a team and impressively overcame their opponents with some style.  Every boy played well today and did their bit in securing our victory.

Jake Hawkins was back to full fitness and capped a good game with a cracking hat-trick.  He opened the scoring with a wonderful free-kick from way outside the box, added a second from inside the area and powerfully headed home a pinpoint Joe Sands corner to give us our seventh.  Nice work Jake!

Our front duo, Jack Knowler and Jake Templeton, increased their goal tallies with a brace each.  Four composed, clean strikes both boys did the team proud.

A quick word of reassurance to all the concerned ladies.  Presented with an unavoidable trouser situation the shorts stayed at home today, but be assured normal service will be resumed and my legs will, of course, be back!

Ellis Cox played well down the left combining particularly nicely with Matt Sands and had a direct hand in at least two of our goals.  Unselfish as ever, he always looked to win the ball and spread the play.

Joe Sands had arguably his best game of the campaign so far.  As well as lots of good work up and down the right flank he had direct assists on four of our goals.  Great performance Joe!

Matt Sands again showed why he’s becoming an integral part of our strongest line up with another great performance on the left.  Whether at the back or in midfield he shows great composure and I suspect none of the opposition would have an inkling that he’s playing above his age.

Batman & Robin (Ferdinand de Carvalho and Josh Werreitt) both had solid performances as our central rearguard snuffing out everything that Quedgeley slung their way.  Werreitt’s ankle still isn’t quite right, but still no one can match him for pace and de Carvalho is genuinely unflappable.  Excellent play both.

Ollie Graham was excellent at right back except, that is, for the moment when he thought we were playing volleyball and blocked the ball with both hands – at least he’d taken his doggy mittens off!

Unfortunately we did briefly witness the ugly face of football during the second half (no not Jake T's grandad!) when a Quedgeley fan entered the field of play and confronted one of the players.  A potentially incendiary incident was cleverly defused by the full back who scooped up his little brother and carried him safely to mum on the touchline!

He hasn’t featured for a while, but Will Partridge came into the side and did well deputizing for Graham at right back.  He did as he was instructed and made some timely interceptions.  Well done Will!

Spare a thought for Jake Kirkham.  Did nothing wrong the whole game, but in the blink of an eye and following a couple of inexplicable defensive lapses his prized clean sheet was lost.  Who’d be a goalie Kirks!

Quedgeley manager, Lee Ashmore, gave Selina Cox a run for her money in the touchline foghorn stakes, but ultimately he couldn’t sustain his challenge and Cox retains her tiara!  It was also touching to see Sue & Steve in their matching ‘Harold and Hilda’ fur hoods, very fetching!

Our Man of the Match today was Declan McGettigan.  Up against some big boys he battled them and the boggy conditions for the full hour and really fought for the team.  He got roughed up a bit at times, but kept coming back for more putting his head in when necessary.  A standout display Dec, very well done!

I now have to explain everything to a pair of slightly disgruntled knees!!