Smethwick Raiders U12 1 vs 1 PS Olympic U12 South

Firstly, brilliant from the boys to get through that game in those conditions. The pitch was sticky, later on especially, it was like running through treacle. Also, the cold did nothing to help but the boys ignored all of this to put in a really good performance.

We bossed the game from the first whistle, attacking in packs, giving options and moving into space. A tricky pitch to pass on but little touches, round the corner passes and one twos all worked well. We broke through multiple times, but again, conditions didn't help us as the ball stopped or went differently than expected.

We kept going forward throughout, Smethwicks only chances came from breaks or corners but we did our jobs and defended them well.

So many attacking phases and everyone of them showed how the boys have progressed, looking for options, making runs, taking defenders away or running at them when the opportunity arose.

Smethwicks goal lived a charmed life, we hit the post, millimeters wide but the keeper also made some great saves.

On another day we win that game by a healthy margin, the boys were disappointed at the end and Smethwick were ecstatic. That shows how much we've improved and are more aware of the game.

If we keep up that mentality, determination and skill till the end of the season we will have more opportunities to win games.

We have no problem with them being a bit down but please highlight the improvements that gave us the chance to dominate. We were by far the better team but it would have been far more equal at the start of the season.

Things are starting to gel, we will still have bumps along the way but by sticking together and working hard, not giving up and supporting each other, we will get what we deserve come the seasons end.