PS Olympic U12 South 2 vs 1 Total Tekkerz U12

What a game! We've watched the boys improve every week, but the scorelines haven't reflected the work rate, dedication and skill they have been showing.

It seemed odd to be talking about 7-2 or 5-0 being close games in the traditional sense but, bar the last 10 minutes of each of these games, we've had chances to get positive results, to match the performances. The improvement in game management and, more importantly, overall mindset has freed the boys show thier abilities, temperament and desire. This was against 3rd in the league, not a team struggling for confidence, so makes the result even more impressive.

We dominated the first half, constantly got behind them, battled for the ball and giving TT a real headache. They seemed to have no answer to our forward play and when they did break forward, we dealt with nearly everything they threw at us. An inch perfect free kick from Kieran for the first goal, and a second that showed why we chase and pressure the opposition on the ball, James sending the ball through and the defender being pressured into a mistake so Kieran could calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner. Tyler H, after not having a lot to do for the first 20 minutes, pulled off some remarkable saves and his long ball was a constant threat.

Second half was a slightly different story but showed how our team have improved off the ball and learned how to defend as a group. We soaked up a lot of pressure but also had chances ourselves, it certainly wasn't just one way traffic. Nothing typified this more than how we defended corners, they had some big boys, but we made it difficult for them to get clean connections and battled for every first and second ball.

We rode our luck a little bit, especially in the second half, but we've had hardly any luck this season so fully deserved some today.

This needs to be the springboard for future performances. We know the boys have the ability and desire, but not always the confidence. Today's performance shows we can take on the top teams in this league, make things uncomfortable and ultimately come out on top.

The last few minutes seemed to take an age. In fact, that may have been the longest 60 minutes of in footballing history but it's a credit to the boys that they stayed composed to the very end and should very much enjoy the result of their performance.

I haven't done individual reports since under 9s but, as we had 13 Players of the Match, I want to make sure everyone gets the praise they so rightly deserve.

Tyler H: What a game, pulled off some miraculous saves but also started so many of our attacks with that piledriver of a left foot.

Ryan: Another fantastic performance, worked incredibly in tandem with Bobby to limit chances and stop attacks before they started. When the ball did get through, he had the composure to get back and stop the attack. Notably did this with a few minutes to go with a TT player through and ready to shoot.

Bobby: Could copy and paste the above. Was calm throughout, read play and snuffed out issues before they could hurt us. A really important partnership is starting to form.

Sam: Was determined out of possession, pressed constantly but stayed calm in possession to be able to play the ball forward. Stopped multiple attacks and positionally excellent.

James: Ran the show. Was asked to sit back in front of the defence to offer cover but also get us going, Quarterback style. I can't remember a time when they got the best of him, even when they won the first ball, he mopped up the second and got us moving.

Kayden: Does what Kayden does. Tons of energy, determination and fight for every ball. Roy Keane in his prime would have been impressed. Had opportunities to get forward, looked a threat all over the pitch.

Finley: His best game in a PS shirt. Had a coolness about him that transfered to players around him. Ran himself into the ground but was always aware of his surroundings and didn't put a foot wrong. This was exemplified in the last minute, I'm telling him to kick the ball out, but he shadows the ball out for a throw-in to us.

Elliott: Chased every ball down but also intelligently positioned himself to keep the play moving. Even when the ball was played past him he chased it down, made the tackle and moved forward.

Henry: Was asked to drop back towards the end and put in some terrific blocks and tackles to relieve pressure. Showed why we chase the ball down, even when it looks like a lost cause, and so nearly got a goal his play deserved.

Alfie: Linked up well with the rest of the midfield but understood when he was needed back to support. Gave them no time on the ball and when he won it back, was clever enough to set up an attack and move into space.

Kieran: We're in danger of running out of superlatives to describe Kieran's performances. Had the pace, power and determination to cause TT all sorts of problems. A worldie of a free kick and a culmination of the above for his second. Was a problem for TT going forward but supported the defence to keep us solid.

Tyler C: Chased every ball to put the TT defence off their game. Whenever they thought they had time, Tyler proved them wrong, causing multiple turnovers. Was a handful with the ball at his feet, drawing multiple TT players in to create space for team mates, then passing out of tight spaces to create chances for other. A great run forward that could have resulted in a much deserved goal.

Kian: Battled in midfield, didn't give them any time to settle but worked well in attack and defence. Did an absolute job on their left midfielder, snuffing out every attack. Was always there when we were moving forward but made sure he was there when we lost the ball. A real captain's performance.