PS Olympic U13 South 1 vs 6 PSG West Midlands U13

Firstly, a little context on the opposition. They were a Division 3 team in the Walsall league and have been together a few years, they moved to the SDYFL this year, should have been in a higher division but the league often just drops new teams into our league.

We started well, had some good possession and threatened when we went forward while also being sucure at the back. We pushed a few too many forward, leaving gaps at the back, which were exposed for all the goals conceded throughout the game. The aggression was there, first and second balls were chased down but we still didn't gamble on through balls and clearances.

While we were disappointed at half time, heads did not drop but gaps were still there. The problems that we faced last year should be resolved when the boys get used to our new system and way we play. Previously we had too large a gap between the forwards and defence, and while we still had this problem in parts there were periods where we had more of the ball and controlled the game better. It'll take a bit of time to build confidence but will be our way forward.

We also had little to no luck, players either being injured or feeling ill and a pretty blatant red card when Tyler was through on goal, which the referee missed. We again created more opportunities to score than at this point last season so positives should be taken.

A final word about the boys attitude, absolutely impeccable. We've lost the habbit of feeling sorry for ourselves and gave everything till the very end. Arguments could be made that we were the better team for the first and last 10 minutes of the game, but I don't remember showing as much fight when the game is gone in previous years.

While the result is not what we wanted, against one of the stongest teams in the league, we can be proud of the effort and will grow through the season.