Aldersbrook Athletic Under 14s [Playing as Aim High A FC]

Sunday 24th May 2009...
saw the Aldersbrook Athletic Under 14s playing at a local club, Munktorps Bollklubb.  Set in rolling Swedish countryside the boys looked forward to another European experience.  The setting was excellent, the weather great for football, and our hosts brilliant.
The referee was fully qualified from the Swedish FA, and he told us that he was an avid fan of English football and is a devoted Darlington FC fan.

When the opposition arrived - some on their mopeds, one in his car! - it was clear that these were no under 14s.  But the boys were certainly up for a game and were easily a match for the bigger and stronger Swedish lads.  We certainly held our own until a defensive error saw the Swedes take an underserved lead.  Just before half-term a sweeping move from the hosts saw them make it 2-0; probably not a fair reflection on how well we played.
 

After a rousing half-term team talk, though, the boys went out and showed what a good, hard-working team they have become.  In no time at all Chibuzo was taking on and beating either full-back with ease - so much so, that he was constantly clattered and one their players was given a yellow card.  Eventually all our good paly paid off when a cross-shot from Chibs was turned in by Samson from a yard out - his optimum striking range!

A little while later, from constant pressure from a string of corners, John Georgiou was on hand to tonk the ball home from about 10 yards.  A well deserved equaliser, with the opposition clearly rattled.  Unfortunately, we couldn't get what would have been a well-deserved winner, and our hosts broke away and scored what proved to be the winner

A most enjoyable morning, with both teams playing some great football, and our boys showing great strength and character playing against boys much older than them.  Unfortunately, the next day's game wasn't so appropriate.  Maybe the school team had heard how well we'd played, so we were faced with a full 1st XI, which apparently contained at least one 21 year old, and a student who played semi-professional for a local team!  They took it far too seriously, and we had the game abandoned afetr the first-half with the boys trailing 6 or 7-0, and at least two injuries.  But again, the boys showed great spirit in an intimidating situation.