Friendly Match | Home – Eastbourne Town U13

Willingdon Athletic U13s vs. Eastbourne Town U13s

T

here was obviously pride at stake in this game with a number of the boys on both sides making a nervy start.

When the game settled though our superior strength and speed allowed us to take control. Anthony, nearing full fitness, gave Town’s right back a torrid time and I must give that boy credit as he never gave up or displayed any impetuosity. Matthew similarly was too strong for Town’s centre backs and scored two good striker’s goals.

The spine of the team was very solid with Jack and Jason effective and Toby and James looking unlikely to concede. Another clean sheet for Will.

These friendlies have been very useful as they’ve allowed the boys to achieve match fitness, get to know the new players and build confidence going into the summer tournaments. It was nice to see Anthony give a MotM performance after enduring two difficult lockdowns.

Final score Willingdon 3 – Eastbourne Town 0

Today I had the pleasure of watching the U13s, this has become quite a rare occurrence. The last game I watched was about 7 months ago.

Wow! What a difference in 7 months!

There are players that I already knew were extremely strong, who have grown even quicker, more technical and taller! Today I got to see a few more players that I hadn’t spotted before but who were phenomenal today.

What an improvement in the defensive line! They looked brilliant, everyone in complete control of their areas, such synergy between them. Good luck to oppositions trying to infiltrate that defence.

Also well done to the wingers….Anthony and Fraser both running that line with pace and skill. I can not believe how much Fraser has improved since I last watched him, his tackling so determined. Anthony, well what a pleasure to watch, his footwork and game play are second to none, the cut backs and crosses, he could confidently show some of our u17s how to do it! Man of the Match indeed.

As I say, there are many other players who are exceptional who I haven’t mentioned as I have seen on many occasions what they can achieve, but what a performance from all.

Well done to the boys and to their coaches for facilitating their development.

H

ello all… Another great performance and another clean sheet !!! Before kick off I was expecting a tough game today …

Early exchanges suggested it was going to be end to end , but after Matthew opened the scoring with a great composure finish we comfortably won the game 3-0.

Another fine finish from Matthew again and a signature header from Jack ensured we won a good game today …..

Player of the match was Anthony today. He has beating on the left wing and then did his defensive duties very well too 👏👏👏….

Another good win and another great performance by all 👏👏⚽️⚽️