Please post any information for the u8's in this thread.

Saturday 29th January

Under 8 Blues –V- Coventrians

The Blues returned to St. Margaret’s to-day and following an early pitch inspection, much to everybody’s relief, it was “game on”. In a really entertaining game where both teams tried to play passing football on what was in truth a difficult surface, both teams gave their all, with the Blues putting in another strong team performance.

The Blues kicked off, but lost possession and were caught out as the opposition crossed the ball into the box, unfortunately when the ball came into contact with a Blue hand, the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Not looking good with only a minute gone, however the Coventrian penalty taker was thwarted, as Stevie bravely dived low to his right to add to his growing collection of crucial saves this season. From this point the game was a free flowing end to end affair, evenly contested by both teams. The boys put some good passing moves together without taking full advantage of the chances they created, and defended well as a unit when put under pressure by the opposition. At half time it was honours even.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Blues trying to force the game into the opposition half, and Coventrians playing their part in a very good contest. The boys were unlucky to fall behind after five minutes, as a deflected shot left Stevie with little chance. From the re-start the Blues picked themselves up and began to push for an equaliser, forcing a number of corners but not converting their chances. As the game seemed to be running out of time for the Blues, the ball broke to Ryan on the left who deftly took the ball past three defenders and laid the ball on for Thomas O’Malley, who tucked the ball past the keeper with a well taken finish.

A last minute equaliser was just what the Blues deserved for a hard working and determined performance. It was an entertaining game and on balance a fair result- Declan named Ryan as man of the match following his dazzling dribble and assist!
Well played boys!

Saturday 5th February

Under 8 Blues –V- Coventrians (Again)

The Blues travelled away today to play the reverse fixture with last week’s opponents, Coventrians. Following the competitive nature of the first game, the Blues were expecting another good test, and were not disappointed as Coventrians once again proved to be tough opponents, physical and strong in all departments. The boys however dug deep and showed their own fighting spirit, coming from behind and returning to winning ways with a deserved victory.


The first half kicked off with Coventrians playing with a strong wind at their backs, it was the home team who had the best of the early exchanges with Stevie keeping the boys on level terms with some excellent keeping, producing a great save from a finely struck effort and marshalling his area well. The Blues came back into the game, however fell behind midway through the half, conceding when a really well taken free kick from just outside the area rifled into the top corner. The boys did well to get back in the game and following a period of Brinklow pressure forced an equalizer as the Coventrian goalie parried a shot into the path of a retreating defender and watched the ball ricochet past him into his own goal. All square at half time.


The second half kicked off with the Blues having the advantage of the wind, the boys were spending more time in the oppositions half and were unlucky not to take the lead following a smart passing move that involved Thomas O, Harvey and Josh. Coventrians were still looking dangerous, playing on the break with the advantage of some big lads with long clearances, but the Blues defence worked hard and limited the opposition’s chances. As the Blues continued to search for a breakthrough their chance came after a good move ended with a collision in the box involving Ryan and Harvey and a couple of defenders, the referee didn’t hesitate in pointing to the spot – penalty Brinklow. Harvey calmly placed the ball on the spot and coolly drove the ball high past the keeper; the Blues finally had the advantage. The boys held their shape and discipline well in the closing exchanges and as the ref blew the final whistle it was the Blues who had just edged the win.


A battling win for the boys, they faced a big, physical team today and showed some dogged tenacity in all areas, it was a determined team effort. Declan named Stevie as Man of the Match following another fine display between the sticks.

Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

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Saturday 5th February 2011.

What a game this was. The crowd must have thought it was Christmas. The pre-match team-talk failed miserably and after 10 minutes we were 3 down. Oh heck now what?

Keep the faith, dont panic.

After impressing in training on Friday, Harry Heaven was superb in the first half and with two great strikes brought us back into the game. Another from Robert Armstrong helped our cause even further.

We went in at half-time trailing by the odd goal in 7. Panic over, the boys seemed to be enjoying all the goalmouth acton. After stressing the importance for the boys to remain focused the second half belonged to us.

A super hat-trick from Samuel Bodycote including a finely taken penalty, Harry added a third to complete his hat-trick, a goal from Liam Aspinall and another from Robert Armstrong sealed the result.

Jamie Draper was excellent in defence. A special mention to Taylor Darby who gave it his all whilst being under the weather.

MoM: Harry Heaven. His best performance of the season brought us back into the game when we needed it most.

Saturday 12th February 2011

What a beautiful morning for football. The first half was very competitive and after Lewis gave the visitors the lead with a howler I thought the worst.

The first half was an end to end affair with both goalkeepers keeping the score down. Sam grabbed our equaliser after a fine team move.

In the second half the visitors made lots of changes that effectively killed the contest. But our lads didnt know that and went on a mission for goals.

Great goals from Rob, Sam and two for the in-form Harry were enjoyable to watch. But my favourite was a move that started with Rob who picked out a super pass to Harry who turned and crossed to Liam who made no mistake from 8 yards.

Great stuff boys.

MoM: Samuel Bodycote. Five goals in two games. Everything he did today was very good.

Saturday 12th February

Under 8 Blues –V- Triumph Athletic

Off to Tile Hill for a consecutive away game, with Triumph Athletic providing the opposition. On a beautiful morning that had us all reaching for the shades, the boys were looking to build on last week’s victory. Now I know that football is a funny old game, and admit that I tend to watch mine wearing yellow tinted glasses, but I am still struggling to understand how the Blues didn’t get something from this match!

On a very tight pitch with no markings, the boys made a positive start and enjoyed much of the early possession, however after a period of Brinklow pressure it was Triumph who opened the scoring, breaking well from their own half to take the lead. The blues responded well and should have forced the equalizer considering the chances they were creating. Stevie pulled off another fine save, parrying a fierce shot onto the crossbar as Triumph continued to play on the break, when somehow the Blues found themselves further behind, conceding a second from a well taken free kick. At half time things were not looking good. The Blues were guilty of not taking their chances, and found themselves on the wrong end of a harsh score line.

The second half kicked off with the Blues taking the initiative from the first whistle. Harvey Wells went on a determined run and after forcing his way past four defenders squeezed the ball past the keeper and into the bottom corner. Game on! The goal gave the boys the impetus to raise their game, and as the second half developed, it became one- way traffic with the Blues pushing to get back on level terms, and limiting Triumph to the odd foray into the Brinklow half. The chances were coming thick and fast, and with the boys playing some of the best football we have seen this side of Christmas, Thomas O, Josh, Harvey and Ethan forced the opposition goalie into a string of impressive saves. It was the keeper who made the difference in the end, and we were left with the feeling that on another day it could have all been so different!

A fighting defeat, and in retrospect you would have to say that it was a case of the opposition taking their chances, and the Blues not making the best of the numerous opportunities they created. Declan named Harvey Wells as man of the match, following another hardworking display and showing great determination in scoring his goal.

Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

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Saturday 19 February 2011

In difficult conditions following the heavy downfall in the middle of the night, we really played well today.

From the first whistle, we put together a seven pass move that deserved a goal. It set the tone though. We continued to spray it around, it was really entertaining.

We kept the back door closed with some good defending and assured goalkeeping.

It was one of them days when the goals just flooded in. Sam (2) Harry (2) Rob (2) Jamie and a first of the season for Aaron with a majestic strike from distance.

With Liam and Taylor threading balls through and Ben looking as solid as a rock it was the complete performance. Well done to Lewis for keeping our first clean sheet for a long time.

MoM: Robert Armstrong. (He played a pass in the second half that was just exquisite. It was worth the entrance fee)

Saturday 26th February

Under 8 Blues –V- Triumph Athletic (Again)

A welcome return to St. Margaret’s this morning following a couple of weeks on the road, the weather was wet and the pitch was heavy as the Blues came up against a strong Athletic side who again provided the boys with a tough challenge. The opposition had brought a large squad, and with the Blues down to the minimum of seven, it was a really determined effort by the boys and a well earned result.

The first half kicked off with the boys making the early running, with some strong tackling from the off it was evident that the boys were in the mood to take the game to the opposition. With Josh and Charlie providing a solid platform in defence and the midfield working hard the Blues were trying to play a tidy game of passing football on a difficult pitch. Midway through the half the Blues took the lead following a good move that was crowned with a lovely through ball from Ethan that found Ryan on hand to score with a tidy finish. Athletic responded well and as they pushed to find an equaliser found themselves further behind as the Blues broke swiftly from their own half and doubled their advantage as Kian beat the keeper with a well taken goal, converting a good shot from just inside the area. Half time and the Blues had the edge.

The second half saw the opposition ring the changes from the bench and with the advantage of fresh legs on a deteriorating surface, Athletic were competitive in all departments. The Blues battled hard and put in dogged second half display that limited the opposition to little in the way of clear cut chances. As the game opened up it was Brinklow who were unlucky not to increase their lead as the boys tried to make the best of the wide areas. As the half wore on there were some tired legs on display as the Blues maintained their discipline, shape and work rate on a heavy pitch without the relief of any subs. At the final whistle it was the Blues who were good value for the win.

An excellent team performance from the Blues today, with all of the boys contributing to the result and another clean sheet for Stevie. Declan awarded the Man of the Match awards to both Ethan and Kian. Ethan worked his socks off in the middle of the park and Kian scored his goal playing in a new position!

Well played boys!

Club: Brinlow

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Saturday 26 February 2011

Well after last weeks high, today wasn't as good. We seemed tired and generally not up for it. On a small pitch, it was a bit congested. The opposition were very direct which nullified our strengths of playing passing football through the midfield.

Having said all that we had the lion's share of the first half and took a well desevered lead through a neat finish from Harry (who put in another good performance today). We did however miss a couple of good chances and in the final reckonings this cost us dear.

The second half was a bit of horror show. We didn't play well. We are encouraging the boys to play football out from defence and in learning to do this mistakes will happen. All three second half goals we conceeded were as a result of being caught in possession in our own penalty area.

An own goal following a corner had given us a second goal to square things up. But today was just one of those days, the fair result was a draw but it wasn't meant to be.

On paper March is going to be a difficult month and we need to be a little 'less nice' if we are going to earn the right to play our passing football.

MoM: Lewis Coward (A much improved performance)

Saturday 5 March 2011

This was an end to end thriller today. CTK took the lead in the first half with a good finish from their impressive centre forward.

As the half continued we made some good chances and thought we had equalised when Sam burst through the middle, only for the ball to hit the post.

The second half started terribly when the CTK forward evaded four of our players to slam the ball into the roof of the net.

Two down, and time for the come back. Taylor slid in Sam who calmly slotted into the far corner. Then Lewis entered the arena with three one on one saves that kept us in it.

Harry came back on and typically hit a bullet to level things up. Could we......

At 2 2 with a couple of minutes to go, who would you want the ball to fall to 20 yards out? The crowd shouted "hit it Robbie" he duly obliged, top corner, unstoppable.

Final whistle blew....comeback complete.

I was very proud of all the boys today and their parents should be too. Their character, determination, team spirit, was marvellous.

MoM: Liam Aspinall (Sensational, mixed it with lads twice his size and weight and only missed one tackle all morning)

Saturday 5th March

Under 8 Blues –V- Leamington Hibs

Well some of us were worn out following the forced march from the car park to the pitch, surely there should have been some sort of park and ride arrangement? It was a good job the boys maintained their usual energy levels. I also spotted a snood (worn by an opposition player) well it was bound to happen at some point! The Blues were at Newbold Comyn, and were looking to maintain their recent run of good results, on another small pitch, the Blues were worthy of their win

With Ethan dropping into defence partnering Tommy Hood, the Blues looked solid from the start, it was Brinklow who had the better of a first half where Stevie was largely untroubled between the sticks. The boys are playing some good passing stuff at the moment, and creating some decent chances, however in a strange first half, where the Blues were in control, it was goalless at the break.

After the half time team talk from Jose, the Blues came out looking more determined to make the most of their possession, the boys continued to pass the ball well and press the opposition. The opener came midway through the half, the impressive Ethan Porter side stepped a challenge and sent the ball forward to start a flowing move that resulted in a corner for the Blues, the opposition cleared the ball to the edge of the area, only to find Harvey Wells on hand to smash a sweet shot back, high past the keeper into the net! The boys had the lead and were looking to increase their advantage, the second arrived from the boot of Ryan who deftly converted from a tight angle. Hibs had a late chance that called Stevie into action, but at the final whistle it was a sound result for the Blues.

A good team performance today, with the boys showing increasing confidence in their ability, another clean sheet and a satisfying result. The in- form Ethan Porter was Man of the Match for the second week on the bounce, with a display of tenacity and drive.

Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

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Saturday 12th March

Under 8 Blues –V- Fire Fighters

Fire Fighters provided the opposition to-day at St. Margaret’s,and after a mix up with the keys that caused a major traffic incident in Wolston, this morning’s match saw the Blues put in an uncharacteristic performance against a well organised and highly rated team. Football is a cliché ridden game however,in terms of the Blues performance, it was a case of a “game of two halves.” Unfortunately by the time the Blues came into the game the damage had been done and the Boys were faced with an uphill task.

From the kick off the Blues were on the back foot and conceded in the opening minutes as they were caught out by a long throw that was tapped in by Fire Fighters, it was a soft goal in truth, and set the tone for the majority of the first half. The second came, again as the result of a long throw that bounced high into the penalty area and came into contact with a Brinklow hand, the Ref didn’t hesitate to award a penalty that was well converted. The Blues were simply not at the races and were showing little of their usual energy and application, a third goal was conceded before the boys finally snapped out of it, and as the first half closed the boys were finally beginning to show their competitive nature.

In the second half the Blues were much more effective- putting pressure on the opposition and creating more chances. The cob webs had clearly been blown away as the boys stepped up their game and began to put some moves together. Brinklow pulled one back after Ethan won the ball in the middle and after some good work between Thomas O and Harvey , the hard working Josh was on hand to slot the ball home. As the half wore on it was the Blues who had the better of the chances, they could and should have reduced the deficit, however the score line remained untroubled and at the final whistle it was Fire Fighters who were the worthy winners.

The blues were guilty of a slow start to-day that cost them dearly, although it was a much improved performance in the second half, it came too late to have a positive impact on the final result. Josh was named as Man of the Match by Declan following a hard working display and a well taken goal. One to forget me thinks, roll on next week!

Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

Saturday 12 March 2011

We started the game brightly and soon took the lead after Taylor played Sam in, who duly finished with aplomb. Things just got better. After some brave goalkeeping, Lewis launched a goalkick that Sam latched onto, doubling our lead. All was pretty rosy at half time.

Kicking downhill in the second half I expected us to turn the screw. But it just didn't happen. We played very little football in the second half, but credit to Leam Brakes who played some lovely football and gave us the run around.

The opposition bagged a brace in the second half that was well deserved. In truth we were pleased to leave with a draw.

MoM: Ben Irving (a tremendous goal-line clearance and some fantastic headers, helped to keep the score down)

Saturday 19h March

Under 8 Blues –V- Pro Santos

Under a clear blue sky on a beautiful morning, the Blues entertained Pro Santos at St Margaret’s today and this match was more than entertaining from the start. After last week’s indifferent display the Blues were back, with a display of passion, skill and enthusiasm. A great game of football ensued between two competitive teams that was evenly contested. Coincidentally, rumours that the club will be introducing goal line technology next year have been strongly denied this evening by Chairman Mellett-but that’s another story!

With Ethan and the impressive Tommy Hood providing a solid platform in defence the Blues were much sharper this week, carrying and passing the ball well and pressing the opposition and forcing the game when not in possession. In a tightly contested first half it was the Blues who opened the scoring following a good move that involved Ethan, Harvey and Josh who crossed to find Thomas O on hand to force the ball past the goalie. It was just deserts, and a fair reward for all the Boys hard work. The Blues continued to create chances but failed to increase their advantage and the visitors levelled late in the half with a well made and taken goal. All Square at the break.

The second half was an open affair, the Blues were playing at a high tempo and with great energy and both teams had their chances early on. Santos forced a good save from Stevie, however as the game moved into the last ten minutes it was Brinklow who were the dominant force. Playing some lovely stuff the boys forced Santos on to the back foot with a succession of corners and well worked moves. They came close very, very close but it didn’t quite cross the line....

All square at the final whistle- a much better performance from the Blues and perhaps one we should have won, but it was a cracking game of football with both teams playing their part. It was a difficult to single out any of the boy’s to-day as all played with drive and pride- Heath received the honour following his welcome debut with the Blues

Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

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Saturday 19th March 2011

Today we played the strongest team in the age group, it what was always going to be a difficult encounter.

We reverted back to playing round pegs in round holes and it proved successful in providing us with a strong base to put in a solid performance.

Playing 25 minutes each way to get ready for next year provided the crowd with an enthralling encounter even if it lacked much goal mouth incident.

For the first 20 minutes we held our own and were disappointed to concede what was a soft goal.

The second half was much the same with neither goalkepper tested. With opportunties against this Copsewood team always going to be scarce we can look back on today with great credit - only losing out to that weak goal. Never mind.

I was really proud of the boys today in giving every bit of energy and effort for their team mates. Copsewood know they are in for game when they look up and see those yellow and blue shirts.

MoM: Aaron Sutcliffe (super effort and a trick in the second half that no other player on the pitch could have played)

All the players played their part today. Rematch next week!

Saturday 26 March 2011

Today we entertained Copsewood in a repeat of last weeks encounter. On a lovely morning down at Wolston on a very hard pitch we started well and took a deserved lead when Rob spotted the keeper an inch off his line and lobbed into the top of the net.

Then a corner, and Harry fired a volley straight into the top corner no-one could believe the quality of the strike. Unfortunately it was in our own goal.

Next corner, we failed to deal with, oh dear. You can guess what Friday night's training session will be focusing on.

In the second half we had a couple of half chances to nick an equaliser, but couldn't quite put the finishing touches to them (we missed our master marksmen who was academy duty at Derby County).

Lewis was tremendous between the sticks, clearly Adie's hard work definitely seems to be paying off, but even Lewis was powerless to stop a well worked third for Copsewood. But at least we didn't give them that one.

A good game and the boys can be proud. Taylor and Jamie were excellent today.

MoM: Lewis (I am his biggest critic but there was alot to admire today).

Saturday 26th March

Under 8 Blues –V- Coventrians

Put the shades away, it was grey misty and cold in Holbrook’s this morning, but that was all soon forgotten as the Blues put in what has to be their strongest display of the season. After two previous close games with a big, strong and physical outfit, you would have been forgiven if you were expecting another tight match, but it wasn’t to be, the Blues had a storming morning and were well worth their convincing victory.

The Blues opened their account early in the first half- after a long throw by Thomas O caused much confusion in the opposition box that resulted in an own goal. Coventrian’s were soon back on terms though, as a long ball over the top caught the blues on the back foot and they were punished with a well taken goal. Brinklow soon took the initiative again, after a tidy passing move through the middle found Kian on hand to slot home. It was Brinklow who were forcing the game, and all they boys were working hard pushing the opposition onto the defensive and having the lion’s share of the possession, but as the ref blew for half time, Coventrian’s had pinched another equaliser following another smash and grab raid, using the long ball over the top. All square at the break.

During the second half the Blues played some of the best we have seen this season, it really had it all - energy, effort, commitment and some fine football. The boys really took the game to the opposition and piled on the pressure, it soon told as a finely taken corner from Harvey came to Kian at the far post who put the ball past the keeper. The difference in this performance and many others we have seen this season was that the blues converted more of their chances. The industrious Harvey scored the next, a deserved reward for his determination, a typically well taken goal squeezed past the keeper. As the boys turned the screw, a second own goal was conceded by Coventrian’s. The scoring was completed as Thomas O (Clive Allenesque like- for those of you with very long memories) slammed an emphatic shot in from the angle of the area, only to see the ball fly back in to play off the back stanchion of the goal, hold on, were we going to see more calls for goal line technology? No – the ref gave the goal and the blues had their best result of the season.

In a week where captaincy has been at the heart of a national debate, it was interesting to observe when the question was asked this morning “ Who’s Captain?” the immediate response was seven arms shooting straight up into the air. All eight boys were leaders today, giving a performance of drive, passion and commitment. Kian was named man of the match for his very well taken brace. An excellent performance and a well deserved result.

Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

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Saturday 2 April 2011

On the day of the Cricket World Cup Final, we kept things current by being beat by the proverbial cricket score.

With the spine of the team out due to Academy duty and illness, we had to bring in Harvey (thanks to the Blue Team Caretaker manager for his understanding) to field a team.

What a reality check this was against a good Leamington side. Our boys are going to have to learn to play without the Academy boys around.

The only positive today was the boys kept trying, credit to them for that.

MoM: not today sorry!

Changed my mind

MoM: Ben Irving. Kept going and made a couple of surging runs in the second half.

Saturday 2nd April

Under 8 Blues –V- Triumph Athletic

With Jose away on theatre duty- Paul and Gary took over the reigns as the Blues welcomed Triumph Athletic to St Margaret’s this morning. The boys have been in good form of late and following an emphatic result the previous evening in a friendly against Long Lawford, they looked to be up for the game from the off. In the previous two meetings between the teams, Triumph had looked like a more than decent outfit, however with the Blues currently scoring for fun, it was no surprise to see Brinklow rack up another convincing win.

The tone of the game was set from the kick off with the Blues getting in some good challenges and taking the game to the opposition. The boys soon had the lead after a good move saw Josh finish with a well taken shot. The boys were enjoying the lion’s share of possession and soon increased their lead with a brace from Harvey, who had obviously had sugar on his three weatabix this morning, playing his second game of the day! With the Boys in such a dominant position it was perhaps inevitable that the visitors pulled one back as the Blues were caught short at the back and conceded a soft goal. Never mind – Harvey completed his second hat trick of the season before the ref blew for the break – another well taken goal and a deserved reward for his boundless energy and effort.

The second half was to follow a similar pattern- it was one way traffic in truth, and the opposition found the going tough. Brinklow were awarded a penalty following a obvious foul in the box as the boys applied further pressure on the Triumph goal- up stepped Tommy Hood, who with nerves of steel converted his first goal of the year and, what I am reliably informed was his debut goal for the club! The goals continued to come with Josh grabbing his hat trick – the third following a beautiful move that was started in defence and swept the length of the pitch involving Ethan, Tommy O, Harvey and Josh and some lovely one touch football. The scoring was completed as Heath drove a low shot past the keeper to score his first league goal for Brinklow on his second appearance! On a day when the goals were flowing and the boys spent the majority of the day on the attack, it was fantastic to see Charlie Bell remaining focused and determined with an excellent piece of individual defending at the close that underlined the teams work effort and application.

The Blues have knocked in twenty three goals in their last three outings, admittedly that includes a friendly, but with goals, comes confidence, which is evident in their results. With all the boys contributing so well today it was difficult to single out any one individual as Man of the Match, Josh and Tommy H shared the accolade. Josh for a lovely hat trick and Tommy H for a fine individual display capped by his goal. Thanks also to Clough and Taylor for their direction this week- I’ll leave it for you to decide who’s who?

Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

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Saturday 9th April 2011

Illness caused another last minute headache for the boss, but many thanks to CTK for agreeing to it make it a 6-a-side encounter.

With Rob back in the engine room, every boy seemed to play 100% better this week and right from the start we hit the ground running.

A couple of great moves were the backdrop to our opening goal, which was a great finish from Harry on his right peg. This is how it stayed until half time, with Lewis rarely troubled.

The second half was a different story though and after five minutes we found ourselves behind. Two neat finishes from CTK, we were shell-shocked.

But the boys were not prepared to lose today and with Jamie running wild from an inside right position, were we soon level. There was a period of 10 minutes where Jamie was unplayable and this was capped by a great individual goal.

It then became an end to end affair with both teams searching for the winner. Rob charged down a ball that saw us retake the lead, and Lewis made a great save from CTK star striker and then the final whistle blew.

On a splendid morning for football this was a great game. Credit to CTK for this, had they fielded the extra player this would not have been the spectacle it was. Many thanks for the hot dogs as well!!

MoM: With no subs, in a souring heat every player played at the top of their ability and did the shirt proud. Therefore, MoM: Lewis, Liam, Aaron, Jamie, Rob and Harry.

Saturday 9th April

Under 8 Blues –V- Coventry Sphinx FC

Shorts and shades were the order of the day as the Blues travelled away for what looked like a tough fixture against Cov Sphinx. In an evenly contested game with both teams playing some excellent football, the blues showed their fighting spirit and determination to grab a well earned draw.

The first half opened with the Blues having the best of the initial exchanges, however they were undone with a long ball over the top that was swiftly converted by the opposition. As the half progressed, it was obvious that Cov Sphinx were going to provide the boys with a stiff contest and following some really good football from both sides, on a good sized pitch it was Sphinx who doubled their advantage and left the boys trailing at half time , with a tough challenge in the second half, if they were to get anything out of this match.

The Blues came out fighting in the second half and matched Cov Sphinx in every department. Midway through the half, Brinklow reduced the deficit, with a good move that found Josh on hand to put the ball past the keeper. Game on! The boys continued to force the game and were having the better of the chances and the possession. As the Blues pushed forward, Kian was fouled just outside the box, and the Blues finally had their equalizer courtesy of a superbly taken free kick from the excellent Harvey Wells. It was the Blue’s who were finishing the stronger and could have nicked the win towards the end- but then again, all square at the final whistle felt like a fair result.

A good result against a strong Sphinx team, the Blues did extremely well to reverse what felt like a harsh first half score line and put in a fine team performance. Declan named Josh Park Man of the Match following another very good performance and scoring the opener for the Blues. Sphinx asked for an additional twenty minutes at the end to give all their boys a run out- the Blues had the best of it with Josh converting again, and Stevie playing a blinder on his first outfield excursion of the season!


Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

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Saturday 16th April

Under 8 Blues –v- Athletic United

With a number of the boys off jet setting, in some far flung corners of the globe, it was a much depleted squad that arrived this morning for the final league game of the season. Struggling to make up the numbers the Blues were bolstered with a late season loan signing in the form of Ted, and the welcome loan of one of the oppositions goalies ( many thanks to Athletic) - at least we had enough numbers to make sure the fixture went ahead! On another glorious morning, on a beautiful playing surface, and a with another strong display, Brinklow showed their tenacity and determination in securing yet another well earned victory this season.

The Blues were on the back foot for the initial exchanges, however they soon snapped out of it, and began to take the game to Athletic. Following a series of good moves that had the boys spending a lot of time in the opposition half, Brinklow should have opened the scoring when Harvey played a great ball into the middle only to see the keeper defy Tommy O at close range. The opener finally came from a similar route, as Harvey again centred to see the ball fly off a defenders boot straight past the goalie. Brinklow continued to push, carving out some great chances, but were guilty of not making the goalie work – half time and the Blues were looking good.

At the turn around Athletic had the luxury of bringing on a number of fresh players, and for the opening ten minutes of the second half, it was Athletic who had the upper hand scoring twice to take the lead. The Blues were playing well, however without the relief of subs, on a hot morning, they would need to dig deep to get a result. In the final fifteen the Blues did just that, playing some excellent stuff, using the width of the pitch, running hard and passing the ball with some style, the Blues were soon back on terms as Tommy O crashed one in from the edge of the area. More pressure and a good move resulted in another goal for Brinklow as Ted was on hand to score with a well taken finish putting the ball high past the keeper in a crowded area. The Blues began to turn the screw, and could have scored more as Harvey, Kian and Ted all worked the keeper. It was Tommy O who had the last word on the scoring front, after another good move found him on the edge of the area, to rifle in his second of the day.

A great game, and an excellent result, played in a friendly atmosphere. Brinklow played with many of the characteristics that have been evident throughout the season- energy, determination, good passing, team work and a never say die attitude that does them all credit. Looking back, as the season’s league fixtures come to an end, I would say the Blues have had an excellent return for their efforts. We have won a lot, drawn a couple and only lost a few – no man of the match this week, a special mention to all!

Stevie, Charlie, Tommy H, Ethan, Josh, Kian, Heath, Harvey, Ryan, Tommy O and not forgetting Jake & Ted - it’s been an excellent adventure!


Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

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Under 8 Blues Go Mad in Somerset

With some trepidation, and cars packed full of kit, the Blues headed off to Somerset and set up camp at the idyllic and tranquil setting of Mill Farm near Bridgewater. The tranquillity was soon shattered as the boys let their hair down on their scooters and their parents just let their hair down. After an outbreak of tent envy, as we all sized up each other’s living quarters for the weekend, the Porters Palace won hands down on square footage, but Techno Dave pushed them close on the equipment front, his tent came equipped with a DVD! We all settled down outside The Hoods Continental Fun Pub and BBQ Shack, and spent a lovely evening in the company of our new sponsors Carling, Blue WKD & Chardonnay.

Saturday dawned and another gloriously sunny day lay ahead- bleary eyed we emerged early and were treated to a fry up supplied by the more experienced campers amongst us AKA Bear Grills, Paul Hood & Techno Dave. There had been some reports of snoring during the night, which Steve likened to a chainsaw starting, not sure who was responsible for that! but with the Blues not due at to play till 2pm, the morning was spent swimming, sliding and at one very bizarre moment we found ourselves crashing a wake at the local pub, but that’s another story.

Oh yes, and then we played the tournament!

I am not sure where the boys get their energy, but following a very late night, and a hectic morning some of us doubted that the boys would be up for the occasion. Well we were wrong there - for the record, Brinklow were unbeaten! Played 6, Won 4, Drew 2- 11 goals scored and Nil conceded, Now that’s what I call a good result! The Blues were in good form and with their usual tenacity, work ethic and team spirit were the best outfit on the day. We had some cracking goals from Harvey, Ryan, Josh, Tommy O and Kian bagged a hat trick. For me the stella moment came as Stevie sprang catlike in mid air to deny what seemed like a goal bound strike in the last minute to retain his clean sheet for the day! Just marvellous!

So after another successful day it was back to the Hood’s Continental Fun Pub for a team BBQ- following a complaint from a fellow camper, we were given a yellow card by the camp ranger about our noise levels! Can’t say this inhibited us at all, as Bear Grills started the campfire, threatening to treat us all to Mallard, and Chairman Mellett lead the team that switched the Park’s tent around 180 degrees!

A cracking weekend- spent in good company with the sun shining, one to remember!

Thanks to Declan for organising and all who contributed so generously.

Hi-de-hi campers- until next year!

Well played boys!

Club: Brinklow

OMG! It sounds hilarious! Hugh should get a job with Robert Murdoch- what a report. I literally laughed out loud. What a great idea, and proves you can do it all far cheaper than pay top whack to the tour companies (like we did!. Well done you lot, and the lads did the club proud with their football as well.

Club: Brinklow

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