Whitstable Town U10's v Faversham Town

Saturday morning saw the sun shining and a home game at Swalecliffe School against Faversham Town.

Our games against Faversham are always close and competitive and this one would prove no different. The boys worked hard and tried to play decent football on a hard dry surface. We again had just the 8 players and as the game wore on the tiredness kicked in and we didn't have enough left in the tank to get back into the game.

In terms of match incidents, Isaac starting at the back stormed forward, beat two players and stuck a lovely left foot finish to put us ahead after just 4 minutes. Faversham struck back with a high shot bundled over the line. There second and ultimately the winner came from a melee in the box and a smart finish into the corner. We create a few decent chances and worked well, but in fairness they probably edged it. Isaac took a whack on the leg for his troubles but was also man of the match. Well played one and all.

Rather than focus on where we could have improved I thought it important to note the positive attitude of the lads and what a pleasure it is to work with them. This positive experience was highlighted 4 days after Saturday's match, when we all met for the usual 5.30 Wednesday training session.

As the lightning cracked, thunder rolled and the icy rain started to fall, we arrived to an empty Whitstable School. Slowly but surely the car doors opened and the boys came charging out of the cars, chattering, and buzzing as they proceeded to warm up. Smiles beaming across their faces as they showed pure joy at playing football. Louis returned to a be greeted with warm cheers and then we got going with a disciplined and committed session. They all ran and fought for every ball, listened to every instruction, laughed and joked but also showed great skills and application. We finished what I would say was one of our most enjoyable training sessions, tired, cold, soaked but all smiling!! If they can take that commitment and enthusiasm into the matches they will be doing fine. Well done lads!!