Sunday 15th January 2012; Fleur De-Lys v Purbrook Youth - Kick Off 10:00 hrs Drayton Park

Sunday 15th January 2012; a day that twelve under 9 football players, their parents, 1 or 2 grandparents and coach had waited and waited for. That first league win. And what a game to get it.

The meeting between these two sides back in October had shown there was little between the sides. Whilst the score line of Purbrook 6 - Fleurs 3 might not suggest it; the game had been close and had Fleurs taken their chances that day it would have been a closer scoreline.

Match report; the game started slowly with both teams a little hesitant during the first few minutes. Almost as if neither wanted to make that first mistake. Slowly Fleurs started to get on top and their first real chance of the game brought a fine save out of the Purbrook keeper. They weren't to be denied for long though. Kieran, who had started brightly on the right side of midfield, ran at his marker before shooting. Perhaps not hit as cleanly as he'd hoped the ball found its way into the Purbrook goal and Fleurs were 1 up. You sensed the relief as he ran back towards the half way line; chased by his team mates.

Fleurs were now well on top, with Purbrook offering little in the way of attacking. Fleurs had to take their chances and it wasn't long before they were 2 up. A quick free kick taken by Ewan, from left wing to right wing, found Kieran who ran at the goal before finishing with a fine shot which gave the keeper little chance.

With substitutions made to involve as many of the squad as possible the 2nd half kicked off. Purbrook started the 2nd half the stronger and created their first real chance of the game. Luckerly for Fleurs the chance was not taken; but it wouldn't be long. Free kick awarded and Purbrook were back in the game after a well worked set piece saw a clever floated cross headed in. 2 - 1 and game on.

Few, if any, real chances were created after Purbrook had scored. Fleurs defended strongly as a unit, working hard for each other and Purbrook were unable to break through. A late run by Harry almost saw him break clear from the half way line. Oliver, James, George, James, George and Bradley worked hard throughout to give Art in goal a well earned break! Sky worked hard for the team as usaul. But today was about the collective; a group that have never given up. Dylan, the only player to not get on in this match, summed it up; its about the team Dad. And the 2 - 1 win is as deserved as you will find. 

Report by proud coach; age 44 but got to be a kid again for 40 minutes !