S&AA FC U12 Whites hosted Formby JSC U12 Whites at the Ainsdale Club this afternoon for their first home game of the season. And the boys’ eyes lit up upon arrival - the pitch was in first class condition! All thanks to the efforts of the Club’s groundsmen, Gary & Tony - brilliant work lads! ??

So we asked the boys to pass the ball with pace right from the first whistle - and they didn’t disappoint! Patrick, Jake & Charlie started in a back three, with Liam (C) & Rory sitting in front of them in central midfield - but it was Josh on the left, Ollie on the right & Jude in a central position who were tasked with the high press. Their work rate set the early tone for the match - constant pressure from S&A high up the pitch and it was that pressure that led to the opening goal.

Ollie won the ball back for S&A by the corner flag before skipping past two defenders and pulling a lovely ball back to Jude on the edge of the six-yard box - the striker putting a crisp first time finish into the roof of the net. Imarri & Hugo entered the action midway through the first half, meaning Josh moved more central and it was his calm pass from a congested midfield position that found Hugo in space - he shifted the ball onto his right foot before unleashing a thunderous 25-yard screamer into the top corner - the fabulous S&A support went delirious!!!

Charles & Hugh had slotted in at centre back and right back respectively, keeping a really solid back line and restricting Formby to only half chances, with Noah in goal always alert when called upon. But it was the introduction of Fraser further up the pitch which produced S&A’s third goal - he slotted a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Hugo who showed a fantastic turn of pace to run clear, before reversing a top class finish across the keeper into the bottom left hand corner.

HT: S&AA FC 3-0 Formby JSC

At half time, we reminded the boys of the importance of their shape, both in & out of possession. The whole squad were putting in a huge performance and great commitment, so it was a real test of character when they conceded early in the second half. A great delivery from a Formby corner wasn’t cleared by S&A, allowing the loose ball to be poked home - how would S&A react? The answer - brilliantly!

Yet again they showed a real thirst for victory with some swift attacking play and midway through the half, they restored their 3-goal lead. Ollie topped off another great game by playing in Imarri in the inside left channel and the left winger made no mistake, hitting the back of the net with a trademark finish!

The boys then showed great maturity to see out the final 10 minutes without conceding, despite Formby’s continued efforts right until the end. Well done to Colin & his Formby squad who gave S&A a real tough game from start to finish - a special mention for their GK too who pulled off a couple of top drawer saves!

FT: S&AA FC 4-1 Formby JSC

So S&A keep up their 100% start to the season, but are also fully aware that we are only 4 games in and the aim is to improve with every game - a great effort from all the squad today!

Pic: POTM Hugo for his two goals & overall performance - well played! ?
Chris Lloyd (Manager) & Rob Mace (Coach)

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs FC

Ainsdale Club

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