29/03/2026
U10s Mambas Match report
The Vipers couldn't have asked for a better opening — Josh scored within the first twenty seconds, his third goal for the team and a fantastic confidence-builder. Stanley's goal was real quality, striking from just inside the opposition's half with a high ball that bounced perfectly underneath their keeper. The third goal was a collective effort: Loki played through to Alex, left unmarked by the opposition, who found the perfect gap and picked out Cub. Cub carried the ball all the way to the keeper with cool-headed composure, forced the keeper to commit, and slotted it down the left-hand side.
The opposition are a talented side though, and their number eight in particular was an outstanding individual player who kept winning possession, was difficult to match for pace, and seemed able to score from anywhere when an opportunity presented itself. Stanley was switched partway through the match to try and counter him, and did an amazing job of killing their momentum.
Joel deserves a huge mention today. When Alex had to come off after taking a painful blow to the face — made worse by the freezing conditions — Joel stepped into goal without hesitation and was exceptionally brave between the posts, pulling off several impressive saves. Joel's early game in defence was real quality too — he took the opportunity to show off his improved ball control from training, making excellent use of quick turns, chopping the ball left and right to create space, followed by quick, accurate passing up the field.
There's lots to work on at training — the players are learning about the importance of pushing up as a unit, communicating clearly when taking ownership of the ball or a challenge, and being disciplined in holding position — but these are exactly the kind of lessons that only come from competitive matches, and the effort today was fantastic.
Player of the Match: Josh — for that clinical opening goal, his third for the club, setting the tone from the very first whistle.
