*Kestrels v Winklebury Wizards*– Match Report

Today’s game ended in a very one-sided result, with the Kestrels coming away with a convincing win. Of course, we can only play the fixtures set by the league, but we all want competitive matches that test and develop the players. I take no pride in winning a game in this manner, and I fully recognise that this wasn’t the kind of challenge either team would have wanted today.

*Goals & Assists:*
1-0 Max (assist Zac)
2-0 Zac (assist Max)
3-0 Maxi (assist Max)
4-0 Maxi (assist Max)
5-0 Maxi (assist Max)
6-0 Archie (assist Bobsy)
7-0 Archie (assist Ted)
8-0 Archie (assist Max)
9-0 Henry (assist Archie)
10-0 Zac (assist Jack)
11-0 Henry (assist Thomas)
12-0 Thomas (assist Jack)
13-0 Logan (assist Bobsy)
14-0 Zac (assist Jack)
15-0 Bobsy (assist Henry)
16-0 Ted (assist Max)
17-0 Jack (assist Max)
18-0 Ted (assist Max)
19-0 Henry (assist Thomas)
20-0 Ted (assist Thomas)
21-0 Thomas (assist Henry)

While the scoreline speaks for itself, this was never about running up the numbers. At half-time I made changes to rotate the team, giving the boys opportunities to try different roles and positions in the hope of balancing the game and encouraging learning. This didn’t work as I’d intended, and I see that as a lesson for me, as much as playing out of position was for them.

I’d like to add that we are now playing in a competitive league, and after speaking with and getting clarification from the League Secretary, we are not allowed to lend players to the opposition or reduce our numbers to even the sides. The league takes full responsibility for what happened today, and I fully accept that there are things I could have done better as well. Please remember that I’m still learning as we go, and I really do appreciate the feedback and thoughts that some of you have already shared with me. I fully understand and respect the concerns raised.

We also know that we have much stronger opponents ahead of us over the next few weeks, and if there is a positive to take from today, it’s that we remain strong in the league and, most importantly, the boys finished with smiles on their faces.

*🏆 Man of the Match*
Henry – Took the opportunity to step into midfield, showed great footwork, worked tirelessly, and made a big impact.

*Well done, Kestrels!*⚽️🔵🟡