🏆 *Kestrels Clip the Saints’ Wings in an 11–0 League Cup Statement Win!* ⚽️

This was an unexpected fixture for us — we were originally given a bye into the next round, but that all changed when Sherborne St John Saints joined the division. They’ve made a strong start to life in the under 11’s division, beating teams a year below us convincingly and before coming up an age group and last week even giving current second-placed Eversley & California a real game in our division.

So, today I wanted to make a point — actually, two points:
1️⃣ Show them that this league won’t be easy.
2️⃣ After the chaos their manager caused arranging this fixture, I’ll be honest… I really wanted our lads to knock the shine off him a bit 😂. (Sorry but it true).

We started the game a bit flat — not as competitive as usual, and we allowed our opponents too much time and space to play. They were the more physical side early on, and it wasn’t the sharp, switched-on Kestrels we’ve seen over recent weeks.

But one thing about this team: even when we’re not at our best, we always seem to find a spark. Once we started to move the ball and get forward, we looked much more like ourselves. By half-time, we’d found our rhythm, played some good football, and found ourselves 5–0 up and comfortable, but a little disappointing in the first 15 minutes.
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🔁 Halftime Talk
At the break, the message was simple: reset the scoreline, lift the energy, and enjoy your football. Play with confidence, play with smiles, and show everyone how much you love being out there. I asked them one simple question: “Are you enjoying your football?” Every single one said yes. So, the challenge was clear — show us that enjoyment on the pitch!

I want the lads to play with belief, express themselves, and have fun doing it. I want to see them celebrate their goals, enjoy their success, and support one another through the tougher moments. Because beyond developing as players and as a team, there’s nothing more satisfying for Dave and me than standing back and watching them play the game they love.
That’s exactly why we do what we do — and it’s the same reason all of you come out and support the boys each week. 💙💛
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⚽ Second Half
The reaction was brilliant. The lads came out full of energy and confidence, moving the ball well and pressing high. We looked dangerous every time we went forward, and some of the football in the final third was excellent. Two of our defenders even got themselves on the scoresheet from set pieces — great to see! 🔥

But just as important as the goals was the defending. Keeping a clean sheet takes hard work and focus, and our back line and goalkeeper were solid all game. You can’t ask for much more than scoring eleven and conceding none.

When the final whistle blew, it ended 11–0 in a dominant display, a clean sheet, and a real statement of intent as we move into the next round of the League Cup. 🏆
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📊 Final Score:
Kestrels 11 – 0 Sherborne St John Saints
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⭐ Man of the Match:
Max – Awarded not just for his excellent performance today, but for his consistent contribution in assisting his teammates, his game understanding, and his adaptability when we switched to a diamond formation. A brilliant example of teamwork and awareness.
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Well done, Kestrels!
A superb all-round performance — let’s keep that momentum going. There’s silverware to be won! 🔵🟡