UNDER 9’S
2007-2008 SEASON REVIEW

The Under 9’s season began a little uncertain with only 7 registered players at the start of the season; several new players came to the team most of whom had never played competitive football.
My expectations were merely to get the lads to gel as a team pick out the strengths and weaknesses of the players and for the children to enjoy the season.
The first game of the season was at home against the well known Bishop St Mary’s team and our player’s performance was astonishing and they came away with a 2 - 0 win and wide smiles on all of their faces. This initial win gave the players the confidence and belief that they could improve on last season’s 3rd place and they went on a 7 game unbeaten run before they experienced their first defeat. This defeat was purely down to bad performance on the day and after this match it was explained that even the best can have an off day and I hoped this defeat would not affect the rest of the season, and it didn’t. The team were top of the league going into the Christmas break closely followed by Stockton Town. The time came to play Stockton Town, after beating them first time round 1 – 0, we knew we needed another win against them, despite being 2 – 0 down the players fought hard and pulled it back to 2 - 2 and in their excitement a lapse of concentration saw Stockton get the winning goal.
Over the whole season the Under 9’s were only defeated on 2 occasions, held the best defensive record in the division only conceding 12 goals and were unbeaten away from home. The Under 9’s came runners up in their Division narrowly missing out on first place by 1 point, however we secured promotion for next season which is an excellent achievement for our first season in the TJFA.
The players excelled at Mablethorpe and all those participating gave 100% effort and were a pleasure to watch. Winning 2 games and drawing 1 saw us in second place. Sunday began with an excellent win which put us in joint first place and the final match being against the fellow leaders. The winner of this match would qualify to Semi Finals. The lads put on a good performance but our heads went down once the first goal was scored and in the end we were beaten by the better team. The players were understandably deflated and it was the first time all weekend they were silent. The manager, coach and parents all explained that they had done all they could and should be proud of their performance on and off the pitch which must have sunk in as 5 minutes later they were laughing and joking again.
All in all another great season and all I can ask for the forthcoming season is for the players to play how they played this season with the same dedication, & determination and to never ever give up no matter what the score line. Last year 3rd place this year 2nd place...next year 1st?
Again all of the players have been a pleasure to manage this season and the parents/supporters fantastic.

Keep it up..next year we might be champions like the Reds!!!
Damian.....

Many Thanks to..

ROSS/WRIGHT LTD

Sponsors of the Under 9’s