Always a challenge with half term availability. With only 6 players available from our U11 Colts squad, we were very grateful to call in players from 3 other Riser teams to play a strong Whitstable Town side. Right from the first whistle the players were fully committed against a very physical Whitstable team and focussed on our challenges to keep possession and transition phases.

We went into the break a goal down at half time with Eloise being our main attacking threat. Josh did a fantastic job in breaking down Whitstable attacks sitting in front of our defence. Sully continued to press their defence, whilst Charlie, Liam and Jack worked tirelessly to keep a strong Whitstable forward line at bay, as too Max who had an excellent game in goal. Risers started the the better of the two teams in the 2nd half, applying more and more pressure in the final third. From a defensive clearance from Whitstable, Archie spotted the goal keeper off his line and lobbed him, only for Whitstable to score the winner in the final minute of the game. Player of the match was Eloise, with Challenges player of the match being Jack.

Today was a great example for our club of what strength we have in depth, with a mixture of boys and girls from both U10 and U11’s ensuring the club put a strong side out. Big thank you to Oliver, Louie, Eloise, James, Sully and Liam. As coach, I was very proud of the football they played and shear determination to work together.

- Angus