Deerness Valley FC Under 11's Lightning

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Match Date: 11/04/2026
Opposition: Sunderland RCA Reds
Result: Win

⚡️ Match Report: The Perfect Finish to the Season! ⚡️
What a way to sign off the season — a brilliant 3–2 win at home and a performance full of determination, teamwork and quality from start to finish. With a forced switch to 7-a-side, it meant plenty of running for the lads, and they rose to the challenge straight away.

📈 First Half Control
We started on the front foot, creating chances early and looking dangerous going forward. The breakthrough came when the ball fell to Max, who struck it cleanly, with a slight deflection helping it into the net to give us a deserved 1–0 lead. We continued to press and created a number of opportunities, showing good movement and intent across the pitch. The boys worked hard both on and off the ball and we went into the break with that 1–0 advantage.

🔁 Second Half Drama
RCA responded quickly after the restart to level things up, but the lads didn’t let that knock them off course. The response was excellent. A fantastic run down the right from Will S, who battled brilliantly to win the ball, then finished that powerful run with a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Elliott timed his run superbly, finishing with a composed side-foot volley to restore our lead at 2–1. The game remained end-to-end, with RCA pushing hard and eventually finding another equaliser. At 2–2 with only minutes left, it would have been easy for heads to drop — but not these boys.

⚡️ Lightning does Strike Twice ⚡️
In a fitting moment, the winning goal came through sheer determination and teamwork. Elliott won the ball in midfield of the park fed it out to non-other than Will S who scampered off down the wing, delivering another excellent cross. And who was on the end of it again, yep Elliott was there again to finish — another calm volley to make it 3–2 and seal the win!, There were a few nervy moments late on, but the boys stayed strong, defended well, and saw the game out to secure a fantastic result.

🏆 Player of the Match – Will S
A superb performance from Will S, whose work rate and determination were outstanding. His movement, relentless pressing, and two brilliant assists made a huge difference today. Fully deserved POTM — well done Will! 👏

⚡️ Looking Ahead
What a way to finish the season — I couldn’t be prouder of every single one of the lads. The effort, improvement, and team spirit shown throughout the season has been fantastic and it's been hard, picking up the team after so many departures, but they did it, and it’s genuinely been a pleasure to be part of it. It’s hard to believe it’s already come to an end, roll on September.

Come on Lightning ⚡️💪⚽️

Match Date: 11/04/2026
Opposition: Sunderland RCA Reds
Result: Win

⚡️ Match Report: The Perfect Finish to the Season! ⚡️
What a way to sign off the season — a brilliant 3–2 win at home and a performance full of determination, teamwork and quality from start to finish. With a forced switch to 7-a-side, it meant plenty of running for the lads, and they rose to the challenge straight away.

📈 First Half Control
We started on the front foot, creating chances early and looking dangerous going forward. The breakthrough came when the ball fell to Max, who struck it cleanly, with a slight deflection helping it into the net to give us a deserved 1–0 lead. We continued to press and created a number of opportunities, showing good movement and intent across the pitch. The boys worked hard both on and off the ball and we went into the break with that 1–0 advantage.

🔁 Second Half Drama
RCA responded quickly after the restart to level things up, but the lads didn’t let that knock them off course. The response was excellent. A fantastic run down the right from Will S, who battled brilliantly to win the ball, then finished that powerful run with a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Elliott timed his run superbly, finishing with a composed side-foot volley to restore our lead at 2–1. The game remained end-to-end, with RCA pushing hard and eventually finding another equaliser. At 2–2 with only minutes left, it would have been easy for heads to drop — but not these boys.

⚡️ Lightning does Strike Twice ⚡️
In a fitting moment, the winning goal came through sheer determination and teamwork. Elliott won the ball in midfield of the park fed it out to non-other than Will S who scampered off down the wing, delivering another excellent cross. And who was on the end of it again, yep Elliott was there again to finish — another calm volley to make it 3–2 and seal the win!, There were a few nervy moments late on, but the boys stayed strong, defended well, and saw the game out to secure a fantastic result.

🏆 Player of the Match – Will S
A superb performance from Will S, whose work rate and determination were outstanding. His movement, relentless pressing, and two brilliant assists made a huge difference today. Fully deserved POTM — well done Will! 👏

⚡️ Looking Ahead
What a way to finish the season — I couldn’t be prouder of every single one of the lads. The effort, improvement, and team spirit shown throughout the season has been fantastic and it's been hard, picking up the team after so many departures, but they did it, and it’s genuinely been a pleasure to be part of it. It’s hard to believe it’s already come to an end, roll on September.

Come on Lightning ⚡️💪⚽️

Match Date: 11/04/2026
Opposition: South Shields Whites
Result: Loss

⚡️ Match Report: Positive Spells Against Strong Opposition ⚡️
A home fixture today, and the team were greeted by the shiny new goals at Framwellgate School, no more nets to put up with cold fingers, a great addition — although it was a chilly start! The game warmed up quickly, we were up against a strong Shields side, but the lads began really well, moving the ball nicely and showing good intent early on. There were some encouraging passages of play, with some great passing and movement on and off the ball.

📉 First Half Overview
Shields were the more dominant side overall in the first half, but there were still good moments for us when we stayed calm in possession. When the boys took their time, got their heads up and played simple accurate passes, we were able to move the ball effectively and build attacks. Despite those positive spells, We started to fall off in the second part of the first half and Shields capitalised on their chances and went into the break 4–0 ahead.

📈 Second Half Effort
The second half started brightly, with the team pushing further up the pitch and looking to attack. We created more big chances in the second half and again showed that when we kept the ball and played with composure, we could cause problems. As the half went on, tired legs started to show, but the effort and attitude remained strong. Shields continued to apply pressure and eventually extended their lead, with the game finishing 8–0.

🏆 Player of the Match – JD
A really solid performance from JD, who battled from the first whistle to the last. Strong in the middle of the pitch, he made a number of important tackles and interceptions, then calmly distributed the ball to teammates. A hardworking display and fully deserved POTM. Well done JD! 👏

⚡️ Looking Ahead
There were clear positives today — when we stayed composed and kept the ball moving, we looked much more comfortable. That’s something to build on as we head into the final game of the season this Saturday.
One more match to go — let’s regroup, stay determined, and enjoy it.

Come on Lightning ⚡️💪⚽️

Match Date: 14/03/2026
Opposition: Whickham Fellside Mags
Result: Loss

⚡️ Match Report: A Game of Response and Resilience ⚡️

Another early start for the lads today as we faced Whickham Mags. It proved to be a challenging match, but one that showed plenty of character and determination as the game went on.

📉 A Tough Opening
We were slow out of the blocks and found ourselves under immediate pressure, going 5–0 down inside the first 10 minutes. It was a difficult start, but to the boys’ credit, they didn’t let it define the rest of the game.

As the half progressed, we began to settle. The passing improved, we started to keep possession better, and chances began to come. That effort was rewarded when William S reacted quickest after the keeper spilled the ball, showing great awareness to get us on the scoresheet. We went into the break 5–1 down, but with much more belief than the opening minutes suggested.

📈 Second Half Fightback
The second half saw a much more positive and attacking approach. We created opportunities and started to put Whickham under pressure.

Chester got his well-deserved goal, timing his run perfectly into the box and finishing calmly — one that’s been coming for a while! Not long after, Elliott produced a moment of quality, striking from distance straight into the top corner to bring it back to 5–3 and really put us back in the game.

Whickham responded with a couple more goals, but again the lads kept pushing. William S added his second of the match with a tidy finish to make it 7–4, showing great persistence and composure and keeps his run going.

As the game wore on, fatigue started to take its toll. With tired legs and gaps appearing across the middle of the park, Whickham were able to exploit this and added a few more goals before the final whistle.

🏆 Player of the Match – Leo
A brilliant effort from Leo today, who made a number of important saves, including some excellent double stops. His attitude and determination never dropped, even under constant pressure. Well deserved POTM 👏🧤

⚡️ Looking Ahead
There were some really positive spells in this game — improved passing, good movement, and strong individual moments. The challenge now is turning those periods into consistent performances across the full match.

Massive credit to the lads who kept going right until the end despite a tough start.

We go again next Saturday — stronger, sharper, and ready to build on the positives.

Come on Lightning ⚡️💪⚽️

Fellside Youth Football Club

Match Date: 07/03/2026
Opposition: Whitburn & Cleadon Youth Tigers
Result: Loss

⚡️ Match Report: A Performance to Be Proud Of ⚡️
Yesterday’s return fixture against Whitburn & Cleadon Youth Tigers was played in great conditions with the sun out and a full squad available. It was also great to welcome Captain Max back into the team, and the lads produced what was arguably one of their strongest performances of the season — even if the final result didn’t quite go our way.

📈 First Half Control
From the opening whistle the boys started brightly and spent much of the first half applying pressure in Whitburn’s half. The passing and movement were excellent, and the team looked confident in possession. That pressure paid off when some brilliant link-up play led to Elliott firing towards goal, with the ball taking a deflection and finding the net to give us a well-deserved 1–0 lead.

At the back the defence worked superbly as a unit, stepping up well and catching Whitburn’s forwards offside several times. Across the pitch there were strong challenges and great effort from everyone. William S, came incredibly close to doubling the lead, striking the ball beautifully from distance — a Tonali-style effort that smashed off the bar and bounced agonisingly the wrong side of the line.

We also saw Leo take his first turn in goal, and he handled the responsibility really well with a confident and composed display.

🔁 Second Half Battle
We went into the break 1–0 ahead, and after a few changes the team continued where they left off. The pressure told again when Matty unleashed a brilliant strike into the roof of the net to make it 2–0 — a fantastic connection and a goal to remember.

As the half went on we started to tire, understandable after the effort that had been put in, and Whitburn started to find their rhythm and pulled themselves level with two quick goals. Credit to the lads though, their heads never dropped and the effort continued right to the end. During Whitburn’s spell of momentum they managed to add two more goals, with a couple of decisions that looked very tight for offside — but as Jason said "unfortunately no VAR at grassroots level!"

Despite that setback the boys kept pushing forward and finished the game strongly, attacking until the final whistle against a side that now sits top of the league.

🏆 Player of the Match – Chester
POTM could easily have gone to several players this week, but Chester gets the nod after a fantastic all-round performance. He was relentless down the right wing with powerful runs that constantly drove us forward. In the second half he also stepped into defence and carried on performing brilliantly. A real workhorse performance — well done Chester! 👏

⚡️ Looking Ahead
Although the result finished 4–2, this was a huge team performance and one to be proud of. The teamwork, work rate and quality on display show just how much this group is improving week by week. We also welcome JD and his parents to our team.

Keep working hard lads — we’re getting stronger as a team every game.

Come on Lightning ⚡️💪⚽️

Match Date: 21/01/2026
Opposition: Belmont United Youths Falcons
Result: Loss

⚡️ Match Report: Plenty of Effort, Plenty to Build On ⚡️
Today’s home game against Belmont United Youths Falcons gave us another tough test, but also plenty of moments to be proud of. The boys started confidently, showing good shape and linking up well in midfield. There were some tidy passages of play early on that showed exactly what we’ve been working on in training.

📈 The Tale of the Tape
First Half Overview
• For much of the opening period we competed well and asked questions of Belmont. Unfortunately, a strong spell from them towards the end of the half saw them take a 3–0 lead. Despite that setback, the response from the lads was excellent. We kept pushing forward and created opportunities of our own. Chester and James both cut inside dangerously and were inches away from pulling one back — on another day those go in. The intent and bravery to keep attacking was great to see.

Second Half Challenge
• Belmont raised the tempo after the break and made their pressure count. We crumbled a bit at the back but the lads had a lot to deal with all game, tired legs and minds reared their heads again, It was a demanding half physically, but the work rate never dropped we kept going. Our goal came from sharp thinking — William S read a goal kick perfectly, stepped in to win it, controlled calmly and finished well. A deserved reward for staying switched on.

🧤 Player of the Match – Kaleb
An outstanding performance between the posts. Kaleb pulled off a string of excellent saves, including a couple of rapid-fire stops that kept us in it for long spells. His reactions and bravery today were top class. Fully deserved POTM 👏

💪 Tough Moment
Credit to William C who put his body on the line in a challenge and unfortunately picked up a painful knock to his foot. That kind of commitment never goes unnoticed. Rest up and recover well.

📊 Final Score: 9–1 to Belmont, well played lads

⚡️ Next Steps
We regroup on Wednesday and focus on the positives — movement, attacking intent, and effort. The scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story of the attitude shown today. Every match is another step in our development.

Keep working, keep believing - Come on Lightning ⚡️💪

Match Date: 13/02/2026
Opposition: Whitburn & Cleadon Youth Tigers
Result: Loss

⚡️ Match Report: A Game of Two Halves! ⚡️
It felt great to finally get back out there on Friday the 13th! It was a night of high energy, hard work, and some seriously impressive football.

📈 The Tale of the Tape
This one was a classic game of two halves.
• The First Half: We were absolutely flying! After a cagey start, the boys found their rhythm and pushed forward with intent. Even at 3-0 down, their heads never dropped. We fought back with some clinical finishing from William S (putting that training ground hard work into action) and high-pressing play from the boys that had the opposition looking very nervous at 4-2. The boys game in at halftime buzzing, was great to see and hear.

• The Second Half: As the minutes ticked on, the lack of recent match fitness started to show. A few knocks and tired legs saw the game slip away to a 13-3 finish—a scoreline that definitely didn’t reflect the heart the boys showed until the final whistle.

🤝 Respect to the Opposition
A massive well played to Whitburn & Cleadon Youth Tigers on a strong performance. We also want to say a huge thank you to them for their help in rearranging the fixture to the Downhill Hub 3G pitches. With all the bad weather lately, we really appreciate the effort to make sure the boys could finally get a game on! 🏟️

🌟 Debut Delight
A massive shoutout to William C, who made his debut tonight! He looked right at home, putting in some crucial blocks and smart passes. Welcome to the team, William! 👏

⚽️ Goal Highlights
• William S: Back with a brace! Some fantastic runs between defenders to slot home a couple of beauties, with assists from Elliott with some smart passes, great work William.
• Elliott: What a statement that was last night an absolute rocket into the top corner from a free kick. A majestic performance from him and what a finish! 🚀

🏆 Players of the Match
Congratulations to Elliott and James, who shared the POTM honours! Both put in really strong, skilful performances that were even noticed by the Whitburn coaches. Well done, lads!

⚡️ Looking Ahead
It was only our second game since December, so the rust was expected. But if we play like we did in that first half, we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with the rest of the season. The more we play, the harder we train, the stronger we get!
Keep your heads up and keep working hard lads —Come on Lightning! ⚡️🥅⚽️💪

Are you new to the area, your team folded, or just looking for a game of football, we are looking for players that have a passion for the game, here at Deerness lightning under 11, we need a few more players to increase our squad size and talent. We are a development team in Div 10 of the RFYL. If you fancy a look out pop along to a training sessions.