Underwood Villa FC

U18s v Hucknall SG
Our final game of the season was an exciting one. Chances galore first half, our defence had to be strong against an ex Ipswich academy player. Who showed electrifying pace and quality. We were winning 1-0 from a scrappy goal by .mottershead for 34 mins to lose a goal just before half time just after missing 2 chances in front of goal. Half time 1-1. Second half was entertaining and frustrating at the same time joint MOM .15_5 Richards carrying on rinsing their right back time and time again to create chances. Unfortunately the quality of their striker from the continuous long ball from them was too@much as they scored 2 very quick goals in succession. At 1-3 we battled on making 5 or 6 tremendous saves one of them a triple save. Another MOM performance. Then Owen makes another run to be fouled for a penalty. steps up and finishes calmly 2-3. Still time for another which goes to hucknall as striker runs into keeper who drops the ball. 2-4 then another goal from 39 yards makes it 2-5. Just before the game is done the goal of the night goes to Underwood starting with a clever switch of play with 5 passes around the team Tom Williams beating 3 players before it’s crossed, assisted by and tapped in by Owen. Final score 3-5 but a great game to watch against a team who have just about won the league. reat game to watch against a team who have just about won the league.

U18s joint MOM tonight. Although a heavy 1-4 defeat to West Hallam. These two never stopped trying till the end. Class all night. 👏🏻👏🏻

Underwood U18s v West Hallam
We travelled away to play a very organised side tonight. We were up for the challenge, however within 20 mins we were 0-3 due to 2 penalties that were given by the referee from 30 yards away that were clearly not. Another goal a freak bounce sends our defender the wrong way for 3rd goal. It was always going to be tough to get back into the game. However second half the lads rolled up their sleeves and matched West Hallam’s physical approach. We were more likely to score time and time again, and we did with Jimmy Marshall who pounced on the ball to head home to make it 1-3. We could’ve had another 2 or 3 but it was the opposition who scored with a free header from a corner to make it 1-4. Second half 1-1 because of the work rate from us, especially James Tidmarsh who put his body on the line in the second half never stopped running and edged the award. Big performances from other 2 in the middle Tom Williams and Matty Parker. But West Hallam were solid at the back and denied Owen & Jamie from utilising their pace as they had 3 players on them all night. Next Tuesday is the return fixture at home. Let’s hope we can carry on our second half into that game.

U18s v Edwalton

Another tough choice for MOM today. Several players making the difference. One thing is for sure, this group of players are looking a tight group with their work, and togetherness. Owen Richards is playing 2 years up for his age, what a great signing he was! His pace was electric and chipped in with another 2 goals today in a 5-1 win. A deserved mom from the referee. Other goals from Harvey Bostock, Nathan Mottershead and Evan Peacock got us the points today. The players should be proud of themselves for their patience and perseverance this season. Without the blip in the middle of the season, they would surely be champions of this league. Edwalton showed little reply to underwood domination today, but when they had glimpses. Daniel Simpson and Calum Bonham ensured it was halted. A Centre half partnership that’s getting tough for opposition to break through. The 3 centre midfield today James Tidmarsh, Matty Parker and Tom Williams seemed to have found a good mix in the middle. James and Matty working tirelessly and Tom creating chances with his array of passing that is beyond his years. The fullbacks Alan Magiera and Josh Green also had strong games, with Jamie Brown putting in a strong performance whichever position he plays too. A special mention to Jimmy Marshall, an honest and very likeable lad who gives 💯 every minute he’s on the pitch. Tayler Booth had a cameo role today due to injury. And… our goalkeeper Bailey Sulley quoted by the opposition “he kept you winning the game today” distribution also top draw. 4th in league and a great season. 3 games left to win. Against top of league twice and second in league. We can finish strong.

Believing is one step closer to achieving ⚽️👊🏻

Under 18s welcome Edwalton on Saturday. Playing at changed venue of Arnold Town, we are looking to put the midweek blip behind us and get back on course for top 2 finish. Anything is possible as we play all teams above us in last 4 title changing matches. Another performance like Tuesday night, we will give ourselves a chance of 3 points.

Willow Wanderers 18s v Underwood 18s
Firstly I must mention that after everyone left a spectator from opposition took time to pop over and tell me what great entertaining football we play. Successes come in different ways sometimes. Unfortunately it doesn’t give us 3 points but a great gesture and indication of where we are as a group. 👏🏻 I couldn’t pick a MOM tonight as there were so many top performances in a game I’m baffled we’ve not won. I guess we didn’t score as many as Willow is a good start to why. But we put in a great performance, and when I asked the Ref for MOM he very quickly pointed to Nathan Mottershead who in his own words “changed the match with his hold up play” he did more than that as he also scored to get us back in the match. Along with Owen Richards goal first half we hit 2 tonight, only to leak 4 and lose the game. I’m proud of the lads. We are growing in confidence every week.

Another important match Saturday and although we didn’t get the result we wanted we can still finish top with some luck from other teams slipping up.

Becoming the best requires a combination of talent, hard work, dedication, and a willingness to constantly learn and improve.

Maintaining this motivation can be challenging, especially when faced with occasional setbacks or plateaus. Stay focused on your goals, celebrate your successes, and learn from your failures.