27/09/2026
Ecclesfield Spartans Reds U13s 1–0 Tinsley Juniors U13
A really scrappy game today and a tough one to take, but plenty of positives to take from it.
Before the game, we told the team they were facing an unbeaten Spartans side who were going to fight for everything, so we needed to match that from the first whistle. For the first 20 minutes or so, I thought we were the better team, especially on a terrible, bobbly pitch.
Spartans took the lead, and from there it became a real battle, with second balls and scraps all over the pitch. Then late on, we thought we’d got our equaliser when their keeper saved a free kick and we followed the ball in, but unfortunately the goal was disallowed — still unsure why 😂
A few heads were down at the final whistle because the team deserved more today, but the fight, energy and determination were brilliant and we battled right until the end.
A special mention to Ronnie, who battled hard and showed the standard we want to see. Jayden showed us exactly what we want to see more of from the wingers, with fantastic energy and, importantly, tracking back to cover their player and help the team defensively. Myles put in a really good defensive display before moving further up the pitch in the second half, where he showed great energy and link-up play.
But for me, Player of the Game has to go to Maisey once again. She played in the middle of the park in the first half before moving into defence, and whenever the opposition got through towards our goal, she absolutely showed up every time. She continues to prove she can deal with absolutely any player put up against her, and today was another brilliant performance.
At the end, we told the team that if they keep battling like that every week, the points will come. Today was a tough one to take, but the effort and character they showed is something they can be proud of. 👊⚽️
