This game brought to an end a very long and hard fought season which had seen the 8’s ride high in the league early on in the season, overcome issues with players, rebuild and form a team to take on to next season as Under 9’s finishing in a respectful position in their league. It also saw Team Captain Corey Jordan play his last league game for the Swans, Corey having gained a place in The Bournemouth School of Excellence playing for them in their under 9’s team next season, well done Corey.

On a very hot morning the Swans took to the field hoping to better their last encounter with Boscombe when they lost 4-0. The Swans looking like they hadn’t woken up got caught out quickly not closing down Boscombe and conceding a well struck goal within 30 seconds from kick off. The Swans regrouped woke up and a brilliant game followed the Swans surging forward through Jamie, Jack, Zac and Dexter looking for a reply. Boscombe held tight and immediately hit back but Ryan and Jaya held tight Ryan putting in some crunching tackles.

 

Boscombes No9 was giving the Swans problems at the back forcing some good defending and a couple of spectacular saves from Corey. Both teams were playing good end to end stuff and both teams coming close to scoring several times but the first half ended Swans 0 Boscombe 1.

 

The second half opened the same at a blistering pace with good end to end play, Corey now playing  on field and Thomas taking over in goal. This half the Swans were getting the better of Boscombe blocking their surges forward with good defending. Jack and Corey opened up Boscombes defence and with both through on goal and should have scored but the keeper making a good save. From a corner Jamie came close and a few minutes later Jordan unmarked not quite able to finish off. Boscombe nearly came back but put the ball wide with Thomas having little to do in goal this half. The Swans continued to press for that equaliser but just couldn’t get the final touch to put the ball away and in the dying seconds pushed everything forward seeking that elusive goal but time beat them with the final score finishing Swans 0 Boscombe 1.

 

This had been an excellent game, all the boys working their socks off but lady luck was against them. What had been encouraging was to see how much the boys had come on through the season with a lot of hard work in training, that hard work showing on the field over the past few games. Coaches Richard, Alan and next seasons new coach Mike would all like to thank the boys for all your hard work, Well done boys. We would also like to thank the ever loyal parents for their fantastic support and with some new boys in to strengthen the squad for next season the 8’s future is looking very good.

This was always going to be a good test for our newest Swans team, Burton currently 2nd in their league a good well established team. In very hot conditions and playing on a pitch that was covered in daisies our fledgling Swans playing only their second match together took to the field.

It was quick to see why Burton had done so well this year and quickly had the 12’s pinned back  in their half Burtons number 5 causing all sorts of problems for the boys, Scott making some great saves. The Swans inexperience soon showed and Burton broke down their defence getting caught out and conceeding a well taken goal.

  

This followed quickly with another The Swans finding it hard to get out of their half with Burton ruling the midfield. A couple of runs down the wings forced Burton to put the ball out and the Swans worked the line well but Burton cleared well and the Swans were on the back foot again conceding a third. With  a few changes in midfield  and up front the Swans continued to press forward and were now getting into Burtons half but Burtons number 5 made a great run netting his fourth and just before half time The Swans conceded a fifth. Half time Burton 5 Swans 0

  

With lots of fluids taken on at half time and some good coaching points put across the boys had listened and came out fired up to take it to Burton. With some changes in midfield the Swans were now getting more of the game, better closing down and better defending saw a stop to the Burton onslaught and some good play was taking place. This was better by the Swans who were now forcing Burton to defend with some good runs and a couple of attempts on goal. A Couple of changes by the coaches to give the boys a break from the heat saw the swans lose their shape in midfield and defence, Scott again making a couple of good saves but Burton managed to net a sixth. Give the Swans credit they regrouped and again pressured the Burton defence now winning more of the ball in midfield, again this was better and after some great passing Kyle scored his first Swans goal to make it 6-1. This seemed to motivate the Swans and again they pushed forward, Burton had a couple of attempts but the Swans defence had listened and were now closing down their players, again much better. The last 10mins saw the Swans now control the game and after a Burton defender was seen to have hand balled the ball a penalty was given in the Swans favour, Captain Harry stepped up and scored forcing the keeper to push the ball into the back of his net. The game finished Burton 6 Swans 2

 

This had been a game of two halves, Burton completely dominating the first half, Scott keeping the boys in the game and getting a well deserved MOM. The second half saw the 12’s get to grip with the game with better closing down, better defending and better organisation, the boys playing well and showing promise. With a good influx of new players the 12’s  with  a few more games under their belts before next season and training in areas of weakness that this game had showed, the 12’s are looking a good prospect for next season, well done boys.