The U16s 2023-24 season kicked off against close rivals Portishead Sparks. The match would likely be tight- both meetings last year ended in 3-3 draws!

We were not high on confidence going into the match. Our usual central defensive pair Alex M and Alex D were both absent, and with our usual backups both also out injured, we were looking for volunteers - Joe and Fin stepped bravely in to fill the gap!

Shire started the match started brightly with early goals for Dylan and our new signing Gus, but Portishead pulled two goals back to make it level at half-time.

Gus scored again early in the second half, then Armando added Shire's 4th goal on 63 minutes.

Late in the game, both sides got another goal, with Dylan's second making it 5-3 to Shire at full time.

A great start for Shire! We can be optimistic for this season! With last season's 3 top teams all absent this year via promotion and switching leagues, we should hopefully be challenging Swiss Valley for the U16B title, as only newcomers Yatton are the unknown quantity this season.

Let's work hard to build on this victory and aim for a big win next weekend at struggling Nailsea.

C'mon Shire!!!