5 teams again on display, in a variety of different venues! See below for managers’ match reports …

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James Kelly was managing the Lions, with a team consisting of Luke, Joshua, Filip, Fabian, Oliver Sz, Max D and Edward. Thanks to James for this report:

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Nice sunny day in Pittville and the Lions were up against their teammates the Panthers. It was a tight game, with both teams working hard. Edward and Max were solid in the middle, with Fabian and Filip being impressive in both defence and attack. Early pressure from the Panthers saw them break away to score a great goal.

After a relatively tight first half of the game, Lions started to take control, making some great breaks and after some pressure, Oliver made a great run before putting it in the back of the net.

Fabian and Filip created a number of chances, before a breakaway by Panthers saw Luke make two cracking saves in succession, to keep the scores level. Fabian, Oliver and Filip continued to keep the pressure on, before a fortuitous deflection took the ball past the Panthers keeper.

Joshua battled hard in defence helping protect the goal, but Luke was ready for any tests. Lions managed to break away, Oliver finding Fabian, who drove the ball into the back of the net. Great first game. 3-1 Lions.

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Next up was Prestbury Phantoms. Prestbury beat the Lions at Dowty's to take top spot, so early makings of a great rivalry.

The Lions went down to a great goal, with Luke having little chance at keeping it out, but the Lions were playing some excellent football. Oliver was starting to boss the middle of the field with Joshua, which really helped open up the game. We asked for bit more passing from the team and they really started to see the rewards.

Oliver and Fabian worked well, creating 2-on-1 chances time-after-time. Prestbury's keeper had to work hard, making some great saves, before Oliver found the back of the net. Prestbury did come back into the game, going a goal up after an unlucky deflection left Luke stranded.

The team pulled their socks up and continued with the pressure. Edward and Max incessantly breaking up play, leaving Filip and Oliver to continuously break away, before Oliver found the net again. Edward had the final say in the game, striking the ball home.

The Lions played outstandingly as a team and well deserved their victory. 3-2 Lions.

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Last game against Tewkesbury was very one-sided. Luke had little to do in the game. Oliver and then Edward snuffed out any danger in defence, watching Joshua and Max have a cracking game.

Time and time again, Max and Joshua won the ball, working hard together then breaking through Tewkesbury defensive lines. They did everything apart from finding the back of the net. Tewkesbury keeper had a blinder. Filip and Fabian worked well, but the game end in a draw. 0-0.

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The Lions played really well. Everyone in the team played their part. The passing was great to see, enabling them to open up teams. They defended well as a unit and were really unlucky not to win all their games. Great work. Player of the Day was Oliver.

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For the Pumas, it was Christian Goodrich in charge, with his team of son Elliot, Dexter, Harry, Jackson, Jacob, Jack O and Reggie. Thanks to Christian for his report.

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Southside U8 Panthers Shine with Strong Effort and Win at Pittville

On the morning of Saturday the 9th of November at Pittville School, the Southside U8 Panthers took to the field, delivering three strong performances and securing a well-earned victory. Despite facing some challenging matches, the boys displayed resilience, teamwork and notable growth throughout the tournament.

Summary of Results:
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● Game1: Southside Panthers 1-3 Southside Lions
Jackson opened the scoring, giving the team an early lead. Although the team’s concentration dipped in the second half, there were many positives to carry forward, as the boys continued to show strong effort and determination.

● Game2: Southside Panthers 2-1 Tewkesbury Pumas
The highlight of the tournament, the boys put in a hard-fought performance, learning from their earlier match and coming away with a much-deserved win. Elliot scored both goals, which proved pivotal in securing victory, and the team’s energy and fighting spirit were evident throughout the match.

● Game3:Southside Panthers 1-3 Prestbury Phantoms
The boys faced a tough side in the Phantoms, but held their own. Harry’s impressive goal from outside the box lifted spirits, and the team carried forward positives from their previous performances.

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Player Contributions:
● Dexter: Dexter gave an admirable effort in goal in the first game, working hard for his team. His running and effort in midfield during Game 2 were essential in helping secure the win.

● Elliot: Scored both goals in the win against Tewkesbury Pumas, making him instrumental in the victory. In Game 3, Elliot showed strong and consistent kicking of the ball further up the field from goal, helping his teammates move into offensive positions.

● Harry: A steady presence across all games, Harry’s saves in Game 2 were vital in keeping the team competitive, and his goal in Game 3 from outside the box was a great boost to the team’s morale.

● Jacob: Named Player of the Day for his confident and physical defence, marking a big step up from the first fixture a few months ago. He commanded the back line, making it difficult for opponents to break through.

● Jackson: A rocket up front, Jackson created numerous chances and set the tone with the opening goal in Game 1, providing an early advantage for the team.

● Jack: Reliable and consistent, Jack showed great hard work in both midfield and defence, with excellent awareness of his teammates and opposition, covering well as the last line of defence.

● Reggie: A fantastic new addition to the Panthers, Reggie’s energy and enthusiasm as an impact sub in the second halves were a lift for team morale, and he got stuck into tackles with great spirit.

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It was really pleasing to get the win in Game 2, and across all three games, the boys worked incredibly hard and put up a strong fight. Watching their development - both individually and as a team - has been immensely rewarding, as the Southside U8 Panthers continue to go from strength to strength

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For the Tigers, Steve New was running the show, with his team of son Toby, Teddy, Tim, Reuben, Joshua (on debut), Joseph and Henry. Thanks to Steve for this report.

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Game 1: Tewkesbury Town 4 - 3 Southside Tigers
Goals: Reuben, Henry, Toby.

This was a very entertaining and close match, just as the scoreline suggests. The first few minutes were very even, with both teams working the ball up the field really well.

We took the lead through a great solo goal by Reuben... he pinched the ball from the opposition just inside our own half with a solid tackle and headed straight for goal, where he slotted it into the bottom corner.

Tewkesbury didn't like this and took control for the next 5 minutes, scoring 3 quick goals. Just when it looked like the game was getting away from us, we managed to get a corner. Reuben crossed the ball into the box with his sweet left foot, which fell to Henry's feet.. he took one touch and calmly put it into the bottom corner. The keeper couldn't get near it!

This gave the boys a big boost and it was clear to see in their determination to win the ball back! Tim broke down the right hand side and whipped a ball, in that somehow missed everyone.. it fell to Toby on the edge of the box. He cut the ball back onto his right foot and smashed it into the top right-hand corner to bring the game level. What a goal it was!!

With a minute left to play, it looked certain that we would nick the winning goal. Unfortunately, in trying to do so, we were left exposed at the back and Tewkesbury broke away from our corner and headed towards goal. There was nothing Teddy in goal could do and Tewkesbury scored to give them the win. We were very unlucky not to get anything from this game.

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Southside Tigers 1 - 4 Prestbury Phantoms
Goal: Reuben

From the first kick-off, it was clear to see that Prestbury were very organised and at a high level. They had a few early chances but Tim (goalkeeper) made some fine saves to keep them at bay.

We took the lead through a cracking goal by Reuben.. he picked the ball up in defence and decided to have a go from just inside our own half. It was an absolute screamer, which didn't touch the floor until it hit the back of the net. No keeper would have stopped that.

Unfortunately from there, Prestbury controlled the game and dominated until the end. Tim did fantastically and his fine goalkeeping ensured Prestbury did not score more.

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Southside 3 - 1 Leckhampton
Goals: Toby, Tim, Reuben.

We went into this game looking for our first win. We had a team huddle before the game and they were determined they were going to get one!

We took kick-off and within the first minute we were ahead. Toby picked up the ball on the halfway line, took it past two Leckhampton players as if they were not there and mirror imaged his goal in the first game, picking out the top corner with a ferocious strike.

Leckhampton struggled to cope with the constant attacks and it was inevitable that we would get another goal. And so we did.. Teddy passed the ball out to Tim from a goal-kick.. Tim turned and headed into the opposition half with ample space ahead of him. He took one look up and saw an opportunity to have a shot on goal. From the right-hand side, he struck it so sweet that it nestled in the top left corner before the keeper could even move.

We were 2-0 up and cruising... meaning we took the foot off the gas a bit too much and Leckhampton managed to find a lucky goal which somehow trickled into the back of the net.

We didn't give up.. we didn't want to let another lead slip away from us, so Reuben took it in his own hands to go on a solo run from defence, beat three Leckhampton players and cross the ball into the box where Toby was waiting at the back post. The ball didn't make it that far.. in fact it made it to the front post, where a fortunate deflection off a Leckhampton defender put the ball past their keeper and into the back of the net to make it 3-1.

The game ended and the boy’s faces were a picture.. they were over the moon and it was so lovely to see! That is what it is all about, having fun and enjoying it!

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Player of the Day went to Toby for his 2 brilliant goals and his overall work rate throughout the three matches. It was a very hard decision as everyone played really well and gave it their all. It was an absolute pleasure to coach them.

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For the Wildcats, it was Johnny Wasylkiw in the hot-seat, with his team of son Toby, Freddie, Max P, Hudson, Oliver St, Jack and Jake. Thanks to Johnny for his report.

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Game 1 (lost) 4 - 0 vs Southside Pumas
Game 2 (lost) 5 - 0 vs Montpellier
Game 3 (won) 1 - 0 vs Winchcombe Town (Jack)

Player of the Day - Freddie

The Wildcats came up against some tough opposition this weekend and it felt like one of those days where things just don’t go our way!
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Game 1 vs a fellow Southside team, the Pumas, started positively with the Wildcats getting stuck into tackles and making runs towards the Puma’s goal. However, the Puma’s kept constant pressure on the Wildcats, which resulted in them scoring 4 goals.

Toby’s run resulted in the ball hitting the post was the closest we came to scoring and it was a shame the scoreline didn’t reflect the effort the boys put into the game. An enjoyable derby and well done to both Southside teams.

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Game 2 vs a very organised and strong Montpellier team was a similar affair to the first game. Although Montpellier started to pile on the pressure, the Wildcats stayed positive, and Freddie made some great saves to keep the game level.

A run through the centre of the pitch from a Montpellier player resulted in a goal and then under some further pressure, Montpellier soon increased their tally to 5.

The Wildcats continued to play some football throughout and tried their hardest to score, but it just didn’t go their way. Runs from Hudson and shots from Oli and Toby just wouldn’t go in! Toby hit the post again.

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Game 3 vs Winchcombe was our last chance to score and to avoid a day without a goal, and Jack took a great opportunity with a fine finish to score the Wildcats first and only goal of the day.

Everyone played really well, trying to push for a second goal while maintaining a clean sheet, with some vital tackles from Max and Jake. Jack was up and down the pitch, Freddie out of goal was running with the ball and had a great shot, Hudson made a run past the Winchcombe players and added some extra skill on the way, Oli made a great save and Toby had a double shot saved to keep him off the scoresheet.

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Overall, a great effort from all players and despite 2 disappointing defeats with heavy scorelines, the boys all took it in their stride and had a great day playing football with a smile.

Freddie had made a number of important saves through the day in both the first and second games and got stuck in up front in the third. He has played well in all previous games and thoroughly deserved the Player of the Day award! Well done, Freddie.

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For the Pumas, we had Matt Wiles and Alex Powell in charge, their team consisted of sons Benny and Archie, plus Borys, Ralf, Jesse, Theo and Ben. Thanks to Alex for his report.

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This weekend, the Pumas hosted 3x15-minute round-robin fixtures at Bournside School. The morning had a chill in the air, but the boys were lively and ready, and after a sharp warm-up, we got the games underway.

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Match 1: Southside Pumas 4-0 Southside Wildcats
In the first game, the Pumas took on club teammates, the Wildcats. Ralf and Borys brought immediate energy, causing problems for the opposition with relentless running. Ralf, surging down the left flank, delivered a cross, which Borys coolly finished to make it 1-0. Benny came close with a well-struck shot that was blocked, while Jesse closed down opponents to win the ball back and made some effective forward runs to help get us going.

The Wildcats had their moments too, pressing down their left side, but Benny was there to put in timely tackles and hold them off. Borys doubled our lead with a sharp finish from close range, and Ralf followed up with two goals of his own. His first was a powerful strike into the corner, and his second capped a great team move with Benny and Jesse combining to send Ralf through for a close-range finish.

Theo and Ben joined the action, each getting stuck in right away. Ben was disciplined in defence, reading the game well but also effective in passing the ball forward down the line to start new attacks. Theo buzzed around in midfield, making tackles and helping us retain possession to secure a clean sheet. Near the end, Archie was called into action with a fantastic save, blocking a strong shot by spreading himself well. A cracking start in a well-spirited match!

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Match 2: Southside Pumas 1-1 Winchcombe
The second match saw us face Winchcombe in a hard-fought, even game. Borys was lively again, showcasing some superb dribbling skills and quick feet. Winchcombe nearly scored with a powerful shot from the left, but Archie reacted quickly, diving to his left and parrying it away with two strong hands.

Ben worked tirelessly, covering every inch of our defensive third to deny Winchcombe clear chances. Theo also grew in confidence, making solid tackles and getting us forward. Benny was alert and kept the attackers marked, but equally always offered a strong option when we went forward and often picked up the loose ball and got us playing forward again. Ralf and Jesse came on to provide fresh energy, Jesse won a tackle and set up Ralf, who broke free for a 1-on-1 with the goalie and finished calmly to give us a 1-0 lead.

Despite our strong display, Winchcombe equalised late on. Archie made an initial save, but we couldn’t clear the rebound, and they struck a well-placed shot into the corner. The match ended 1-1, but the Pumas showed great team spirit throughout.

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Match 3: Southside Pumas 4-3 Montpellier
In our final fixture, we faced a strong Montpellier side, who had won both previous matches with big scorelines. The Pumas were on the back foot from the start, with Montpellier pressing forward. Archie was in top form, blocking numerous shots and making some brilliant diving saves to keep us in the game. Ralf worked tirelessly to support our defence, while Jesse used his athletic approach to alleviate some pressure. Ben was on hand to get a foot in and clear our lines, and Theo provided support, battling in defence and trying to pass the ball forward to get us playing in Montpellier half, Theo continued to chase the ball down and deny our opponents time to set up their next attacks.

Montpellier’s relentless attacks led to three quick goals, but the Pumas stayed positive. When Borys and Benny came on we found a new injection of pace and momentum as we had started to look a little tired, and within 30 seconds, Borys weaved through challenges and finished neatly, making it 3-1. Our Pumas weren’t done yet—Ralf kept driving forward, Jesse made key interventions, and Benny added width on the right, sending in crosses and taking our set pieces.

Borys proved unstoppable with his pace, scoring three more goals to turn the match around, and suddenly, we were 4-3 up. Ben re-entered to shore up the defence, clearing his lines confidently, while Benny dropped back to form a low block and defended with great understanding in an attempt to maintain our lead. Archie was on hand with a decisive 1-on-1 save with a couple minutes to play, and Borys and Ralf kept up the pressure to ensure we still had an attacking threat which allowed for some respite. The game finished with an impressive comeback, from 3-0 down to win 4-3.

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It was a complete team effort from the Pumas, who were superb from the first minute of the day to the final whistle. The boys’ improvement and confidence were clear, and their smiles at the end showed just how much they enjoyed themselves.

From a coach’s perspective we were delighted with both the effort and team spirit the Pumas displayed. Well done, everyone. Thank you for all the support from family and friends which certainly went a long way to inspiring our young Pumas, we hope you enjoyed the game.

Today’s Player of the Day was Jesse; Jesse worked his socks off, covered lots of positions and deservedly got his medal.

A brilliant morning.

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Well done as always to all our teams, sounds like another great morning of football. Next round robin will be Saturday 23rd November.