This morning U13 Sporting headed to Milton Keynes for an eagerly anticipated clash against MK Royals. Sitting first and second in the table at the start of play, this looked on paper to be a great match up….and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Both teams started the game well and looked to have attacking intent. The Sporting back four of Ollie, George, Connor and Michael had to be on their toes straight away and Ollie in particular started well with some strong tackles. Going forward Cyril looked lively down the right flank for Sporting and nearly combined a few times with Josh Green in the opening stages.

As the half progressed it was a revolving door to the treatment table for Sporting, as George, Cyril, Jack Wag and Josh Goble all had to come off at different points with issues. However, Sporting had the strength in depth to deal with it and the team continued to play well.

The game had settled into MK Royals enjoying more of the ball, with the wind and slope in their favour in the first half. Although there were dangerous moments, mainly Royals were restricted to longer range efforts that Chris dealt with, in particular one acrobatic tip over the bar.

Battling against MK Royals and also the elements, Sporting were playing largely on the break. Josh Green, James and Fin all had strong runs and half chances but couldn’t quite find the breakthrough.

As we approached halftime warning bells started to ring for Sporting. After Sporting had switched off from a half cleared corner, an MK Royals player found himself all alone in the Sporting box but, with probably too much time to think about it, poked the ball wide. Next up, the MK Royals’ left winger found himself in on goal but Chris did well to stand up and tip the ball wide. Right on the stroke of halftime though, Sporting’s luck ran out. Royals counter attacked from a Sporting corner and seconds later found themselves through on goal. No mistake with the finish this time, 1-0 Royals.

The halftime whistle blew straight away after the restart. Frustrating to give a goal away right on halftime but still all to play for in the second half.

A change of formation for Sporting in the second half with Will and Josh Green up front in a two. Unfortunately however, this tatical masterstroke couldn’t be properly assessed, as the ball spent more time at the opposite end of the pitch. Sporting were guilty of giving the ball away too cheaply and Royals were taking full advantage, creating a number of good chances in the opening portion of the second half. Luckily for Sporting, Royals’ finishing was wayward and the score remained at 1-0.

Another change in formation needed: Ollie, George and Connor were put into a back three; James, Will, Jayden, then later Josh Goble in the midfield three; Cyril, Michael or Hayden wing backs; Josh Green and Charlie, then later Fin up front.

A change in tactics too. With a howling wind at their backs and a goal needed, time for Sporting to be a little more direct - less of the scenic route, more straight down the M1.

The changes started to work, with Sporting coming back into the game. There’d been a few near misses from long goal kicks creating chaos behind MK Royals’ centre backs but when the equaliser came, it was a little classier. Sporting won a free kick down the right wing, a few yards outside the box. Charlie stepped up and curled the ball beautifully straight into the far corner of the net. 1-1, game on.

With 15 or so minutes to go the game was now anyones. Both teams went looking for the winner and had chances, the best two coming Sporting’s way.

Firstly, after Royals had lost possession, Charlie found himself charging down the left hand side of their penalty box. Shoot or cross was the decision, Charlie opted to cross and squared for Fin and Josh Green who were both free at the back post. Agonisingly, the ball was inches too far in front for either to connect properly - for those old enough to remember, think Paul Gasgoine just missing the ball in the Euro 96 semi-final.

Secondly, moments later Charlie was involved again and thought he’d won it with a right foot strike from the edge of the box. But full credit to the Royals’ keeper who pulled off a great diving stop to keep the scores level.

Frantic defending from both teams in the closing stages meant that no further goals came along, so 1-1 was the final score.

Great game of football in which both teams fully played their part.

For Sporting, we could have won it at the end, we could have lost it earlier in the match, a draw was probably about right.

Really well played to all of the boys involved today. Very tough to pick a single Gartec Player of the Match so it had to be split between two lads. James, who was everywhere in midfield and Ollie, who was outstanding wherever he played in defence. Well done both.

Well done to Alex also who picked up the lino flag in both halves today, working up and down the line tirelessly…..or was it tiredly?