This morning U13 Sporting travelled to Milton Keynes to face MK Wanderers for their final league game of the season. With a later kick off for Sporting news had already filtered through that results elsewhere had gone their way and so just a point would secure the runners up spot in the league.

Sporting started confidently enough and dominated play in the opening 20 minutes of the match with a number of chances coming their way. Cyril thought he’d scored in the opening minute but his cross come shot was clawed away by the Wanderers keeper. Fin came close on a couple of occasions when played through while Josh Green headed narrowly over from a corner.

Around 20 minutes in the pressure paid off. Sporting had been playing fairly direct and it was a ball over the top that caused more more problems for the Wanderers back line. Both Josh Green and Fin raced through, Josh won the race to the ball and proceeded to calmly slot past the Wanderers keeper to make it 1-0 to Sporting.

Moments later the lead was doubled. Cyril swung in a cross from the right that caused confusion in the Wanderers box. Josh Green looked to have taken advantage but his effort came back off the post. A scramble followed which finished with the ball landing at Fin’s feet and he duley stroked the ball home to make it 2-0 Sporting.

Looking comfortable Sporting had a couple of reminders to refocus in the run up to halftime. Wanderers had their best chance of the game when their left winger got in on goal but Chris stood up to the challenge with a good save. Shortly after Wanderers right winger had s similar chance but luckily for Sporting he fired into the side netting.

2-0 to Sporting the halftime score, so far so good.

The second half was, in truth, not a half of football that will live long in the memory. However, with no need to go chasing the game, what we have we hold tactics worked just fine for Sporting.

Wanderers did come more into the game but didn’t create too many clear chances, largely due to an outstanding display from the Sporting back four.

At the other end Sporting’s best chance came when a save from a free kick fell to Cyril 6 yards out but he couldn’t quite steer the ball home. James also came close to making something happen on a number of occasions with his driving runs but the ball just didn’t quite fall for Sporting.

As the minutes ticked by and we moved towards the final whistle Sporting didn’t let up in their work rate and clinically saw the game out.

With no further goals in the second half, 2-0 to Sporting was the final score.

A great performance from all the boys that played today and overall a fantastic effort from the whole squad over the course of the season. The boys have played consistently well this season and thoroughly deserve their spot in the top two.

The Gartec Player of the Match had to be split today. Our two full backs, Michael and Charlie, each picked up the award for superb displays against tricky wingers. Well done both.

We had two tricky wingers too, holding the flag on lino duty that is. Mark in the first half and Alex in the second half, thanks to both.