On a foggy Saturday morning, Junior Blues U7s first friendly game was against West Hallam JFC. Both sides played well and there was a lot of effort and a lot of skill. The Blues won 2-0 but both sides might have scored three or four but for skilful defending.

The first half was pretty even, but the Blues started the stronger and might have scored in the first five minutes. They used the space behind their opponents defence very well and forwards on both sides of the pitch were able to run with the ball and to get in some dangerous crosses. Both defences made good tackles and with a bit more luck either team might have scored, but West Hallam were probably grateful to get to the break on level terms. Their goalkeeper made several very good saves and the Blue's 'keeper looked safe and secure.

The second half was less open. For a start, the teams played an extra person each, and secondly, the players began to tire a little. This meant that the Blues lost the advantage they had in the first half of running with the ball and passing to players in space. One or two still tried to find space but the Blues passing game was less fluent.

But there were two good goals. The first, scored by Mitchell Crompton, came in a period of sustained pressure when the visitors' 'keeper was drawn out of position. The Blues midfield did well to keep the ball in the visitor's half. It was the least the Blues deserved. But very soon came a scorcher of a goal from Jack Begley, who hit the ball into the top of the net from outside the penalty area. As the West Hallam manager said "you can't argue with that!"

This was a very promising first game, against an accomplished side who'd already played a couple of matches. Andy Morris and Danny Harris' coaching is already showing results, and the boys cleared enjoyed playing, and the parents enjoyed watching, a close fought, running and passing game.