Burley Trojans Juniors FC

                                                    Thackley Thunder U7s 4 Burley Trojans U7s ‘A’ 1

Trojans first away fixture of the season ended in defeat at Thackley but it was a much improved performance from the Burley side who kept battling to the end and will feel heartened that they competed well against opponents who remain unbeaten after three games.With Alex Bentley once again a rock in defence ably assisted by Archie Wilkinson Trojans looked much more solid and, despite conceding an early goal, competed well in the first half. A second goal from a speculative shot which crept in put Trojans on the back foot but Matthew Revis came closest to getting his side back into the game when his curling effort grazed the post just before the half time whistle which was blown prematurely by the referee. Despite going three down to a stunning strike Trojans fought back and Revis reduced the arrears with a trademark goal when he ran fully fifty yards to slot home. Daniel Twigg proved a handful for the Thackley defence and he was unlucky to see his well struck shot rebound to safety off the foot of a post. The home side scored again to give themselves a cushion but Trojans kept hammering away and ended the game on top with man of the match Twigg coming close on a couple of occasions.

                                                  Thackley Lightning U7s 8 Burley Trojans U7s ‘B’ 0

The score flattered Thackley following a more structured performance from the Trojans. Early on the pendulum could have swung either way with Burley challenging for midfield supremacy. The Trojans had chances but in near perfect conditions under a warm September sun it was Thackley who displayed the finishing touch in the final third and moved into a 3 – 0 lead mid-way through the first half. Although the match was slipping away, the Trojans displayed real spirit. In between the sticks Bradley Hardesty put in another heroic display of courage and fortitude, never letting his head drop. Captain Thomas Schofield led by example running to every re-start and playing with a “go forward” attitude throughout. Into the second half and Burley were being pressed, the ever present Ella Shouler-Harris swept up at the back, debutant Jonathan Fisher found space in a crowded midfield and Ryan Stockley covered every blade, battling his way to a deserved player of the match award in the face of the more physical Thackley. Both Benjamins White and Benjamin Kelly were committed to the cause, each with half-chances during rare Trojan advances but it was during these advances that gaps appeared at the back and the home side capitalised. The final whistle blew on another defeat but it was a Trojan-like performance from Burley with definite signs that their day will come.