A game against Futsal Hawks, away in Hereford, was always going to be tough for the Ross Juniors U9s. The pace and quality of the football was evident from the start and Toby, in goal, was forced into a number of early saves.

Fast precise passing was the only way to find routes through the Futsal midfield, with Luca there to run down any loose balls, Gabriel and Tom were run ragged.

Zac had a shot palmed away on the ground by their keeper. Archie came on to inject even more energy, supporting Charlie, who just couldn’t quite make it through their defence. The first half finished with Toby making a key save. A ball to Luca, then back to Charlie, enabled him to stab home Ross’ first goal.

Hawks got a goal back soon after from a corner, then a penalty was awarded to them. Zac, now in goal saved the shot, and the day. Despite wave after wave of Hawks attacks, Ross held on until the final whistle. A fascinating and intense game of football.

A slightly new formation was used when playing Ledbury Swifts at home. With Tom pushed up into a more central midfield role and Zac starting up front.

A long lob from Jakson was just palmed over their bar. Toby, with a massive pile driver from midfield, was again palmed away. Despite Ledbury getting the first goal, Ross kept their heads high and were awarded with a Ledbury own goal after some pressing play.

Jakson then hit the cross bar, the ball bounced back on the goal line then out, agonisingly close. Niall hit just wide on the stroke of half time. Dylan was strong on the wing, going shoulder to shoulder with one of Ledbury’s larger players.

Fin was called into action more and before long Ledbury scored again. Tom increased the attacking pressure in the dying minutes and it was Luca who headed in a superb cross by Jakson to even the score. Two well-earned draws against extremely tough opposition.