Despite almost 48 hours of persistent rain the pitch at Horton View was actually in a pretty decent condition for this penultimate Under 14 MJPL game of the season. The lads came into the fixture in a really good run of form since the end of lockdown, but trying to achieve only our second home win of the season.

On paper the teams had similar results, and Blisworth looked a very strong and physical unit with a lot of height in their ranks. To try and combat this we played one up front and three in the centre of midfield to try and get a foothold in the game, and win the midfield battle. Our wide men were told to keep wide, and stretch the game.

Blisworth started well, playing some nice football, but the lads held their shape very well, and defended their goal without too many troubles. It was when we went forward that we caused real problems for Blisworth. The opening goal came on 8 minutes. Ollie E who had started the game in a deep lying midfield position drive forward past a couple of challenges and to the edge of the box. He hit a low hard shot that deflected off a defender and into the net. The shot was on target, so definitely Ollie's goal! 1-0.

The opening goal allowed the lads to really push on, and we had a dominant 25 minute spell. Toby and Finlay were both causing problems out wide, on one occassion Toby done well to beat his man, and put a low cross into the box, Finlay beat his man at the back post, and smashed his effort at goal - somehow the keeper managed to tip the ball over the bar. Inches either side and it was certainly 2 nil.

Lennon and Jacob were dovetailing well in midfield, breaking up the play and releasing the dangerous front three. Midway through the half Lennon had the space to drive forward and hit a good low left footed shot that was well saved by the keeper.

The team was rotated with Luke and Jack K coming on for Mick and Tyra. The flow of the game continued in the same vein. The defence well marshalled by Aidan and Ollie C were handling the threat well, and Myron was sharp off his line on a couple of occassions to thwart and danger.

The second goal arrived on 22 minutes, and it came from a unlikely source. A corner kick was cleared out towards the edge of the box. Ollie C control and hit it hard in one motion and the ball flew into the corner of the net 2-0 and fully deserved.

The third goal followed quite quickly after, and it was a really well worked goal. The ball was moved across the pitch to Toby on the right wing. Toby showed great skill and desire to beat his man, and play a pinpoint cross into the box for Jack K to head low and hard into the net 3-0.

For the last five minutes of the half the lads lost their way a bit, perhaps thinking the game was already done. At a really critical stage of the match just before half time the Blisworth centre forward was through on goal but Myron pulled off a tremendous save to maintain the clean sheet.

At half time we stressed the importance of the job only being half done, and that we needed to continue to play in the same way as we started. Keeping our shape, forcing the oppositoin into errors, and attacking quickly and dangerously when the opportunity arose.

Wills and George were on as we looked to freshen up a little bit, and take the game away from Blisworth. The first chance of the second half fell to Blisworth, as the lose ball bobbled around in our penalty area, Myron made another good save with his feet as a Blisworth player struck towards goal.

Blisworth were having a bit more of the ball, and were applying pressure to try and get back into the game. After a free kick was awarded just outside the area the Blisworth players high shot towards goal looked to be troubling Myron, but it went just over the bar to safety.

Jack K and Wills linked nicely on the right side of the pitch before winning a corner. Wills took the corner himself flashing in a wicked cross that the defender sliced towards his own goal. The keeper doing really well to adjust and prevent the OG.

Finlay broke quickly on the left side of the pitch , easily outpacing his marker befire sliding a ball through to Jack K to chase, he beat the keeper to the ball but lifted it just wide of the post. Further changes were made with Tyra coming back on for Fin. Shortly after Tyra was back on it looked like he might get himself on the scoresheet. A good throughball this time from Jack K to Tyra, Tyra rounding the goalkeeper, going a little wide, he couldn't quite find the back of the net from a tight angle.

The fourth and final goal of the game came on 55 minutes. It could well be a contender for our goal of the season. Jacob who was superb throughout again breaking play up and playing the ball to Tyra. Tyra held the ball up well beat his man, and looked to have perhaps dwelt on the ball for a little too long. However he looked up and switched an excellent ball out to the right side of the pitch and Toby. Toby's first touch was exquisite as he controlled it and beat his man with the touch, took it a few yards closer and into the corner of the penalty area before unleashing a brilliant low drive into the far corner of the net. A really superb goal 4-0.

The lads saw the game out well, Ollie C defending a corner well and Myron again making a smart save at is his near post ensuring we would keep a well deserved clean sheet. Jacob almost capped off a really good personal display with a goal, but he was closed down just before it looked like he was going to make it 5.

Another complete team performance from the lads, and a fully deserved victory. I dont think the opposition could argue with the final score, we were dominant for much of the game. Next weekend we play our last game of the season at home to title challenging Northampton Santos Panthers.