Maidenhead Magpies White vs U7 Hearts Spitfires (league) - Saturday 30th September

Date: Saturday 30th September

Match: Maiden Magpie White vs U7 Hearts Spitfires (league)

Team: Anna, Eric, Luca, Josh, Theo, Louis, Charlie

Man of the Match: Josh

Hearts Spitfires continued their good run of form in the league after a hard-fought victory over the Magpies on a bright and breezy morning in Maidenhead. A few eyebrows were raised at the length of the grass and the slope of the pitch but this didn’t deter the Hearts team who got off to an energetic start from the kick off and had soon forced the first corner of the game. Magpies defended that well, but it wasn’t long before the ball was back in Hearts’ possession and Eric produced a great run and shot that was held by the Magpies keeper. Hearts continued to pile on the pressure, with lots of possession and this time it was Louis who had a shot saved. The Magpies were eventually able to force a corner but the Hearts defence stood firm and Josh was able to clear the danger. Towards the end of the first quarter Eric was taken out by a crunching tackle but was able to jump up and dust himself off before Charlie finished the first quarter with a good shot that was saved by the Magpies keeper.

The start of the second quarter saw Hearts pick up where they had left off, with plenty of energy and possession of the ball. However, it was Magpies who had the first opportunity, with a breakaway run and shot that was saved by Luca in the Hearts goal. But this was only a warning of what was to follow as it was Magpies that took the lead shortly afterwards. Anna, Josh, Theo and Louis had all pushed up to attack when the ball broke to a Magpies player who ran the length of the pitch and slotted a neat finish beyond Luca’s despairing dive. The home team then nearly doubled their lead with another breakaway, but for an excellent last-ditch tackle from Eric.

The third quarter saw Hearts intensify their pressure as they looked for an equaliser and both Louis and Theo had shots saved and Hearts won another corner. The Magpies were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure and they nearly doubled their lead again with a by-now trademark breakaway solo run - but the shot was saved impressively by Anna in goal. This signalled what Hearts thought was the start of the fight back and they looked sure to equalise after Charlie was fouled in the box and referee pointed immediately to the spot for a penalty to the away team. Theo stepped up and hit the ball with confidence and power –only to see it fly agonisingly wide of the post.

However, Hearts were not to be discouraged and shortly after the start of the fourth quarter Luca, who had already impressed with a strong and skilful run down the left wing, found himself in space in the box and swept home a goal ! Hearts were now full of confidence. There was some great play from Josh and Charlie, and Luca continued to torment the Magpies defence - but ultimately it was Theo who converted