Long Eaton sneak into 2nd place!

The U-10s have got their campaign off to a blistering start with 7 points in 3 games.
Having had a week to get over the topsy turvy, roller coaster of an affair at West Bridgford in their last outing, Long Eaton arrived at Gedling this Saturday determined to show that they had learnt some valuable lessons in defending.
The team talk was full off: " win the ball, use the ball, don't give away silly goals!" Not suprising really, given that Long eaton had been ahead 3 times at West Bridgford before coming away with a 5-5 draw. That said, as entertainment goes: it really doesn't get any better.

The pitch at Gedling was much more to Long eaton's taste, long and wide, plenty of room for the boys to express themselves with their football. The fans' quastions were a plenty: Would Justin bring his shooting boots again? Would Harry stay awake for the whole game? Neither diasspointed.

From the kick - off here was a Long eaton side that weren't about to take any prisoners. Much more zest to be seen everywhere on the pitch, right from the start.
Olly was quickly snapping at the heels of anyone who dared to come into his theatre of operation. George and Keelan ripping the wings apart. Harry and Matt looking settled, confident, assured at the back. Matt in goal making all the right decisions all of the time.
Justin putting himself about in typical fashion.

Gedling weren't too shabby though. A solid back two and a rather lively centre forward. He was ready to cause Long Eaton problems if they were prepared to let him. Not this week: Harry and Matt were all over the poor lad like a cheap suit. Everytime he turned, one or other was there to mop him up.

Then came a move the Long eaton faithful are beginning to get used to this season: Matt rolled out to Harry. Harry skipped past the Gedling front man, then began to cut inside, switching the play and finding Keelan. A quick one-two with Olly and Keelan was round the back once more and whanging a great crosss into the box. If Justins long legs had been an inch longer it surely would have been 1-0. Alas, the ball crept wide.

The signs were good and Long eaton continued to press.

George was in tremendous form down the right, strength, speed, skill. The poor Gedling wide left in a daze.

Then came the break. Olly picked up another loose ball. Something he seems to do with incredible ease. A rushed pass is simply not in this boys repertoir! A look up, another look up and then a slide rule precision pass. Straight into the path of Justin. "Fill you boots" shouted the crowd. Justin didn't need telling twice, not with the from he has been in. Aim. Fire. The rest is academic: 1-0 the blues.

The pressure followed straight after. Breath taking football. Matt, playing on the left at the back reading the game like a cheap Mills and Boon. Paulo Maldini - esque.

It was only a matter of time before another goal came. And yes, you guessed it. Goal machine Justin was at it again. This time a measured pass from Keelan allowed Justin to skip by the goalkeeper. It looked for a second as if he had gone too wide. Gone too wide you say? Not a chance. Mark Hughes eat your heart out. Bang. 2-0 Long Eaton.

Half time and a much needed break for the out - classed Gedling side.

Keelan, having run his little legs off gave way for Luke.
Justin had a breather for Ed.

2 changes in the line up. No change in proceedings. Long Eaton were straight back in the saddle. Harry picking up a ball over the top and exploding forward, and finding Ed with a clever pass. Ed showed he could do a bit up front as well, holding 2 players off and unleashing a shot just wide.

Luke was only to happy to join the party as well. Step overs, drag backs, it was all there. "its like watching Brazil" shouted the over zealous Long eaton coach!!

It was a miracle that the second half didn't see any goals, but that didn't matter. Measured, controlled, totally dominant. An exhibition of pure committment and desire to win from the 9 Long eaton galacticos.

Its a bit early to get excited. We all remember last year. However, a few more performances like this one, and Long eaton won't go far wrong.

Next up - Toton FC at home. Lets get ready, lets get ready, lets get ready to rumble!!

MoM - George.