Lindsworth Lions 1st league fixture of the 2022-2023 Season was played on, Tuesday 4th October 2022: against The Brades Lodge, away at the Goals facility in Oldbury.

The game kicked off at 12: 00pm and the season was officially underway. There were some rusty first touches and soft passes which looked to put us under pressure from the start, but the nerves eventually died down and the pupils settled into a bit more of a rhythm after about 10 minutes.

Even though they looked a bit ropey to begin with, the defence settled into position and Neyo made some fantastic saves to keep the score at 0-0. First goal to hit the back of the net came from striker and captain Jahmiyah. He was taking his first game as captain seriously and attempting to lead by example. He got onto the ball quickly, chased down possession when it was lost and wasted no time in smashing his first scoring chance straight into the bottom corner.

As usual, the Brades team are never going to be an easy opponent, with some great young players and a winner’s attitude to play hard and aim to win themselves. This showed as they soon equalised to remind the lions that this was not going to be a straightforward game and they were going to have to earn every goal they scored. In the first half the lions managed to respond well to the goal and stay cool in defence to keep the opponents from scoring again. However, the lions extended their lead meaning they went into half time with a 3 goal advantage. The second half was much of the same despite an unfortunate deflection from the goal kick looping over Neyo’s head, the game ended 9 – 2 to the lions.

There was even some “off pitch” action with Khalisha, who was challenged by a young female professional footballer to a “panna” match. This just reiterates the opportunities that are often overlooked but highly important , made available by being in the school team. Getting “out the gates” and allowing the pupils to mix with other schools as well as members of the public. Exposing them to challenges and chances to meet people they wouldn’t meet every day and experience things they would not normally get to see. The pupils won graciously despite the score line being a little of a whitewash, they were a credit to the school and to themselves, making the manager very proud.

Most valuable player went to the captain (Jahmiyah) despite all the pupils putting their share of effort and energy into the game. He stayed solid throughout and set the example for the whole team of being focused, driven but supportive of his teammates. Neyo did immense in goal for us and simply kept us in the game at times, getting to saves he should never have made and making good decisions about distributing the ball around.

A great start to the season, the team will remain the same as long as the pupils continue to step up and want to be involved. There are many others looking to play but they are yet to earn their spot through training, lessons and making the most of their opportunity when they get one.

Captain’s player of the match: Neyo (GK)

Lindsworth’s Most Valuable Player: Jamiyah BL (Captain)

Squad on the day: Jahmiyah (Captain), Aaron G, Remell C, Lucus W, Kieron Mc, Khalisha W, Neyo B (GK) and Tyrice R.