Promotion Already- beat that!!!!!

The newest additions to the “B” Division kicked off their campaign for back to back promotions with a trip to an old foe. Clarence had proved troublesome opponents two seasons ago pipping the under 11s to promotion in a close run season. Two 5-4 league defeats meant that Clarence were promoted by 1 point. Unsworth softened the blow with a convincing 6-1 cup win however this was not uneventful and if you want to know the details speak to Paul. Anyway back to the present.

On what is normally a pleasant morning (first game of the season is usually sunny) we had to contend with heavy showers and a bit of a gale. Thoughts of a postponed game were considered by some however upon arrival in Heywood the pitch looked great apart from two things, 1 it looked like it had been marked out by Stevey Wonder, as the penalty box had been marked out only for someone to have had second thoughts and give it a second go. Poor Ethan didn’t know where the line was but as they say it’s the same for both sides. Secondly it was massive and I mean massive. The corner flags seemed so far apart it was unreal, but a big pitch generally suits our footballing game, but there would be lots of running and a few tiered players at the end.

The squad looked very similar to last year. We lost Declan and wish him well for the school team (if you want to come back you’ll be welcome) and signed Regan who looks like a great addition to the team. Elliot was absent but thankfully Liam make his first appearance since the end of last season.

The back four looked very familiar with Luke, Oliver, Rob and Kain. The centre of midfield was as the majority of last season as well. Tom started left midfield with Dom on the right. Khol and Charlie started up front with Liam and Joe starting on the bench.

From the first minute we picked up where we left off last season. You really had to be there but this was probably the best I have ever seen the lads play. Every single player looked up for the fight.

On the right Luke and Dom were masterful with brilliant link up play. Charlie and Khol were playing off each other up front and Tom was ripping them to pieces down the left. As normal Rob looked his commanding self at the back and Oliver was getting stuck in and looked back to his old self.

Clarence must have thought what was going on. They constantly lost possession but this was in the main due to the pressure being applied. Mason and Jake bossed the middle of the park and the home team were not enjoying the opening day of the season one bit.

Every ball was an Unsworth ball and when we did loose possession it was a green shirt closing down, applying pressure and making the challenge.

The goals started to come and everyone was getting in on the act. Last season I had to take a pen and piece of paper to note the scores and order. As we had moved up a division I thought this was not needed, how wrong was I. I cant remember the order or the score at half time but it was a convincing victory. Charlie got a hat trick and so did Tom, Joe got a brace, Khol got 1 and so did Rob. If I go this wrong let me know! Clarence got a true consolation goal in the dying minutes but it was a true men against boys. We played as a team, we listened to the instructions and we saw clear evidence of the lads all developing a footballing brain.

Not a bad start to the first day of the season, 10-1 and straight to the top of the league. The victory was so convincing that the league phoned on Monday evening and asked if we would consider moving to the A division. This wasn’t really down to our superb result but a team realising they would not cope in a higher league. Danny and John thought this through and we felt that if the team is to develop further then playing against stronger opposition must be considered. This was a difficult decision but lets go for it. If we play like we showed we can on Saturday then anything is possible.

Well done to everyone, see you at training on Thursday. Lets look forward to the A division on Saturday.