Playing 9v9 on a 11v11 pitch is difficult, especially as we've worked incredibly hard on trying to implement a style within our 11v11 game. However, having minutes on the pitch is what's important and so we did our best to change our formation to suit our players available.

A scrappy start with a few little mistakes saw Darlaston through on our goal but shut out prior to arriving at the awaiting stand in keeper, Rio. A couple more sloppy passes and clearances saw the ball land at Rileys feet who played a through ball into Maurice who calmly took it around their keeper and slotted it home.

We started to play our football with more calm and collected passes, keeping control of the ball with over 83% possession through the first 20 minutes of play. A nice stop, V turn and pass to Ellis from Immy allowed Ellis the time to play the ball through to a speedy Maurice who again took it around the keeper to make it 2-0. This finished off by two very good goals by Riley saw the first 20 come to a hault.

As we were both missing players today and got back to 10v10, we decided that we'd play three lots of 20 mins to ensure everyone had enough rest to continue in the increasing heat. Wholesale changes to our team caused a few issues for us as we started to revert back to sloppy and individual football rather than what we've recently been known for. Unfortunately having our keeper away for the weekend and having Rio step in with a very badly hurt foot meant that his limited movement and no ability to jump couldn't stop their pacey player taking a shot and going over his head.

We started to perform a little better which resulted in our back line being disciplined and catching the opposition offside. Erin took the freekick, playing it straight into Jareal's path who calmly squared the ball to see Zak make it 5-1.

Swapping sides for our last 20 minutes we started to play some nice football but very risky football at the back, playing it back too many times to Rio who genuinely cannot kick a ball right now. However, Rio wanting to get involved brought the ball out, was creative and 'skilled' two players before passing it to our defenders just couldn't get back into goal in time for when the opposition crowded us, won the ball and took a shot. Regardless, we laughed and applauded Rio for his attempt.

Darlaston's last goal came from a very calm ball along the floor, passed into the corner of the goal. This fired us up and Maurice decided to take on five players from a throw in in our half all the way up and around their keeper to slot another ball into the net. 6-3. Our last goal was a fantastic team goal with the ever influential Imogen, Ellis and Joshua linking up to play a triangle before Joshua seeing an output and getting it through to Maurice who this time decided to take a low shot to finish the game.

Overall the performance was poor, and far from what we all know we can do and how we play. I understand that playing 9v9 and 10v10 causes issues on the pitch such as trying to give all our players enough minutes whilst having that one or two players on the pitch to utilise. Also consistency of the team sheet due to the symptoms of playing with players down is a contributing factor. However, winning a game 7-3 and not playing anywhere near how good we can play is a fantastic problem to have. We know we can compete with some of the very best teams and I believe this team have the potential to make it to Div One or Two this season.

Huge thank you to Owen and Emily who helped out the opposition when they had a player injured and no subs! That's truly what it means to be respresenting Rushall Village. Fun, Fairness and Respect!

Rushall Village FC

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